Is it the norm to leave for a 1/2 hour to go and eat?

My bride finally got in touch with me Sunday. Thankfully, the wedding is still a go and we had the runthrough (rehearsal) yesterday. I brought my assistant with me. Granted I nor my assistant will be at the church on Saturday to do the first part, we ensured that everyone knew their part. Originally, the bride and groom were going to go to the hall to set up the ivory self tie chair covers and the etched wine glasses. But yesterday, the bride asked me if I could go in his place and help out that afternoon. I said yes. The only thing that has to be set up on Saturday are the menus, and centerpieces along with ensuring that all the vendors get to the venue (DJ and Cake), I will have my assistant with me (granted the headcount is 85-90, remember there were no RSVP cards) so should anything arise, someone will be on location. Tonight, she asked me if I will have my assistant with me or is she going to leave after set up because they are overbudget, they can't count in my assistants plate or she will have to pay for one. I answered that she will go out and eat at a nearby place. I'm thinking about calling in the morning and telling her that I too will head out during the main course for a quick bite.
I'm not sure what to do.
What do most planners/coordinators do?

Thank you

Tags: assistants, reception, wedding

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Caren Jeanty on July 1, 2010 at 8:57am

I have not come across this issue as of yet, but all the vendors are suppose to be fed by the couple

Permalink Reply by Yvonne L on July 1, 2010 at 11:26am

At my last wedding, our plates (the photographer, my assistant and myself) were paid for and they were the exact same meal every guest ate, (of course, they had 25 people). Upon talking to the photographer, she mentioned that she has a clause in her contract that states for a certain amount of hours work, she has to be fed because at a prior wedding, the couple didn't feed her and she stepped out.
I don't feel right having a plate and sending my assistant out so I figure a 1/2 hour or so for the two of us to grab something should be ok.
There has been alot going on in regards to this wedding, starting with the bride not returning my messages or my emails 3 weeks ago and finally getting in contact with me this past weekend..

Permalink Reply by Platinum Touch Events on July 2, 2010 at 8:33pm

Hi Karen,

I have yet to come across this issue either. It has been my experience that the couple includes vendor meals in the head count. At all of the weddings I've coordinated, myself and assistants, as well as all other vendors that are on hand five hours are more (usually photographer, dj, etc), ate the same meal as all the other guests. Many venues also offer "vendor meals" which are usually cheaper. I don't think it's fair for your bride to expect your staff to be on hand for so many hours without feeding them, so she shouldn't have any complaints if you step out to grab a bite to eat. If she does, she is being completely unreasonable. I think these type of issues should ALWAYS be discussed prior to the event. It would be a good idea to add a clause in your contract stating that meals for you and your staff should be included.

Permalink Reply by Yvonne L on July 2, 2010 at 9:44pm

Thank you to both Karen and Caren.
Today we went to do a majority of the set up for tommorow's wedding and the bride took me aside and let me know that my assistant's plate was covered for tommorow.

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