Feeding Suppliers

You would ask them in your planning meeting with them as to their preference, some people may have this specified in a contract/booking form. If a supplier is there all day it is usual to feed them, but some may prefer to bring their own food so just have a chat to agree what you will do with your supplier team. Our photographer preferred to cater for herself during her break (we also worked out when in the day would be best for her to have some breaks). We ensured the venue offered tea/coffee/water and biscuits to our hair and make-up suppliers in the morning. You may also find it helpful to discuss with your venue what they have offered in the past for suppliers, and where suppliers may be able to have their break. Our suppliers had all been to the venue before so knew where they could chill out to back up photos and eat their lunch already - but it's certainly worth checking! Happy planning! x

As said some have it in their contract that you have to feed them, others will make it quite clear that they would like you to feed them but do not actually ask.

I always take my own supplies and I have had comments in the past from other suppliers I meet on the the wedding day who think I am mad missing out on a nice little perk being fed- as they see it.

I eat my little snacks when you eat your mains, but I do not need much to keep me going and will eat properly when I get home. As I stay reasonably local to the Leicestershire area I am never back that late. I take loads of water and have a bottle hidden in the bushes close by so I can take regular swigs as I do not want to be going to the bar and missing any action.

I have to say that I have seen some suppliers taking the micky - helping themselves to welcome drinks, canapés, then getting a meal then helping themselves to your evening buffet just before going home.

One of our suppliers had it in the contract, another didn't. We agreed with them and the venue they would have up to £25 each to purchase food in the bar/restaurant which was added to our total bill, rather than providing the actual meal (and cost) we served our guests, this worked well as they could get away and chill whilst we ate

I know a few wedding photographers and they all say that they don't expect to be fed but they love it when they are given a meal. When we were researching photographers for our wedding, a couple had something in the contract about providing them with a meal. The guy we booked didn't, but was really pleased to be offered a meal. They prefer to eat once the guests' meal is over, as they're often taking pictures during the meal. And usually want to eat separately as it's a break from work so they don't want to be socialising with the wedding guests when they're trying to rest.

It is courteous and often written into supplier contracts to provide them with a meal.
Our photographer likes to bring his own lunch so we don’t need to feed him, I am however having a brunch spread while I get ready with my bridesmaids which of course my hairdresser can help herself to!

As mentioned have a word with your creative team and ask them if they expect food. You could also have a word with your venue or wedding organiser and ask what options or policy they have for feeding supplier.

We have an article on helping your videographer/photographer by making sure they have space and what they need to know to help them film/photograph your day

https://www.yourweddingfilmed.co.uk/blog/files/help-Your-Wedding-Videographer.html

As mentioned have a word with your creative team and ask them if they expect food. You could also have a word with your venue or wedding organiser and ask what options or policy they have for feeding supplier.

We have an article on helping your videographer/photographer by making sure they have space and what they need to know to help them film/photograph your day

https://www.yourweddingfilmed.co.uk/blog/files/help-Your-Wedding-Videographer.html

Our venue gives options for whether we want to provide sandwiches or hot meals for the suppliers, so we’ll just ask them their preference. We’re also giving them a separate bar tab for soft drinks and snacks.

We’re in early planning stages and are assuming we will need to, however closer to the time we’ll check in with them to make sure this is what they want. :-)