Vendor meals

Well if they are there all long time I will count them so I believe its 6 I will have my ppl ask them if they want something to eat. They are more than welcome but no alchol because I need them to continue make sure our day goes well

Most vendors will require that you feed them a warm meal, at the venue. $99 for a vendor meal is ridic. Vendors won't be eating the hors d'ovres during cocktail hour, or having the steak. Most vendor meals are discounted for that reason


I'd keep searching for a venue. You'll want a venue that is flexible within reason

They do need to eat and many have clauses in contracts saying they must get a hot meal equivalent to guests are served. Keep looking. Even if that means going with a blank slate venue that allows outside catering. Those catering companies are much more flexible. An all inclusive venue is going to squeeze as much money as they can, so this is not surprising for that type.

That's not common for caterers, and I would probably stay away from that one. Pretty much all the locations that I looked at had discounted vendor meals. 8-10 people at full cost will really add up.

Our caterer also does not have special discounted meals for vendors. We will just be including our vendors into our head count and paying full price for their meals (they will not be included in the price for hors d’oeuvres or alcohol). You will definitely want to feed your vendors –not try to compensate by paying extra or giving them breaks in lieu of a meal (although, all vendors should also be given breaks when they need them). If they will be working long hours, and working during meal times, they need to be fed. Another thing to keep in mind would be your hair and makeup artists, photographers, videographers, etc. - if they will be working through breakfast and lunch, you should also provide some thing for them to eat at those times also (usually brides will provide breakfast and/or lunch spreads for everyone getting ready with them, and make sure there is enough for any vendors working at that time). Remember, these are human beings, not robot workers; they needed to be treated with kindness, dignity and respect.

Piggy backing off what was said before me. Remember to feed your vendors earlier in the day as well. We will be doing breakfast/lunch spreads. You can do that for fairly cheap. And yes your vendors must eat and some require in contract to get the full meal the guests get. We’re having a buffet so I’m not worried about the pricing but in your case I definitely wouldn’t go with them. That will certainly add up

Definitely keep looking, it’s very uncommon (and honestly rude of the caterer) to not have different pricing for vendor meals. If you really want to go with this venue/caterer then plan to include your vendors in your dinner headcount.

Our caterer/venue doesn’t have different pricing for vendor meals, but all the meals are $16-28 each (not including appetizers, cocktails, serving fees, or gratuity).

That sounds odd to me that they don't have a different meal to offer the vendors.

Your vendors who work with you 6 hours should get a meal. Those who work 4 hours should get a break. Does this still include 8-10 vendors? You do not have to provide a dinner meal for hair and makeup, but it is best to provide a breakfast meal. As for your venue, I would keep looking for one that is more accommodating. They sound new to the game.

Your vendors that are there all day should get a meal (photographer, planner/coordinator, I think we fed our bartender). Keep looking. There is no reason your vendors need a $100 meal. Most caterers have vendor meals or will offer the same meal at a discounted price for vendors (this is what our caterer offered).

I’m not even sure whether our venue offered a vendor meal as we just included our vendors in our head count. They worked hard for us and deserved to be treated like guests imo.