MEALS for your entertainers?!

minniemouse Posted: Mar 03, 2004 06:26 PM

MEALS for your entertainers?!

I hope this is not a stupid question

Do you feed/pay for the meals of your band members? My friend told me that they can eat at cocktail and not eat the meal at reception.
What do all of you think? Is it okay? Will the members still perform to the best as they would.
It is just way alot of money to pay for their meals for a 9 piece band

kel2004 Posted: Mar 03, 2004 06:29 PM

Re: MEALS for your entertainers?!

Most halls charge less for vendor meals.

SteffieSunshine1 Posted: Mar 03, 2004 06:29 PM

Re: MEALS for your entertainers?!

It is a lot, but I think it is customary to feed the band.

Most halls offer either 1/2 price or 2/3 price meals for the vendors if they are above your minimum.

You should check into that.

jill13bean Posted: Mar 03, 2004 06:30 PM

Re: MEALS for your entertainers?!

It depends on your hall... i think i have to pay $75 per vendor uggghhhh 9 piece band, photographers etc..

but some bands dont have to eat... i know franklin wayne.... i dont think we have to feed them they dont get a break but i think we will

Sunny Posted: Mar 03, 2004 06:30 PM

Re: MEALS for your entertainers?!

I do not think it is appropriate to not feed them. My hall was half price for vendors.

Lorena Posted: Mar 03, 2004 06:30 PM

Re: MEALS for your entertainers?!

also look into whether or not your hall offers an addition discount if it's a hall recommended band. they may not charge at all in that case.

wenndypoo Posted: Mar 03, 2004 06:31 PM

Re: MEALS for your entertainers?!

I'm not having a band, so I can't say specifically, but I am paying for my other vendors meals. Most halls will offer a reduced rate for them.
I think it's only fair, they will be there for a few hours. I wouldn't want to work for 5 hours and not eat.
A friend of mine had a band. She asked them if they'd rather eat, or get a bigger tip. Most opted for the bigger tip. But either way, you're shelling out more money.

Charly Posted: Mar 03, 2004 06:31 PM

Re: MEALS for your entertainers?!

My band specifically told me they do not want meals (it makes them tired and full), that they can eat at cocktail hour if they are hungry.

I did speak with many other bands and they said its up to the bride/groom, of course, its a nice gesture, but they know its expensive.

jill13bean Posted: Mar 03, 2004 06:32 PM

Re: MEALS for your entertainers?!

Posted by wenndypoo

I'm not having a band, so I can't say specifically, but I am paying for my other vendors meals. Most halls will offer a reduced rate for them.
I think it's only fair, they will be there for a few hours. I wouldn't want to work for 5 hours and not eat.
A friend of mine had a band. She asked them if they'd rather eat, or get a bigger tip. Most opted for the bigger tip. But either way, you're shelling out more money.

everyone i have spoken to said do not tip the band

Valentinegirl Posted: Mar 03, 2004 06:34 PM

Re: MEALS for your entertainers?!

I fed all my vendors.

smilingbride Posted: Mar 03, 2004 06:36 PM

Re: MEALS for your entertainers?!

My band also told me not to feed them...the said they will eat during the cocktail hour. I will give them a bigger tip though...

franksbride Posted: Mar 03, 2004 06:36 PM

Re: MEALS for your entertainers?!

Posted by Valentinegirl

I fed all my vendors.

Me too.

divabride Posted: Mar 03, 2004 06:37 PM

Re: MEALS for your entertainers?!

Be careful with this. Some brides use vendors as a backup if they cant make the miminum. Some reception halls frown upon it. Others give you a discount if you use the house vendors. My CH has a flat fee of $35 and wont charge me if they decide not to eat at the very last minute. Dont forget about the kids too.

september2004 Posted: Mar 03, 2004 06:39 PM

Re: MEALS for your entertainers?!

they must eat, you should feed them... if you are not sure what they expect, ask them.

typically halls charge vendors 1/2 price.

minniemouse Posted: Mar 03, 2004 06:52 PM

Re: MEALS for your entertainers?!

Thank you all for your quick responses.
I have been thinking that I should provide them a meal b/c they will be there for hours. If I am one of them, YEAH I will be hungry.

So if I paid for their meal, should I still tip? how much?

btw, do they eat when we eat the main entree? how long of a breaktime will that be?

sorry for all the questions. i just don't know how this works. THANKS A BUNCH!!!

butterfly20 Posted: Mar 03, 2004 07:01 PM

Re: MEALS for your entertainers?!

most places charge 1/2 price for vendors when you meet the minimum....
the band or dj, the photographer, and videographer should all be fed..

june262004 Posted: Mar 03, 2004 07:03 PM

Re: MEALS for your entertainers?!

You should feed all vendors. My Vendors (after I meet my guarantee) are 30.00

razz1031 Posted: Mar 03, 2004 07:05 PM

Re: MEALS for your entertainers?!

I'm feeding all my vendors.

Joey'sbaby Posted: Mar 03, 2004 07:39 PM

Re: MEALS for your entertainers?!

I don't want my vendors eating at the cocktail hour. They should be setting up, doing sound checks etc. I think you should feed them but let the maitre de decide when is the best time.