Navigating Wedding Etiquette: Which Vendors Should Get a Meal at Your Wedding?
Among the many details to consider in your catering plans is the question of which vendors to provide meals for during your wedding day. While it's common courtesy to offer a meal to those working to make your day special, understanding which vendors should be included in your catering plans can help you navigate wedding etiquette smoothly.
Photography and Videography Teams
Your photography and videography teams are invaluable in capturing the most treasured moments of your wedding day. These professionals often work long hours to ensure they document every special detail and candid moment. This often means they are unable to take breaks! Providing a meal for these teams allows them to refuel and stay energized throughout the day, ensuring they can continue to capture the magic from start to finish.
Wedding Planners and Coordinators
From managing timelines to coordinating vendors and handling unexpected challenges, the dedication of your planner coordinator team is instrumental in ensuring your day runs smoothly. They will need to be on site all day for any needs that pop up. Offering a meal to these professionals not only shows appreciation for their hard work but also ensures they have the energy needed to keep everything on track!
Entertainment Professionals
Whether you've hired a live band, a DJ, or other entertainment professionals, they play a vital role in setting the mood and creating a festive atmosphere for your wedding. These individuals are often on-site for extended periods, ensuring seamless transitions between various segments of your celebration. Keeping them happy and hydrated will benefit every guest.
Officiant
Your officiant holds the significant role of presiding over your wedding ceremony, guiding you through your vows and uniting you in marriage. Whether it's a religious leader, a justice of the peace, or a friend who has been ordained, it's a thoughtful gesture to offer a meal to your officiant. This not only expresses gratitude for their role but also allows them to share in the celebratory atmosphere of your reception.
Best Practices for Feeding Vendors:
Coordinate with your caterer or venue to arrange vendor meals ahead of time. They can provide guidance on the type of meals that work best for vendor requirements.
Consider offering vendor meals that are the same meals served to your guests, keeping dietary restrictions and preferences in mind.
Ensure that your vendors have access to a comfortable space to enjoy their meals away from guest areas. If your vendors prefer to have a seat among guests to ensure they don’t miss anything, seat them at a dedicated vendor table in the back or on sides. This will minimize disruption by the up and down of your photo, video and coordination team.
Communicate the timing of vendor meals to ensure they are served during appropriate breaks, allowing vendors to maintain their schedules.
Its always a good idea to make sure your vendors have a plated meal. Many weddings go for a more social, appetizer, based dinner - which is great for guests but not so much for vendors who need to eat and go on with their duties. If this is your plan, make sure your caterer can provide them a more traditional meal.
What about…
What about this person or that vendor?? It’s usually not necessary to provide meals for vendors that are not present throughout your day. However, every event is different, so it never hurts to ask if you have anyone is staying throughout your event. This may also be a part of your vendor’s contract, so make sure to read those carefully!
Florist: While it's a kind gesture to offer a meal, especially if they'll be on-site for extended hours, florists generally do not require a full vendor meal as they typically only drop off the floral arrangements and leave.
Hair and Makeup Artists: Hair stylists and makeup artists usually don't need a full meal, especially if they are coming in just for the preparation hours.
Transportation Drivers: Drivers for transportation services like buses, limousines, or car services are often not included in vendor meal plans. However, offering water or light refreshments during breaks can be a considerate touch.
Caterer/baker: Similar to the florist, the caterer or baker usually delivers the cake and doesn't stay for the duration of the event. However, it's courteous to offer a slice of the wedding cake to them if they happen to be on-site for the cake cutting.
Rental Companies: Vendors providing equipment rentals, such as tables, chairs, and linens, generally don't require a meal as they drop off the items and leave before the festivities begin.
It's always a good idea to check with your vendors and clarify their expectations regarding meals. Many now have requirements surrounding meals listed in their contracts. Even if providing a full meal isn't necessary, offering water, beverages, or light snacks can go a long way in making your vendors feel appreciated for their contributions to your special day.