The Minister/Priest/Rabbi is generally issued a proper wedding invitation and treated as a guest, especially if you regularly attend their place of worship. If they accept they are generally seated at the parents’ table.

As far as your vendors go the first thing to do is check the contract. If they require a meal it will usually specify that in the contract. If it is not specified in the contract it will sometimes be in your best interest to feed them anyway. If a particular vendor is working for you for about 6 hours or more and/or if they are working over the dinner hour it may be best to feed them. These vendors usually include your photographer (and assistant if applicable), wedding coordinator, DJ and/or band, and videographer. Vendors such as florists, makeup artists, bakeries, hairstylists, etc. are generally not fed as they are not required to stay through the reception. If you are at all unsure whether or not to feed a certain vendor, ask them.

Most venues/caterers will provide what they call a “vendor meal” which is usually just an entrée, no salad or dessert. These meals are quite a bit less expensive than the guest meals. Your vendors will probably be up and down from the table so having more than one course is really unnecessary. If your venue/caterer does not offer vendor meals see if they will prepare something inexpensive such as a pasta dish for just the vendors.

Ideally your vendors should be seated at a table of their own in the same room. This can be off in a corner but your photographer, videographer and wedding coordinator should be able to see what’s going on in case they’re needed.

When you’re confirming with your vendors, double check how many meals will be required and ask if there are any dietary restrictions. This way you can let your venue know about any vegetarian vendors or any allergies.

Communication with your vendors is very important, not just about food either! Be upfront with them and don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Bon appétit!

I can speak for the SKIP-A-BEAT Entertainment contract, that we do ask for a meal, but explain to our clients that a vendors meal (just the main course most often) is more than appropriate.

We also ask if the client would mind if we ate at our DJ table as this provides us the greatest control on raising/lowering volume, ensuring that everything is going smoothly, etc.

Given that we are most often there for 10 hours or so, a meal is really important. From my experience, I have not had a client yet who took issue with this, especially once it is explained.

Again, congrats on writing such a great article.

Brad Owens
SKIP-A-BEAT Entertainment
www.skipabeat.ca

SKIP-A-BEAT Entertainment
"Making Your Event A Memorable One"
Email: info@skipabeat.ca
www.skipabeat.ca
1-866-99-TUNES