No Hangry Vendors!
Enjoying a vendor meal with Visionari photographers, Ryan and Mitch) at Halekulani Hotel.
As wedding season officially begins, I wanted to bring up a very important (often forgotten) topic - VENDOR MEALS. What is a vendor meal and why should I be concerned about them? Keep reading to find out:
WHAT IS A VENDOR MEAL:
A vendor meal is, as stated, a meal that you feed your vendor during your reception, normally dinner or lunch. The actual meal can be something different from your guest's meal or the same (sometimes at a discounted price, check with your venue).
WHY DO I NEED TO FEED MY VENDORS:
Your vendors that are present with you through the majority of your wedding day (photographers, videographers, wedding planners) will need to eat. Most of them bring snacks like granola bars to eat as they go, but it is definitely important to offer them a meal during reception. Most vendors state this in their contracts, and also have the option to leave your reception for a duration of time to pick up food if a meal isn't offered - you definitely don't want them leaving in the middle of your wedding to get food!
WHICH VENDORS DO I NEED TO FEED:
Must feed: The vendors that are there all day with you - photographers, videographers, wedding planners.
Should feed: Vendors that are present during your reception - DJ, MC, photo booth (Check your contracts because most MC/DJs will require a meal since they'll be present for 6+ hours with you, versus some photo booths who are only present for 2-3 hours might not need a meal. It's always good to double check).
Don't need to feed: Set up vendors who won't be present throughout your wedding like rental and floral teams, and ceremony vendors like your officiant and ceremony musician. None of these vendors will be present at your reception, unless you invite them to stay for a meal as a guest.
The bottom line is this - no one works well when they're hangry (FACT). Taking care of your vendors by offering them a meal (whether it's in their contract or not) will lead to a better wedding day experience for everyone!