here's a question I haven't seen before, and am wondering...

which vendors do you actually include on your guest list? I have heard that not everyone invites the officiant...what are the rules for DJ, photographer, videographer, etc?? Thanks!!

bnjoyful...

You have to count the dj, mc, photographer, videographer, etc. for meals. Your hall should give you a percentage off for their meals. Lisa

here`s a question I haven`t seen before, and am wondering...

Meals for DJs, bands, photographers, videographers and children are usually half price after the guaranteed minimun for the room is met. Hope this helps !!

bnjoyful...

The only 'vendor' people I'm 'inviting' to the wedding and putting down for a meal are the husband and wife officiants b/c they're super sweet and will go down in history as the ppl that Married us! The others get paid so much I don't know why I should have to buy them dinner too? They should be working during the weding NOT eating! After the thousands I've spent it seems as if they should be buying me the congratulatory meal :) Just my opinion though I know others think differently. -A

Inviting...

I won't send my vendors an invitation of course since they are not 'guests' but I will feed my band, my photographers and my video person. In fact, I plan on feeding my photographers lunch too. Not something that is required but I think its a nice gesture as well as make for happier people (and better results). Why not post this on the vendor board and see what the experience is for most?

THis is what we are doing

We will be sending home made invitations to our vendors just as a reminder. We will be providing dinner for our DJ, MC's photographer and our video guy. We are given discounted prices for these vendors. I think its only fair that we feed out photo & video person, they will after all be with us all day. When will they get the opportunity to take a break and eat. Remember every single moment is not a photo op. When you are eating dinner, they can be eating dinner too. JMO Happy planning all

SonicStef is right...

You definitely do not have to send invites to your vendors, but make sure that you confirm date/time/locations with all vendors prior to your wedding date. Also, make sure that everyone has appropriate directions to the ceremony/reception (whatever is needed). Your catering facility should discount the vendor meals by 50%. Whether this happens after the minimum is met, or irrespective of it, will be based on the policy of the facility. (PJCC will discount regardless of you meeting your minimum.) Good luck!

Inviting the vendors...

I didn't send formal invitations to any of my vendors. I just called to confirm the date and time and they showed up. I did give a copy of my invitation to the videographer for the video, but not to invite him. I don't think it's necessary for you to do that, but that's only my opinion and totally up to you. As for giving them dinner, you really should look in your contracts because it will tell you whether or not you have to provide them with a meal. If it doesn't you should ask because they just might assume that you will. I feed my DJ, Photographer and Videographer -- and they each a person w/them, but since I was paying half-price for each plate, it was only 3 plates. You should feed your photographer & videographer because they are with you all day and it's a nice thing to do. I know that you're already paying for their services, but as you found out planning this whole wedding, is anything really fair? LOL :) I really don't think it's fair to feed the band/dj/mc, etc. because they are only there for 4-5 hours and they could just get something to eat at the cocktail hour (or eat before they come), but that's my opinion and I had to go along with what my contract called for, whatever. Thank God I didn't have to pay full price for them, otherwise that really would have ticked me off!!!

Inviting the vendors...to the Watermill

One complaint about Watermill, they told me 2/3 for vendors and children, kind of a rip off?!

Same with me Nina...

My hall also quoted me 2/3...it's not that uncommon. I'm really disappointed with the quote for children under 11 - only $10.00 less/plate. I only have one child (my nephew/ring bearer), but he will only be 2 - so i think it's ridiculous - if he eats 5 mini eggrolls, I'll be lucky! But our price was so good in general, I didn't put up a fight about it...

here`s a question I haven`t seen before, and am wondering...

you pay for the dj videographer and photographers and band or dj the halls charge i/2 price for the vendors. inviting clergy is up to you, i guess it depends on how much you like them and want them. we are usuing rev joe, he told us he never stays for the reception unless you want him to say grace at the beginning, but he doesn't stay for the reception. it's too bad cause we really like them both so much.

Marnles

It's not fair that you have to pay almost full-price for a 2 year old's plate. They don't eat, so I would ask your hall again to not charge you for him! That was the first thing I asked when I booked, because both my ring bearer & flower girl were 2 1/2 and if they ate 2 chicken fingers each, we were lucky. I didn't have to pay for them, but I had to pay 1/2 price for my JBM and another kid who were under 12. Talk to your banquet manager again! Don't feel that because they gave you a good price you can't ask for anything else! It's your day and your money and it never hurts to ask. Good luck!

Bearsbabe - you're right!

Thanks for writing to me...I feel like because it's in the contract I can't win on this one. So I really don't know what to say, although I totally agree with you...do you think I shouldn't have to pay at all for him? Thanks!

Bearsbabe - you`re right!

If I was you, I would definitely talk to the manager again and ask him to please make an exception for you. You only have one child and he's a baby, really, plus he's in the bridal party!! He might turn around and say 'it's a chair', but what 2 year old do you know of, sits for any amount of time (unless it's to watch some video)!!! My nephew was up playing his guitar all night and never sat down! I think it's worth a shot -- put it this way, you have nothing to lose asking, but might have something to gain! Good luck!

Bearsbabe - thanks! One more question...

How old was your nephew when you got married, and did you have to pay for him? Do you think I should ask to not pay for him OR just a lot lower in price? Thanks sooooooo much again!! :)

Marnles...

Both my nephew & my goddaughter (ring bearer & flower girl) were 2 1/2 at my wedding in October (it was 4 months yesterday!!!) and I didn't pay for either of them. Like I said before DEFINITELY ask them to NOT charge you for your nephew's plate and if they won't budge, then ask them to reduce it by at least half (if not more). You're very welcome -- glad I can help and hope that I am!! Good luck and let me know what happens after you talk to them!