Is it traditionally to offer a plate of food at the reception to the DJ, florists, etc.?

Question

I was just wondering because if so then i need to include them in my final count

Answer 1

You don't need to feed your florist, baker or caterer. But your dj, photographer, videographer will be working for several hours solid without any breaks. When you work an 8 hr day, you expect to be given a chance to eat at some point. The same is true for your photographers. If they're hungry, they're focusing on their stomachs, not your wedding so the service on their end will be subpar. Also, read the fine print of your contracts before you sign anything (most don't do this until after they are signed), becasue some will mention that they must receive a meal.

Most caterers offer a vendor meal which is a sandwich and chips at a discounted price or if you are having a buffet, they nearly always add 5-10% extra food to account for bigger servings and second helpings, etc and your vendors can make a run through the line after all your other guests have been fed. Discuss with your caterer when you interview them how much they will charge you for this.

Answer 2

Not the florists because they don't stick around during the reception, but yes, it's nice and somewhat traditional to offer a plate of food to the DJ(s), bartender(s), and
photographer(s)/videographer(s). Just go ahead and include them in your final head count. Don't ask them; just go ahead and feed them. Will it really cost that much more?

Answer 3

It's not only traditional, it's an etiquette MUST-- besides, vendors do not do a good job on an empty stomach.

However, you do not have to serve them what you guests are eating, because they are vendors. You can serve them something simpler. (However, the florist usually does not stick around-- the DJ and photographer definitely, though.)

But just to be clear, your officiant is NOT a vendor-- they are an honored guest and they and their partner, if any, receive an invitation and are seated at your reception and are served just like a regular guest.

Answer 4

The vendors that will be at the reception are ones you need to count. Obviously the DJ falls into that; however, the florist probably doesn't.

Answer 5

Service providers that will be in attendance (not those that drop off items, but those that actually are required to be present to provide services) should be counted in dinner plans or else you should count on them taking 30 minutes or so for a "lunch break". You should not expect service providers to be there through a meal time and watch others eat and not give them an opportunity to get something to eat as well. Most contracts will actually include the meal arrangements in them. Read your contracts to see.

Answer 6

If your florist is actually going to be at the reception, then yes.
Anyone that is there, other than the serving staff, should get fed.

Definitely yes to the DJ or band.

Answer 7

Check with your cater- Mine doesn't make me include them in the final count. They do however... have to go up last. I have to tell the cater how many for her own knowledge but you don't normal have to pay for their food. It's included- because as horrible as it sounds- they eat the leftovers. Plus the photographer or DJ may not want a full meal.

Answer 8

I don't know if it is traditional or not. But I am having a buffet and intend to count all of my service people in the count. Just to be sure. I would rather have too much than too little.

Answer 9

Usually if they are going to be with you all day you pay for the food. Examples: DJ's, photographer, videographer, if you florist is there all day then them too, but they usually just drop off the flowers.

Answer 10

Absolutely not. Your paying them enough to do a service, if they are hungry/thirsty they can go to the bar like everybody else. Don't be too over nice with the people that are providing you a service - you will be surprised by the final bill otherwise. Enjoy your day.