What did you feed your vendors?

[gkashmira]

Do I include my coordinators, DJ, photographger, videographer and their various assistants etc. in my head count for our buffet dinner? I'm torn because we are paying a lot per person and will have about 50 people total... if I include vendors that adds 6 or 7 more people - that's like a 15% increase!

 

I am assuming I need to feed my vendors somehow but how does this work? Do I need to feed the hotel's wedding coordinator? My guess is no but then how do I discren who get's food and who doesn't...

 

On another note if they are eating is that time and not taking pics/video/whatever is that time still counted as "on the clock"? Both my photographer and DJ are being paid by the hour... is it fair for them to eat for 30 miutes and still charge me?

 

I don't mean to be cheap or selfish I am just wondering what other people are doing?

[deleted]

I think the only vendor of mine we fed were the two wedding coordinators. The photog left before dinner and the DJ started after dinner, so I didn't feel obligated there. Turns out, the Cabo Surf didn't even charge me for the extra meals.

 

I'm not sure how many hours you are having each of your vendors, but I guess that would make a difference. Also, for some of them you could just ask what they prefer or what they usually do? Maybe you or the Hilton could supply some high-energy snacks like nuts or Pria bars or something so they don't have to actually stop and eat for 30 mins when they are busy taking photos etc?

[CourtneyV]

I know a lot of people feed their photographers and videographers. Those are the only vendors I've seen. I'm not sure about the hours either - I'd definately ask, you don't want to assume just in case. Plus, they might bring something small like a granola bar or something to get themselves through the rest of the time?? I dunno. The only thing is that you want to make sure they're still "alert" for the toast people might make, or w/e. Sometimes there are good pic opportunities during these. I'm sure the vendors are aware of that though...

 

Ok, sorry I shouldn't have posted, I'm no help!

[Christine]

good question to ask my caterer thanks Kash.

[amyh]

Hey Kash- I believe that we are only going to feed our photograher. The contract for the band states that they will need a table and non-alcoholic drinks for the members during their breaks (althought our WC says they can use the Bar/Cocktail area for the break and they can have access to the bar for the softdrinks). Our WC is in-house so I don't think we need to feed him.

 

I guess what I'm trying to say that you should take into consideration how long you have each vendor, then decide if you should pay for food.

[DreaW]

good question girls

[TammyB]

Good question, Hmm now I wonder if I should feed our WC and photog. We are only expecting 5 guests, and we only booked Juan for 3 hours. What do you girls think?

[CourtneyV]

Quote:

Originally Posted by TAMMYM Good question, Hmm now I wonder if I should feed our WC and photog. We are only expecting 5 guests, and we only booked Juan for 3 hours. What do you girls think?

No, Tammy I don't think so. If you worked 3 hours at any business they wouldn't give you a break... I guess that's how I'd look at it. 8 hours, sure I could understand that, everyone needs a break - but 3 isn't worth giving him a break, in my opinion.

[A10CalGal]

I didn't feed anybody! All of my vendors were on site for a few hours, none of which happened during dinner. I did offer drinks for our photog though.

[LisaG]

I am not planning on feeding anyone except my guest. The photog will be there about 4 hours, and like Coutrney said, if you work for a few hours, you don't expect to get food. I think I will offer drinks.