Vendor Meals Yes or No?

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Permalink Reply by Diane Thomas on May 19, 2011 at 12:58pm

Almost all of my brides have had their wedding planners seated either at a vendor tables in the same room or with other guests.  They are also given the same menu.  Can't say that I am in 100% agreement with this.  As a wedding planner, I have turned down the invite and would feel very uncomfortable being seated with other guests for dinner.  I have a job to do and it just doesn't seem right.

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Permalink Reply by Jonette Jordan on June 9, 2011 at 7:54am

I agree with you, Diane.  While I do believe in vendor meals being offered, I'd never sit at a table and eat with wedding guests.  I also don't allow my clients' other vendors to sit at guest tables and eat.  Different room away from guests only.

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Permalink Reply by Vanessa Vargas Photography on May 19, 2011 at 2:11pm

Usually most of the couples that I have worked with do make us part of their dinner, sometimes we are seated with guest, but other times on a separate table on the same rules.  Other times dinner is not included but we always come prepared.  As Diane  said we are there to do our job , so we eat as fast as we can or not at all.

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Permalink Reply by Embroidery Fashions Boutique on May 19, 2011 at 10:55pm

My stepdaugher is getting married in July 2011.  The caterer is including dinner for her DJ at no extra charge.  I really don't recall if she made specific plans where he is to be seated.   I will ask her is she decided.  

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Permalink Reply by Caren Jeanty on May 20, 2011 at 1:03am

All my couples feed the vendors - usually not the same food as the guests are getting - yes vendors usually have a table in the back most likely where the cocktail hour room while the guests dine in the dining room

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Permalink Reply by Kelli Noel Crannell on May 20, 2011 at 3:17am

Thanks everyone!  It has been my experience that if I am doing my job correctly ;) I don't have time to sit and eat and If I did, it would feel awkward because I am being paid to Do my job not sit and eat like the rest of the guests.  I will typically pack a little something to eat and munch when I can.  To tell you the truth I am usally so busy I don't realize I am hungry until it's time to tear down.  Thanks.

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Permalink Reply by Zach Lambrinon on May 30, 2011 at 4:56am

Kelli, I couldn't agree more. We have been invited to sit as a guest. However, we are not guests, we are there to work. Yes, a staff table has been set up several times in a very inconspicuous location. We have taken turns sitting to eat while the rest of the team works. I'm OK with this approach. Never amongst the guests.

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Permalink Reply by Sharon Naylor Wedding Books on May 20, 2011 at 5:20am

We originally planned to serve our vendors the very nice 'vendor meal' provided by our reception hall (a pasta, salad, sides, etc.), but when we had a few guests call in a few days before the wedding to say they couldn't make it, we had the banquet hall give those paid-for meals to our vendors. The vendors I spoke to said that since they work 3 or 4 weddings a weekend, they'd rather eat light dishes -- instead of heavier or meaty entrees -- to stay healthy and full of energy. Brings up a good point, though: brides need to ask their vendors if they have any special dietary requirements, such as gluten-free, etc.

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Permalink Reply by Kelli Noel Crannell on May 20, 2011 at 7:09am

Sharon,

 

Very valid point.  I will certainly add this to the list of things I go over with the Bride.  I am sure the vendors would appreciate the concern about their dietary needs/allergies.  Thx.

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Permalink Reply by Christine Dyer on May 20, 2011 at 5:34am

I fed my photographer and DJ.  The catering hall charged me 1/2 price for them.

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Permalink Reply by Nora Tindon on May 20, 2011 at 6:26am

Feeding them is a very polite thing to do. You don't have to go all out with unlimited drinks or the most expensive ingredients, but even sandwiches is a considerate way to say thank you. They usually eat in another room, depending on the setup of your venue.

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Permalink Reply by Kenneth Houston Photographics on May 21, 2011 at 7:39am

In my experiences as a photographer/ vendor, the couple always seems to ask me if I got something to eat. As far as where I eat, usually it is near the dj table, or maybe in another room out of the main dining area. Never been an issue.

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