Am I supposed to feed and provide breaks for my wedding suppliers on the day?

Hi Leah,

Great question, one that we get asked a lot! Majority of suppliers including DJ's, photographers, videographers etc who will be with you over a long period of time on your wedding day will make sure they schedule some time in for breaks (this is usually when everyone is eating as they find most people don't like being photographed etc with a mouth full of food) We always suggest to our couples that they provide a meal for the suppliers who are going to be there during your reception particularly over the meal time. Some venues even offer a discounted rate for service providers.

Hope this helps :)

Pink Parasol Events

Hi Leah

Your ceremony suppliers won't need to be fed or watered as they are only involved for an hour or two.  However, your photographer, DJ and any other suppliers that are there throughout your reception will be working really hard - usually a 5 hour reception.  Your caterers will usually ask if you want crew meals - they charge you less for these as it is not the full 5 course amazing meal that you are providing for your guests.  And no alcohol but a soft drink or a bottle of water would really be a good thing.  If you have a wedding planner there on the day they would usually have arranged these and will ensure that your suppliers are kept comfortable while they are making your wedding amazing.

Regarding legals - your wedding planner would ensure that all your suppliers including your venue are covered by the necessary public liability insurances.

Feel free to contact me directly for any further advice in this regard.

Happy planning

Gill

Hi Leah, personally, the weddings I've worked on, have always had a table set for suppliers and provided meals, for band, djs, etc, even myself. I don't generally have much time to sit and eat, but it is important to obviously ensure your suppliers are also adequately hydrated and nourished especially if it's a long hot summers day. Last thing you want is for them to fade halfway through the event.

Legally, I'm not sure as they are all self-employed, so I do believe the onus is on them, however it's just a nice thing to do for them. x

Hi Leah S,

Generally speaking yes you will be required to provide a meal for the various suppliers who will be working with you throughout your day - to deliver the biggest day of your life. These aspects should be discussed and agreed with the individual supplier before you engage with them and be specific in your supplier contract.

Most venues have a dedicated cost structure for just this sort of requirement and it's usually at a very reasonable rate - always raise this at the time of negotiation with the venue provider and before you sign your venue contract.

If you are partnering with a Wedding Planner and or On the day Coordination Service they will coordinate these requirements through the wedding day timeline so as not to interfere with the tone, pace and flow of your day.

Have a fabulous day - your way - without fuss.

Kerrie

Check with your suppliers, some say that a meal is requested if you are having them for the entire day.

Thanks

Leesa - I Do Wedding Planner

As a Wedding Planner I make sure that the photographers, videographers, Djs etc are fed at the reception. Venues offer a Staff meal which can be discounted and is often eaten at the same time as the guests. In regards to breaks through out the day, this should not be the Bride or Grooms problem. As a Wedding Planner I make sure all the bridal party have food throughout the day, especially before and after all the photos are taken. Generally the photographers have their own snacks with them. There is no hard or fast rule for this. If you hire a Wedding Planner let them organise this and I know I always enjoy being creative in this area.

Hope this helps.

Kind Regards

Sharon - One Weddings

Hi Leah,

Congratulations! Great question you have asked. I think just as your wedding day it should be about what you both want and what is within your budget. However, having said that it is courteous to provide meals and breaks to suppliers who are with you all day such as photographer, videographer and the band and planners if they're attending the whole day, but again not compulsory.

I hope this helps and good luck with your big day! Enjoy xx

Vanessa - Valure Events

Hi Leah,

I am a wedding planner from Dynamic Weddings. We don't generally get a break on the wedding day as it is all go from the start however I do arrange a meal for all of the suppliers with the caterer to have once all the guests have be served their meal then we can take a moment to also have some thing to eat, no one wants to get their photo taken while they are eating! your suppliers would appreciate a meal :)

Hi Leah,

Congratulations on your engagement! It is customary and good etiquette to provide meals for any suppliers who will be at the reception with you during your celebrations such as the photographer, DJ or other entertainers. Other suppliers who are there for setting up etc will not generally require meals unless they remain with you for the entire celebration.

Hope you have a wonderful wedding day.

Impact Style & Design.

Hi Leah! Your chosen suppliers should indicate to you in their paperwork if they require breaks and a meal, usually if they are onsite for 5 hours or more. They should discuss these with you as well so there is a mutually agreeable time where they can be temporarily relieved of their duties without disruption to your evening, and any temporary arrangements can be made (ie. The band goes on a break for x amount of time, and they will provide an iPod to play in their absence so guests can still enjoy some music) No supplier should 'assume' you will feed them. Your venue/caterer should be able to provide you with a 'crew' meal which is something simple and quick to eat at a small cost. As a planner, a quick meal is always so appreciated if we are onsite for the whole day (including setup and the reception) as these can be 16 hour days. We don't take breaks outside of a short meal from 30 minutes prior to the ceremony to the moment we leave the reception. We manage our own meals and breaks during setup that ensure everything is completed to schedule. Wishing you all the best with your planning! x