Vendor Meals

One of the questions we are repeatedly asked by brides is "What, if anything, should I feed my vendors?" To which I answer, "What do you want to feed them?" (That sounds really helpful, doesn't it?) Hence, this post to clear up some of the confusion...

First, let's identify who might need to eat: any vendor who is there with you the entire evening. Typically this is the photographer, the DJ and/or band and, if you have one, the videographer. I had a sweet bride ask me, "Are you a vendor?" Well, yes, but I am not on the list of people you need to worry about. Hayley and I are typically able to find something to eat along the way, usually just a Rolo and a cup of coffee, but something.

Second, look at the agreements you've signed with your vendor(s). Does it mention providing them with a meal? Does it specify a "hot" meal? Whether the agreement mentions meals or not, it's still a nice idea to feed them since they are putting in a long day with you and are such an important part of making your wedding day what you want it to be. So here are some options:

Option A: You can feed them the same meal as your guests are having. Here at The Abbey most couples are on a wedding package that might include bar service, champagne toast and a couple of courses. Decide what you want to give your vendors. They typically do not partake in the bar and sometimes they really only have time to eat the main course, so have your catering manager adjust the package price accordingly.

Option B: You can request a "boxed" meal for them. This is typically the most cost-effective way to feed them. If they will be seated at a table, we can always present it on a plate.

Which brings us to another question: where will they sit? Again, look for direction from your vendors for this. Some DJ's like to stay behind their equipment in case some technical glitch occurs. Some photographers/videographers also prefer to "eat on the run" so they don't miss anything you might want to have caught on camera (weddings are VERY unpredictable, you know!) Most bands I've seen do prefer to sit down for a meal so you will most likely want to provide a table for them, whether inside the room or in a seperate room that's close to the reception.

If you are feeding vendors inside the reception room, you can let your catering manager know in advance which table this is and he/she will direct the vendors accordingly. Placecards are unnecessary, but you will most likely want to provide the same linens/centerpieces/table numbers as you provide for any other table in the room.

I had a wedding here a couple of years ago and the groom was extremely detailed and attentive during our meetings. At one point he explained to me that his "strategy" to make sure his wedding day would be FLAWLESS was to make sure he treated his vendors (me included!) like GOLD! He had spent a lot of time meeting with prospective vendors and the ones he decided upon, he respected. And he treated them as such. Every one of the vendors who worked on that wedding remember it because it was one we all put our hearts and souls into, making sure everything was PERFECT. I think Marty would agree, it was!