Should We Feed Our Vendors?

I have covered this before, but a recent Q & A response in Martha Stewart Weddings prompted me to do it again.  In "Martha" the question was asked "Am I supposed to feed the band, my photographer, and other vendors?"

Williamsburg Wedding Design requires, by contract, that our clients provide some kind of meal and water and/or sodas for any professional vendor they have hired to perform a service for 4 hours or more (excluding catering staff).  We don't have to do this, but we firmly believe that you get the best performance out of wedding pros when you treat them with at least as much kindness as you would draft horses (in some cases treating us with much more kindness just spoils us!).

It makes sense: you don't want your coordinator or photographer picking up and leaving to grab a bite for 15 minutes in the middle of your reception, and it's not always pratical for us to carry a lunch sack.  We don't need to eat a five course meal, but basic hydration and something to keep vendors from getting light-headed is a classy and appreciated consideration.

AND, Martha agrees (wheeeee).  Quoting her response:

"Short answer: Yes.  Providing meals (and rest breaks) for your photographer and the band members may actually be stipulated in your contracts with them.  (Some states mandate a meal break for all who are working at your event, especially if it is long.) But even if it isn't required, feeding your vendors is both gracious and wise: They will do their jobs better -- and more cheerfully -- on full stomachs."

Martha continues by recommending that you arrange for your caterer to provide staff meals, and that you offer a 'less elaborate' version of the same food you offer your guests.  She adds that if you're having a buffet, just add the vendors into your head count.

My contract states that the food itself doesn't matter, as long as it's available and I have instructions in advance how it is to be handled.  It can be difficult for us to sit down long enough to eat a hot meal, so sometimes a boxed lunch is appropriate.  However, be sure to read individual vendor contracts closely.  Entertainers, in particular, often specify that hot meals be provided, and it may be necessary to serve them at a particular time or in a certain location.

Good advice from "Martha" and I - the pros!

Happy planning,
Shayna Walker Weddle
Williamsburg Wedding Design

Comments

[Katasha {at} K Sherrie+Company Weddings and Events]

Bravo! That is the only gracious thing to do, unless you want someone passing out at your 5 hour reception!

[To You A Favor]

Having worked in the catering business, we always advised the client to factor in extra for the vendors that are participating in the reception. It's just the right thing to do. Good advice!