Do you have to feed your wedding photographer and videographer?

The short answer

You do not have to, but it is hugely appreciated. We always deeply appreciate being fed on the day, because it makes our job so much easier. If you cannot feed us for any reason, please do not panic: let us know ahead of time and we will head to a local cafe while you are all having food.

Whichever you choose, decide early and tell your venue, your caterer and us, so nobody is guessing on the day.

Why a meal matters on a long wedding day

A full day with us is 10.5, 11.5 or 13 hours of coverage, and it runs continuously from the start time you choose. We typically suggest starting about two and a half hours before the ceremony, so by the time the wedding breakfast arrives we have usually been working for several hours.

We are also very limited in what we can bring and store on the day, usually crisps and sweets that will not spoil. A proper meal makes our job so much easier.

How many people to count

Count everyone from us who will be at your wedding. A photography-only or videography-only booking is one professional photographer or videographer. A photo and video team booking is Cam and Beth, so two of us. A second photographer or videographer, if you add one, is one more.

Give your caterer the number as soon as you know it, and tell them again if it changes when your final numbers are due. If you add a second photographer or videographer later, update the number.

What to tell your caterer and venue

Ask your venue whether suppliers are included in your catering, and what a supplier meal costs if they are not. Some venues and caterers offer a simpler supplier meal, and others include suppliers in the guest count, so it is worth asking early rather than assuming.

Ask where suppliers will eat, such as a quiet table or a separate room, and when the meal will be served so it fits your timeline. Our guides to the photography timeline and the planning checklist can help you fit it in.

Pass the details on to us before the day. We are happy to talk it through on the call about a month before the wedding.

What if you cannot feed us

Not every venue or budget allows it, and that is completely fine. Let us know ahead of time and we will head to a local cafe while you are all having food.

If your venue is somewhere remote, with no cafe nearby, mention it on the call and we will work it out together.

Do other suppliers need feeding too?

Often, yes. Anyone working through your wedding breakfast, such as a band or DJ, a planner or a celebrant, may expect a meal, and some contracts say so. Check each supplier’s terms and add every supplier to the number you give your caterer.

A quick message to each supplier asking whether they need a meal, and whether they have dietary requirements, saves a lot of last-minute questions.

Make it part of your plan

Add the supplier meal to your timeline, tell your venue and caterer, and let us know on the planning call. Then it is one less thing to think about on the day. If you are still deciding who to book, our questions to ask a wedding photographer guide covers the rest.

When you are ready, send an enquiry with your date and venue, and we will reply within a few hours. An enquiry does not reserve your date; the £120 deposit does, once you are happy to go ahead.

Questions couples ask