Vendor Meals... Please help!!! Means A lot!!!

sept20yay! Posted: Sep 09, 2003 10:51 PM

Vendor Meals... Please help!!! Means A lot!!!

Okay, big problem.... My reception hall charges the full price for vendors meals, which means somewheres around 260 with tax a head for my vendors.... Obviously, I want to feed my vendors but I have 16 to feed!!! Ahhh! That is so much money. I suggested to someone today to cater them pizzas and italian platters of salads and ziti or lasagna or something, but my friend said that was insulting. The difference in price is significant obviously $200 vs. $4000... What is the right thing to do? Will the vendors understand? Or does this look obnoxious? After all, they are working that night... They are not guests, but I don't want to be mean. And they will get tipped, obviously. What should I do???

sept20yay! Posted: Sep 09, 2003 11:03 PM

Re: Vendor Meals... Please help!!! Means A lot!!!

anybody?

sandj100304 Posted: Sep 09, 2003 11:04 PM

Re: Vendor Meals... Please help!!! Means A lot!!!

I personally think that you need to include the vendors in with the wedding. I have never heard of anyone just giving them pizza or italian food. Where would they eat that anyway? Just my opinion!

holly231 Posted: Sep 09, 2003 11:05 PM

Re: Vendor Meals... Please help!!! Means A lot!!!

I have no idea....At my hall, as long as we meet our Minimum, all our vendors are half price....

MrsTC Posted: Sep 09, 2003 11:05 PM

Re: Vendor Meals... Please help!!! Means A lot!!!

thats a BIG difference. I think it would be ok. I mean, if I was a vendor, I would be happy I got to eat lol...

i dunno, that's my opinion. You don't want to break the bank and at least you are providing food if your orders trays etc.

I'm not really sure what the etiquette is...

shawl Posted: Sep 09, 2003 11:06 PM

Re: Vendor Meals... Please help!!! Means A lot!!!

Can you ask your hall if a different, perhaps simpler, meal can be provided to the vendors? If you set it up as - either they get some money for you for vendor meals, or you will just get vendor food elsewhere - I wonder if they will be more flexible. Also, the price pp probably includes alcohol which, one would hope, your vendors won't be consuming!

dino1109 Posted: Sep 09, 2003 11:06 PM

Re: Vendor Meals... Please help!!! Means A lot!!!

I havent asked my hall yet what they charge but if it is full price I would definitley figure out a different way to feed them.. I dont really think it is insulting but why dont you ask vendors- maybe even post it on the VHB board and see what response you get.

Honestly, I think they should understand.

holly231 Posted: Sep 09, 2003 11:11 PM

Re: Vendor Meals... Please help!!! Means A lot!!!

My question is this----how do you order from an outside place for food for yiour vendors?? DO you just call Dominos and have them deliver?? LOL...I think if I attended your wedding, and then saw like pizza being delivered, or like a different tray by your vendors area, I would be caught a little off guard.....I ahve not really booked anyone but the Band...do they put anything about being fed in their contracts>?

ChristineC68 Posted: Sep 09, 2003 11:19 PM

Re: Vendor Meals... Please help!!! Means A lot!!!

I am surprised that your hall wouldn't discount the vendor meals after you meet the minimum gte. As long as your hall is ok with you providing outside food I think it's ok. There's no need to pay for the cocktail hour food, full dinner, open bar and dessert for your vendors. I think the vendors generally eat in an inconspicuous place and your guests won't notice.

KarenK122 Posted: Sep 09, 2003 11:20 PM

Re: Vendor Meals... Please help!!! Means A lot!!!

I would talk to your hall again. It doesn't seem fair if your vendors are only getting the entree (which is what they usually get) that you would have to pay full price. They are not eating at cocktail hour or consuming and alcoholic beverages. I would definately negotiate with your hall.

If they refuse to reduce the price I do think you have to pay because I honestly don't think they will allow you to bring in outside food.

Good luck!!!

Jordan Posted: Sep 09, 2003 11:20 PM

Re: Vendor Meals... Please help!!! Means A lot!!!

I would speak with your hall again - they should work with you on the pricing. I've never heard of reception halls charging FULL price for vendors. Personally, while it's nice and courteous to feed vendors - I don't believe it is necessary. They are being paid to perform or take photographs - not eat. Our band actually wrote in the contract that they will NOT eat since they are there to perform.

In any case, I would try speaking with your reception hall again and have them work with you.

Maribelle7777 Posted: Sep 09, 2003 11:31 PM

Re: Vendor Meals... Please help!!! Means A lot!!!

Tell your caterer you have 16 vendors (why so many - band?) and maybe they'll give you a discount. It is more than the norm I think (the amt of vendors you have)

maysie18 Posted: Sep 10, 2003 12:34 AM

Re: Vendor Meals... Please help!!! Means A lot!!!

I have heard of halls providing a different & less expensive meal to vendors. I have even heard of B&G getting an outside catering source for the vendors. I think they'll be happy to get something to eat at all. But ITA to talk to your catering hall again - most sites usually do offer discounted meals for vendors. Good luck!

Rob-luvs-me Posted: Sep 10, 2003 08:58 AM

Re: Vendor Meals... Please help!!! Means A lot!!!

I feel your pain - I am also at a private club that does the same thing and charges about the same amount - I think my dad will freak when I tell him how many vendors we will have I think he is only thinking about the band - wait til I tell him - at least 5-6 more

Chloegirl Posted: Sep 10, 2003 09:00 AM

Re: Vendor Meals... Please help!!! Means A lot!!!

Same thing here too...I am at a private country club and have a 10 piece band plus all the other vendors. I feel your pain....i know they dont expect to get fed....i asked all the vendors....so if you can swing it do it...if not...then there is nothing you can do.

Tip them well

lesleyw Posted: Sep 10, 2003 09:02 AM

Re: Vendor Meals... Please help!!! Means A lot!!!

Many caterers provide what they call 'help food,' which is usually trays of pasta or something similar. I don't think there is anything wrong with feeding your vendors this type of food. They are there to work for you, not to join your party, and they know that. However, will your hall allow you to bring in outside catering? You would have to set the food up in another room.

jenny2penny Posted: Sep 10, 2003 09:10 AM

Re: Vendor Meals... Please help!!! Means A lot!!!

wow, that's crazy that they charge full price. They shuld not be drinking any alcohol, or eatting deserts, cocktail hour, etc. I don't know if you can bring an outside caterer in, check with your hall.

acp1101 Posted: Sep 10, 2003 09:15 AM

Re: Vendor Meals... Please help!!! Means A lot!!!

I posted this once before (so don't get mad)

I am also paying full price for my vendors...I haven't booked all of them yet...but so far I have 10. Seven are with the DJ alone!!

I'm gonna speak to the hall again...I think that is wrong...and you know what? If I'm being charged full price...they BETTER get FULL meals!!

Ivy25 Posted: Sep 10, 2003 10:10 AM

Re: Vendor Meals... Please help!!! Means A lot!!!

I feel the same way. My wedding is called for 8:00 which is late to begin with. I don't think our place gives a break for vendor plates either. It is so much additional money!! (I am getting married on the 20th also Unfortunately I don't think there is a way around it.

butterfly20 Posted: Sep 10, 2003 12:39 PM

Re: Vendor Meals... Please help!!! Means A lot!!!

definately talk to the place again..
maybe they can provide something like, burger, chicken sandwich, pasta..
something cheap that wouldnt cost more than $50 a vendor.. my hall is only charging $40 for a vendor so its not a concern for me