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It's a frequently asked question: Do we have to feed our vendors? Here is my go to answer... You should feed anyone who would be otherwise standing around during dinner. If you have vendors who are working through the night during your reception, then yes, you absolutely should feed them.
Not only is it the polite thing to do but you will also benefit from this. Your photographer for example will most likely be working for more than 12 hours for you on the day of your wedding. If he or she does not eat, chances are they will not be able to do their best work shooting your wedding. Are you at your best when you are hungry? No, none of us are.
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Generally speaking, the following vendors should be fed: Photograher, videographer, weddding officant/pastor (if invited to the reception), wedding planner, dj.
All of these vendors and any others who may be included in your reception throughout the night, should be included in your final guest count that is given to your caterer. You do not have to seat your vendors among your other guests, but a table should be placed in the room for them. Trust me, a good photographer, is still going to be shooting pictures, even during dinner. Placing him in the kitchen to eat is not in your best interest.
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The topic typically gets complicated in terms of price and alcohol. I have worked with some venues that will discount the meal for vendors based on the idea that they will not be drinking. I've had others who do not simply because in the past "its the vendors who drink the most". This statement usually sends my brides into a panic. Here's my advice on this. Pay up. Plan to pay the venue/catering company for the meal as is. If you do not want your vendors drinking, have a very frank conversation with them that they are to be working at your wedding, not drinking and partying with your guests. - If you are uncomfortable, your wedding planner/coordinator can have this discussion for you. A professional vendor will respect this and not have a problem with this request.
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In terms of your dj... a drink or two may allow them to "losen up" a bit and be more animated during entrances and such. Too many drinks though, could be a disaster. The good news is that you can hire a wedding planner or day of coordinator to keep any eye on things like this.
The most important thing to remember is that while your wedding day is all about you and your guests... there are many people behind the scenes working hard on your wedding to make sure that it is everything you dreamed it to be. Feeding them a great meal is a nice way to say thank you!
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