Food for the suppliers and coordinators of our wedding?

Question

Okay, so I just got a little bit confused about this kind of system. I'm getting married and I have a wedding coordinator and of course some suppliers with my plan. The thing is that I avail something like a package from where my wedding will be held where the whole set of suppliers is already there so I don't have to search and look for it since I only have one month preparation. Recently the coordinator provided the invitation because its included to what I paid but I was surprised when she used a glossy paper in an undesirable printing way. She also gave me some made of a specialize paper but its only 4 pieces out of 100pcs. Its so strange but I just let it pass because I don't want to get stressed and its there already. After that, the coordinator stopped having appointment with me and passed me with her assistant, its not so mean but for me it just doesnt look so professional. And now they are saying that I have to pay their breakfast (P2550) and lunch (P4200) on the wedding day which is very weird because as far as I know they are doing they're job (which I doubt) and its not my responsibilty because I paid them. I'm gonna be providing the whole set of suppliers including the make up artist, coordinators, lights and sounds, photographer, videographer, emcee and everything! oh! I felt like their taking advantage of me, because they know I didnt react too much. Well you know its fine with me but its like its necessary and needed. My point if you're going to work you will have your breakfast before it right? and a P150 each for breakfast its crazy! me I can have a breakfast with P50, I dont know. Please someone tell me! Is this normal? Advice would be appreciated. Thank you!

Answer 1

Just because they are doing you a service doesn't mean they aren't human beings. Food is a basic need. Weddings are their workplace, how would you like it if say a client or boss came into YOUR workplace during lunch hour and said 'I'm not paying you to eat!' and then pulled out their own lunch eating right in front of you while you worked. That's basically what you're saying to these people, it's not right. If you are having your reception during a meal time it's not required unless in their contract but it is common courtesy to feed the vendors that are there (DJ, photographer, videographer, planner and their assistants). They're PEOPLE not MACHINES! They are often working 8 or 9 or 10 hours a day, they need food for energy in order to make your special day as perfect as can be! Most caterers have a special reduced price for vendors or even feed them at no cost at all. Have a talk with the caterer about that. As far as breakfast, again common courtesy, doesn't have to be some big 4 course breakfast just some donuts and coffee.



If you don't trust that they're doing their job why are you still using them?

Answer 2

Hi

Do you have a contract with your wedding co-ordinators? You need to check this. When we got married last year the caterers did not want feeding (we checked before we hired them) and we had a wonderful harpist and in her contract it actually stated that if she was playing for more than 2 hours than food must be provided however I checked with the company and they only meant like a sandwich packet of crisps etc. Just a general snack. I would go back to them and explain you are not prepared to supply breakfast for them both weddings are expensive enough without extra mouths to feed. Good luck and have a wonderful day :)

Answer 3

maximum folk do be certain the caterers take a plate to the DJ, photographer, and different workers. that's the gracious element of do, fairly for the hours and attempt they're placing in, and with some tasty foodstuff, their artwork could be of better high quality. It does pay to maintain them chuffed. The DJ could have a smash each and each hour or 2 besides, you already know. they gained't "take a seat around and consume," they're going to take a refueling smash and get returned to it. do you prefer them to be drained and hungry on the numerous areas of the nighttime? they're people, too. could you extremely have them take a seat around and consume for a short era, or stand around and watch all and sundry else consume? discover out from the venue the place the catering team would be taking their smash and notice if there's a place interior the returned or off to the side the place the DJ and photographer can consume. they don't could desire to be a area of your customer seating association, and that must be awkward. on an identical time, there is not any could desire to be impolite and nasty and handle them like "help." in case you handle them as under, it won't help them of their professionalism on your wedding ceremony. Be very careful the way you act, Lindsay. i think of somebody has a case of the Bridezillas.

Answer 4

Generally speaking, you either have to feed your vendors or give them time off to eat. Almost every wedding vendor has that in their contract.



I am a professional wedding photographer. It is in my contract that I get to eat with the guests or I get to have a one hour break for every 8 hours period or portion there of, during the wedding day. That means if I am there for 9 hours, I get two one hour breaks. Most clients choose to feed me instead.



Most venue will provide vendor meals at a discounted rate. It is the same food, but it is often just sitting on a plate in the kitchen instead of actually served by the waitstaff.

Answer 5

As an corporate event coordinator with many years of experience, I can tell you that nothing is 'normal' from one event to another. The contract is the 'bible' for each event, and should be given your utmost attention before signing, especially the vague clauses!



There is no 'and now they are saying'. If it wasn't specified in the signed original Contract or Modification to Contract ... then it's not going to happen. The only thing you must be very careful of is the clauses, as this is where many additional costs are hidden. They rarely stand up in small claims court, but it is still an unnecessary hassle, so they continue this practice because the majority of clients allow them to get away with it.



In particular, you should look for clause(s) mentioning "travel related expenses', '2 hours distance from primary place of business', 'possible addition of ??% for miscellaneous expenses'. Anything where they leave room for additional undefined cost(s) through abstract wording.



As for passing you on to the assistant, this is a common practice but should have been explained to you. It is not unusual for the 'Head Coordinator' to lay all the ground work such as initial meeting with client, presentation(s), finalizing the contract, etc. ... and then passing it on to an assistant to work on putting it into effect. Think of a fashion designer ... original concept, financial planning, presentation/shows ... but they have assistants and seamstresses to sew the clothes. Quite honestly, if a planner/designer did everything .... I would be worried .... serious potential for overworked meltdown and heaven forbid .... something bad happen to the 'one person' who is doing your wedding.



Read your contract carefully. If you do not see a provision for meal cost, call and ask "What clause in the contract addresses meal costs for all your staff? If you dislike the idea of 'ticking them off' before your wedding, simply state theses prices are unreasonable. I will look into alternative meals myself.



Also look for 'Gratuity' clause. If there is a ??% gratuity cost for specific jobs, demand that these people be deleted from the list. They cannot expect you to pay ... salary, tip, and meals.



ACE UP YOUR SLEEVE

Event venues/planners depend on 'referred business'. Mention in a deprecating manner (so not perceived as a threat) "It's a good thing I'm learning all this, as many of my friends are reading my blog/facebook to plan their own weddings. I'll be the expert to let them know who to hire and what to look for".



Congratulations and Good Luck



P.S.: I've never included meals costs for myself or assistants. I recommend them to bring peanut butter sandwiches .... high in protein, easy to eat and digest!!

Answer 6

If it is not in your contract, then you need not be bamboozled into feeding all of these people, especially breakfast. If you must, then order a boat load of donuts, some fruit and juice. And for lunch, order pizzas and be done with it.