When planning a wedding there is a ton to think about. From the venue to the number of people you can invite all the way down to the linens and type of wedding cake you order – there are a lot of moving parts. One thing you need to keep in mind are the professionals that help make the wedding possible.
In a social media post, a new wedding photographer shared that they agreed to photograph their friend’s wedding for a minor fee of $250. The vendor shared that not only did they work from 11 a.m. until 7:30 p.m., but the venue also had no air conditioning. He said at 5 p.m. he asked the groom for a 20-minute break to get some food and water (which had not been provided). The groom then responded, “Either you’re the photographer or you leave without pay.”
While the stern delivery was uncalled for, it begs the question – are you required to feed your wedding vendors?
The short answer is yes, you do have to provide vendor meals.
Vendor meals are for the wedding professionals that will spend the majority, if not all, of the wedding day working.
What you end up providing your vendors will vary based on the time of your wedding and its events, catering, budget, as well as what might already be in the vendor’s contract.
Though brides and grooms don’t need to provide Michelin-level meals, they do need to make sure there is a variety or ask the vendor ahead of time their preferences and/or dietary restrictions. It’s also helpful to get with the caterer, as there may already be something they plan to provide for vendor meals.
While vendor meals are a necessity, as mentioned, not everyone needs to be given a meal. So, which vendors make the list?
- Photographers
- Videographers
- DJ or Band
- Planners or Designers
- Extra entertainment: think live painters, cigar rollers, etc.
Additionally, any assistants that come along with these vendors.
It’s not necessary to provide meals for vendors like your florist or baker, who will just be delivering or setting up and leaving before the main event. And while some may suggest it’s not necessary to feed your makeup artists and hair stylists, many times they are there all day, starting early in the morning. We believe offering whatever nosh the bridal party is provided throughout the day is in good taste.
At the end of the day, it’s about remembering the people who are helping make your day special. And, you’ll of course get more for your money in the end if everyone is happy and well fueled.
