06/02/2026
Do wedding vendors get to eat?
That's always the big question.
Before I begin, I'll say this: the best clients are usually the ones who walk over in the middle of the wedding and ask, "Did you guys get something to eat?"
The clients who call before the wedding asking, "Why do vendors get to eat at our wedding?" ...those are usually the clients who make us suddenly realize we're already booked that day. 😅
Here's the reality:
Most wedding photographers, videographers, DJs, musicians, and coordinators are working 7, 10, sometimes 12+ hours straight. We're on our feet all day carrying equipment, managing timelines, solving problems, and helping make sure everything runs smoothly.
Meanwhile, the guests are enjoying cocktail hour, appetizers, and a beautiful dinner.
There really isn't a good reason why the people working your wedding should be expected to survive on a peanut butter and jelly sandwich they brought from home.
That's why vendor meals are actually written into many wedding contracts, including ours.
To be clear, nobody is demanding the same prime rib being served to guests. A vendor meal, a buffet plate, a sandwich tray, sushi, pasta—whatever works. We're not picky.
What matters is that the people taking care of your memories, entertainment, and logistics are taken care of too.
And please, not the cold leftovers that have been sitting in the kitchen for six hours after everyone else finished eating. 😆
The challenge is that vendors often eat last. We wait for guests to be served, then we're told speeches are starting. We wait again, then it's time for the next dance set. Before you know it, the wedding is three-quarters over and half the vendor team still hasn't eaten.
So yes, vendors should eat.
Not because it's a luxury.
Because it's basic courtesy for the people working one of the longest days of their week. 📸🎥🎶🍽️
