I have the "Will you provide a meal for the DJ" question on my planning guide, as well. Pretty much always offered and after everyone has been through the line, I will let Rebekah get something while I am behind the board, then I will go get something small. We take turns eating behind the table, trying to not be seen. I usually also have a bag with water, gatorade and chips, just in case, at events longer then 4 hours.
This is why I wear a black dress shirt with my logo on it.ps---- pet peeve #437... dj's who wear polo shirts to weddings
Regarding alcoholic beverages, it is policy, that we share with clients, that we do not and will not drink ANY alcoholic beverages during the performance, unless we are charged with delivering a formal toast and then, to respect the tradition and honoree, only the toasting party is allowed to imbibe.
I had a bride that wanted to take a shot of tequila with me once....
Regarding our market's weddings, corporate events, and othar formal celebrations, vendor meals are not common and eating during a performance is never an issue because I specifically and intentionally inform my clients that none of my personnel will be eating during the event.
Barring some extended performance duration (6 hours or more) or specific medical condition, eating isn't mandatory during the usual 4-5 hours of the performance. We eat before and/or after, typically together and for camaraderie and friendship, but never during as I know it creates a negative image that I elect not to present.
To pre-empt the usual cacophony of, "what about drinking?" foolishness, water and soft drinks, if offered, are appreciated but not necessary (we can provide our own hydration). Regarding alcoholic beverages, it is policy, that we share with clients, that we do not and will not drink ANY alcoholic beverages during the performance, unless we are charged with delivering a formal toast and then, to respect the tradition and honoree, only the toasting party is allowed to imbibe.
Kudos, Chris, I respect and appreciate your practice.
This is why I think there is a regional difference at play here. You and many keep using the word buffet... whereas here buffets are extremely uncommon at weddings and many events. In all my years of doing this I think I’ve been to less than 5 weddings with buffets. I don’t know how your approach would work in venues that vendors are required to be fed and in fact do get served, and being that it is a sit down style dinner, your meal is brought to you in a different part of the venue out of sight. Not always... but usually. As far as avoiding trips to the bar, we just simply ask for a pitcher or two of water at the start of the night with some plastic cups.definitely 2 schools of thought on this... some even angry...lol...love it...
at the end of the day we all must do what our professional consciences allow or demand....
i will continue to obstain from eating at events...probably more because i try to not stand out as a typical fat guy who simply cant pass up a free buffet (and that boils down to my own psychosis and maybe not as much a professional requirement)....and continue to bring my own water so that no guest wonders if im attempting to get loaded on free booze after my 3rd trip for a diet coke...
"To each their own..." Said the farmer as he kissed the cow...
cc
This is why I think there is a regional difference at play here. You and many keep using the word buffet... whereas here buffets are extremely uncommon at weddings and many events. In all my years of doing this I think I’ve been to less than 5 weddings with buffets. I don’t know how your approach would work in venues that vendors are required to be fed and in fact do get served, and being that it is a sit down style dinner, your meal is brought to you in a different part of the venue out of sight. Not always... but usually. As far as avoiding trips to the bar, we just simply ask for a pitcher or two of water at the start of the night with some plastic cups.