Feeding Vendors - Awkward Question?

I would definitely pay to have the vendors eat, for a few reasons:

1. Good to keep them happy
2. They expect it - and some even provide for it in their contracts
3. You want them working during the cocktail hour (you want pictures from the cocktail hour - or this will be when they are taking some of the formal shots; you're band or DJ will be setting up, etc.)
4. Your reception hall may dislike this - since the cocktail hour is factored into the cost per person and isn't really 'free'
5. I wouldn't want the vendors hanging out with our family and friends at the cocktail hour (I don't think it looks right, either...)
6. I think, in the grand scheme of things, the cost of feeding the vendors is worth it

We paid for all of our vendors to eat, and i'm so glad we did; it makes a better impression. Your photographer is with you ALL day, it is only right to feed them IMO.
Also, our band was setting up during our CT hour so they couldn't eat, and our photographer was taking pictures.

Don't cheap out on your vendors, they are who is making your day go smoothly. And I am sure they are professionals, but still, you need to feed them and not just CH food.

Honestly, I think most halls wouldn't even let you do that.

If a vendor is there to work he should not be distracted by food. My BM paid for her vendors meals and non of them stopped to eat. Ask your vendors what they would perfer. One of my vendors said he'd rather get a tip. Some of them won't eat catering hall food they've had enough over the years. One photgrapher's assitant had a little playmate cooler with her, stuffed with fruits and raw veggies after my BM shelled out $125 for her dinner.