Suppliers Meals
Are suppliers entitled to food and drinks at wedding receptions? This question recently caused a somewhat animated discussion on a wedding forum and polarised opinion. Couples that have booked a photographer, videographer or DJ/musicians for their wedding need to consider this issue.
Let's start with DJs and musicians. Many do state in the booking terms and conditions that a suppliers meal needs to be supplied if they are required for a full reception. Most receptions run for 6 hours. Given they will be at the venue well before the start time setting up equipment etc and then spend time pulling it down at the end of the night, DJs and musicians often put in up to an 8 hour shift at a wedding reception. Once the reception starts DJs and musicians should remain at the venue to be on hand look after the equipment and handle the music and entertainment. It is not appropriate for DJs and musicians to bring their own food to a venue. Venues will not want this and it is not a good look. It is also inappropriate for them to leave the venue, go and eat somewhere else and not be on hand if required.
In light of this many DJs and musicians do require a 'suppliers' meal and soft drinks as a contractual condition. Many people would consider it unreasonable to expect them to work for the best part of 8 hours without eating anything. Interestingly, however, there were posters on the forum who argued that it was rude for any DJ or musician to 'demand' a meal with one poster saying that in hindsight she wished that she had booked suppliers who didn't require a meal. One poster argued that they were being paid good money and the meal requirement was an added financial cost they did not think was fair.
Some DJs and musicians don't stipulate a meal requirement simply because they expect one, for the very reasons outlined above. Couples should therefore ask if they require a meal before making a booking as embarrassment can be caused on the day if no supplier meals have not been arranged and the DJ is expecting to be fed.
Most venues offer supplier / contractor meals at a reduced cost. Whatsmore the suppliers meal is usually only a main course. They will have often have a table set up for the suppliers, away from the main dining area, where they can eat their main course.
Ultimately it is a couple's decision to proceed with a booking if they are aware that a meal is required. It they consider this requirement unreasonable then they can always look for an alternative. But should that really be the main criteria for choosing one's reception entertainment? In the scheme of things a suppliers meal at is not an significant wedding expense.
Photographers and videographers can also put in long shifts, especially if they are required for all or most of the reception. If they are required from when the bride is having her hair and make up done through to the ceremony and then to the end of the reception, that can be over 12 hours. As such many will also require a reception meal as a contractual requirement. Once again, some posters on the forum also had a problem with photographers and videographers asking that a suppliers meal be provided.
No doubt this issue will continue to divide opinions.
Bon appetit!
Earl Cole
Singer, entertainer, DJ & MC
www.perthweddingsinger.com.au
www.earlcolemusic.com
Let's start with DJs and musicians. Many do state in the booking terms and conditions that a suppliers meal needs to be supplied if they are required for a full reception. Most receptions run for 6 hours. Given they will be at the venue well before the start time setting up equipment etc and then spend time pulling it down at the end of the night, DJs and musicians often put in up to an 8 hour shift at a wedding reception. Once the reception starts DJs and musicians should remain at the venue to be on hand look after the equipment and handle the music and entertainment. It is not appropriate for DJs and musicians to bring their own food to a venue. Venues will not want this and it is not a good look. It is also inappropriate for them to leave the venue, go and eat somewhere else and not be on hand if required.
In light of this many DJs and musicians do require a 'suppliers' meal and soft drinks as a contractual condition. Many people would consider it unreasonable to expect them to work for the best part of 8 hours without eating anything. Interestingly, however, there were posters on the forum who argued that it was rude for any DJ or musician to 'demand' a meal with one poster saying that in hindsight she wished that she had booked suppliers who didn't require a meal. One poster argued that they were being paid good money and the meal requirement was an added financial cost they did not think was fair.
Some DJs and musicians don't stipulate a meal requirement simply because they expect one, for the very reasons outlined above. Couples should therefore ask if they require a meal before making a booking as embarrassment can be caused on the day if no supplier meals have not been arranged and the DJ is expecting to be fed.
Most venues offer supplier / contractor meals at a reduced cost. Whatsmore the suppliers meal is usually only a main course. They will have often have a table set up for the suppliers, away from the main dining area, where they can eat their main course.
Ultimately it is a couple's decision to proceed with a booking if they are aware that a meal is required. It they consider this requirement unreasonable then they can always look for an alternative. But should that really be the main criteria for choosing one's reception entertainment? In the scheme of things a suppliers meal at is not an significant wedding expense.
Photographers and videographers can also put in long shifts, especially if they are required for all or most of the reception. If they are required from when the bride is having her hair and make up done through to the ceremony and then to the end of the reception, that can be over 12 hours. As such many will also require a reception meal as a contractual requirement. Once again, some posters on the forum also had a problem with photographers and videographers asking that a suppliers meal be provided.
No doubt this issue will continue to divide opinions.
Bon appetit!
Earl Cole
Singer, entertainer, DJ & MC
www.perthweddingsinger.com.au
www.earlcolemusic.com
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