Paying for the band's meal?

Paying for the band's meal?

What is the syandard policy on that? Does anyone know if you have to pay for th eband to eat? I'm using a Hank Lane band if that helps.

Re: Paying for the band's meal?

All my vendors who are there are eating and in another room and eat at 50% off!

Re: Paying for the band's meal?

Yes you have to pay for them to eat.

Re: Paying for the band's meal?

The only reason you would 'have' to is if it is written in your contract with Hank Lane. I think that feeding the band and the photographers is something you should do though, since they are there for so long and need to have high energy to do a good job.

Re: Paying for the band's meal?

Depends on the contract, some vendors require that you provide a meal. If it's not in there you don't have to. But it is customary to feed them - they will be performing for a long time and hungry vendors are not usually happy vendors. Most facilities will provide discounted meals for vendors after your minimum is met.

Re: Paying for the band's meal?

I just spoke to the salesperson at Hank Lane and he said it's not reqired, but a nice gesture. He said about 75% of couples choose to provide a meal.

Re: Paying for the band's meal?

Re: Paying for the band's meal?

You should pay for them to eat, and the hall is supposed to charge you only half price for that.

Re: Paying for the band's meal?

I know @ THE NORTH RITZ CLUB if you use their house vendors-they eat for free-otherwise they are 50% off.

Re: Paying for the band's meal?

Novemberbride - I agree that I will pay for the band's meal because it is customary, but I disagree that it is rude not to. We are paying them an exorbinant amount of money and this adds at least another $500.

Re: Paying for the band's meal?

Re: Paying for the band's meal?

It's not that I don't want to pay - it's that we are so over-budget already and this is just one more thing. I realize they'll be working all that time, but noone buys me lunch at work! I pay for it myself. I know it is the right thing to do - I'm just so frustrated over how much everything is costing.

Re: Paying for the band's meal?

We paid $50 for all vendors at the wedding which included band members, photographers & videographer.

Re: Paying for the band's meal?

I know. Its disgusting at how much things cost. I think its disgusting that we had to tip the Matre d & staff when we are billed a tax and service charge on all the guests to begin with.

Re: Paying for the band's meal?

My parents are musicians, and it is definately rude not to pay for them to eat. Most vendors will be at your reception for 6-7 hours.. of course, they have to travel there on top of it & get dressed.. so basically they aren't eating for 8 or 9 hours until they get home. They are human beings too- they need to eat something. Not feeding them is in really poor taste.

Re: Paying for the band's meal?

No one is saying they're not human beings - I think that is a little harsh. I think most people will choose to pay them - the point is, as Novemberbride said, it is just one thing on top of another. I totally agree about the Matre D thing - that should be part of the whole thing! I really wish someone would tip me for doing what I'm already paid to do AND buy me dinner - the whole wedding business is such a rip-off!

Re: Paying for the band's meal?

Re: Paying for the band's meal?

They do really get us with all these charges and then tipping but there are lots of ways to cut the costs. Just think of what is most important to you and then cut costs on something that isn't as important. We all feel your pain,believe me!

Re: Paying for the band's meal?

This is a tough topic - a lot of people have strong opinions. I am on a budget also and I understand how much everything is overpriced. I discussed this with my band before booking them - while we were negotiating price. They said its up to us - but if we're tight, they'd rather get a tip than food - afterall its only a four hour reception - you don't need to eat during it. My hall will allow them to eat for free during the cocktail hour and we are having a huge one (carving station, pasta station, etc.) That in itself is a meal!! So, unless our parents chip in $$ for the wedding, I'm not providing a meal - a 10 pc band at approx $115/ person at 50% off comes to over $500!

Re: Paying for the band's meal?

I totally agree that it is frustrating and many businesses hike up there prices as soon as they know it's wedding-related.

I think it's important that brides know to incorporate tips in their budget BEFORE they start booking vendors, so that they realize they may have to give up having a band and have a DJ if they can't afford it to pay for the band and tip all the members. I wouldn't say it's rude not to tip, but if your vendor is spending the whole day with you, it just the appropriate thing to do.

BTW, the Watermill charged 2/3, NOT 1/2 for vendors to eat!