Everything you should know about the correct vendor codes.
Your wedding day cannot happen without the correct vendors. They are so important to make sure that your day runs smoothly, whether it be taking photos for your memories or delivering equipment, to decorations. There are things that are vital to know when handling wedding vendors, especially when considering how to tip them, how to feed them etc. You don’t want low spirit from your DJ or a vendor missing important aspects of the wedding to go and find their own food! Here are some top tips to make sure nothing goes wrong on your special day.
What vendors are we supposed to feed?
It’s critical to ensure that your vendors are properly nourished, and it can even be spelt out in their contract. Your wedding coordinator, photographer, videographer, band or DJ/emcee, as well as their staff, will all require food. (However, you won’t have to feed your baker, florist, or anybody else who is simply working at the ceremony.) Inquire with your caterer about vendor lunches; most have a predetermined menu of selections, whether it’s a “chef’s choice” or the same main course as your guests. Depending on what’s available, it may be included in your catering fee, or it may be a lesser set price.
Brides Hint
It is very important that when you give the final number of guests for your wedding to your caterer and that you also include the number of vendor meals you will need. Remember, you should mention any allergies or dietary requirements that the vendors might have.
When is the best time for the vendors to take breaks and eat?
It’s all about the timing. Plan for your wedding planner, photographer, and videographer to eat while the reception supper is being served so that they don’t miss anything important. While you won’t be able to schedule specific breaks for these vendors, they should anticipate staying “on” until the dancing begins, at which point they may sneak into the back to sit down, drink some water, and possibly have a slice of cake.
It’s a different story with your wedding band or DJ/emcee. They should be fed before your guests are seated for dinner, ideally during cocktail hour. This will ensure that they’re prepared for action when it’s time to announce the bridal party’s and newlyweds’ arrivals, as well as set the tone for the reception’s festivities. The band will likely perform in sets, with minor breaks in between, depending on how long they’re contracted to entertain; the wedding toasts also provide an opportunity for a discreet respite.
Tipping vendors
You should tip your vendors, as well as their staff, especially if you think they did a good job! Check any contracts first though, as sometimes there is a gratuity fee included in their total fee already, so an extra tip would not be necessary in this case. Furthermore, if your vendors own their own company then tipping is not necessary either, although tipping their assistants around $50-150 per person is recommended.
Brides Hint
You can tip the owner of the company if you want to!
Advice for tipping vendors
- Bartenders: You should tip 10-15% of the pre-tax bill to be split between the bartenders if a bartending service fee is not included in the catering bill.
- Musicians: Check the contract for gratuity for ceremony musicians and reception musicians. If there is no gratuity included, you should tip between $25-50 per person.
- Transport: It is more than likely that a gratuity fee has been included in the transport company’s invoice. However, if not, tip 15-20% of the pre-tax bill.
- Catering and waitstaff: If there is no gratuity or service charge in the bill, tip around $10-20 per person, without forgetting the manager! If they aren’t your wedding coordinator, then about $250 is a good token of appreciation for their work.
- Hair and makeup stylists: You should plan to tip your stylists 15-20% for their work, just like in a salon!
If you aren’t satisfied with everything, what should you do?
It’s a bitter pill to chew after spending so much money on your wedding day that you don’t love your services. You should say something if you don’t like what you’re seeing in samples or during a trial. During the pre-wedding trial run, request to see alternative types of flowers, test new cake and frosting flavours or adjust your hair-do or makeup. If you’re working with a particularly tricky employee, don’t be hesitant to request a meeting with the company’s owner. They should be aware if one of their staff is causing you to be dissatisfied with the services provided.
If your wedding day arrives and things don’t go as planned, review your contract first and then speak to the provider. You should be compensated if you were charged for large floral centrepieces but only received small vases of normal flowers. You also have options if someone was unprofessional or didn’t show up to the wedding at all. Schedule a meeting and, if you can, provide photos from the event. You should be aware of the rights you have and your standing, and be willing to bargain!