Ok, I know it's polite and proper etiquette to offer food at the reception to your DJ, officiant, photographer, ect. I do plan on offering to my DJ/officiant (same person) - for one, he gave me a fantastic price for doing both jobs and two, he's sort of a friend of the family. So, I think it's only right to feed him at the wedding. But here's my thing ~ do I have to offer to my photographer as well? I know it's 'the right thing to do', but it just bothers me some because we're actually cutting the guest list down some to cut our costs. It's like ok, I'm getting rid of a family member but I'm going to pay for someone I don't even know. Is it a huge no, no to not offer food to my photogarpher ~ especially when I'm feeding the DJ ?

First off, i would say yes you need to feed the photographer. they are going to be there during your ceremony and reception and depending on how long the party goes may get really hungry. Now i'm going to ask you a question, are you using a caterer? because if you are, sometimes they will prepare smaller plates for these people (musicians, djs, photographers) and charge you a smaller price. But you should definately feed those who are helping to make your day special. (sorry if this isn't exactly what you wanted to hear, but what were you expecting?)

Yes... you definitely have to feed all those helping you on your day. It's really in poor taste not to, and especially for those of us already WAY over budget... it hurts but its a must. We have to have a caterer for our facility and they provide smaller, not as fancy meals for $35 for staff as opposed to the $125 for our guests. HTH.

Andrea

My photographer has been my photographer since I was 3! He was invited to the wedding before I booked him for our wedding! So he is included! Our reception hall does all the food and its buffet style so we do not have to worry about who wants what . . .

Yeah, our food will be buffet style as well. We're actually paying per pan rather than per person. We chose to go this way because it was a wee bit less expensive than the per person menus AND it offered so much more for our guests. I think that's something everyone will appreciate.
And I just have to say ~ there wasn't anything I particularly ' wanted ' to hear nor was I 'expecting ' a certain answer. I simply wanted people's oppinions to help in my decision ~ which is what this forum is for.

sorry if i was a little bit pushy . . . we are paying per person (the way or reception hall does it but it includes food and premium bar) what i was meaning is he is included because he is like family to me . . .

I think the people who are working the wedding should get something. I would feel kinda bad if they did not eat anything . . .

Don't worry Mandy.. I have got that type of response also before I know its irritating when you are asking for opinions.. and you get a reply like that... Just brush it off chick! Don't worry...
and I can't say I totally agree with everyone... Iam kind of on the fence with whom should be fed and who shouldn't.. but probably if ya feed one.. you should feed all. I know what you are saying though, what kind of sense does it make to take off family and friends from the guest list then add someone ya don't know (ie Photographer).. also you feel like you are paying them.. so they should feed themselves... lol.. I know what you are saying.... unfortunately we have to be "Nice Brides" though.
good luck!
Rachel

sorry if i came off harsh... that's not what i meant at all... :-( looking back at my post i realize that it seems a bit rude and i apologize mandy.

It's ooootaaaay. lol
Something occured to me last night about this whole thing though. Like I said, we're having the food buffet style and paying per pan. Each pan's serving size is about 45-50 people. Our guest list is about 65-75, so we're actually ordering 2 pans of food for each item we choose. Basically having enough to feed up to 100 guests. So, we should have plenty.........even for the photographer lol.