Vendor meal

"A reduced-cost (often hot, plated) meal served by the wedding caterer to working vendors (photographer, planner, DJ, band, videographer) on the day of the wedding."

Why it matters

Most vendor contracts include a clause requiring the couple to provide a vendor meal. The caterer typically charges $25 to $45 per vendor meal, versus $80 to $250 per guest plate. Vendors who go 8 to 12 hours without food perform worse and may shorten their service window. The vendor meal is not optional in any practical sense.

A full wedding typically has 6 to 12 working vendors who need feeding: photographer + 1-2 assistants, videographer, DJ or band members, planner + assistant, sometimes officiant.

Best practices

Add the vendor meal count to the catering headcount when finalizing the order, 2 to 3 weeks before the wedding. Ask vendors directly how many people they will have on site. Schedule vendor meals during the guest dinner so vendors get to eat while guests are eating, not while guests are dancing.

Frequently asked

Does the vendor meal need to be the same as the guest meal?

No, and most caterers offer a simpler vendor option (sandwich plus salad, or chicken plate without sides) for less money. Vendors expect a real meal but not a four-course tasting; what they need is calories and a place to sit down briefly.