Help - do we have to feed the photographer?

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Just that really. We are having a church service followed by a reception with a sit-down meal, no evening do. Not sure if we should include the photographer in the numbers and find him somewhere to sit or just assume he'll wander round and take photos or something while we're eating (he'll have to hang around for the cake cutting and speaches).
Thanks

it is usual to do so

but I suppose you don't have to

Unless its a friend of yours then no you don't. He's there to work not socialise.

Why not discuss it with him? Our photographer didn't want the full meal we were all having but asked that some sandwiches be provided and that she had access to soft drinks through the day.

One yes, one no and a maybe - anyone else for a deciding vote?

I'd do as Alibaba suggests, what is his expectation, and def. would provide some kind of refreshment, if not the "wedding" meal.

Where I'm from it's normal to have a "pretend" cutting of the cake for purposes of official photos before the meal starts and the photographer then goes away. But then I've never known anyone to have "official" photographs taken during the reception, only at the church and on arrival at the reception venue...

of course you have to provide a meal! it would mean about an extra what, £20 tops? to the rest of your wedding costs.

If he's hanging around throughout the meal, then yes, you need to provide something for him

I have worked in the wedding industry for donkeys years and is not normal to provide food for photographer unless they are a friend or you are booking their services for an extended period where they might reasonably get hungry and have no other chance to eat. In which case sandwich or light meal is perfectly acceptable. They should have drinks available throughout the day though.

You want your photographer to be at his best while he is providing his services to you. The photographs are not something you want to take chances with. These form the basis of your happy memories for years to come.

You do not want the photographer to miss photographic opportunities while he goes off to get refreshments for himself.
Nor do you want him to be ill in very hot condtions through lack of liquid.

It is only fair to ensure that he has food and non alcohic drink when required during the event if he is there for a long time.

What you provide depends on how long he is with you. However, if he is there through meal times then as a matter of courtesy refreshments should be provided.

You should talk to your photographer about it. First to check if he feels he needs refreshments and if so, to ensure that he has no dietary restrictions. Last thing you want to do is give him something that he is allergic to. A sick photographer will make for some very shaky photos.

Congratulations on your impending nuptials.

we asked our photographer about meals etc. he said he would provide his own meal. he was provided with soft drinks throughout the day