Another first...

zagiace wrote in post #11035219
must have one of them medical conditions because if I am hungry I find it difficult to concentrate and get a headache.
I also get cranky.

+1
you would def. not want to work with me if i didn't have some sustenance

So... once again I think I am the only one that prefers sandwiches to a hot entree?

I just really like sandwiches. Seriously.... the other people that shoot with me also think I'm an oddball, but I would much rather eat a sandwich than a steak or piece of chicken.

Regardless.... when I have my final discussion with the b/g before the wedding, I bring up the meal question. I say that I don't care what it is as long as they feed me something.

I enjoy sandwiches more than most buffets. I have to admit though, if they're offering me a steak I'm going to be a happy photographer.

Actually, and I know we're now six hundred miles away from the OP, but I prefer a buffet. It's fast, I can get what I like, and it's ready when I am. I like steak as much as the next guy (and probably more) but I don't think I've ever had a steak at a wedding that I enjoyed more than one I would order for myself at a restaurant. Wedding food is usually pretty good, but it's rarely very good. At least for the weddings I shoot.

We pack a cooler with sandwiches, drinks and snacks. I honestly don't care if we get fed or not, but if something happens and we're taking a break, then we won't get the shot. Simple as that.

I agree with mmahoney. They either should allow a 30 minute break or a table/buffet meal. How can they expect you to take good pictures when you're blood sugar is low. Grumpy photogs do not take great shots.

Peacefield wrote in post #11033978
That said, knowing that these meals often cost the couple north of $100pp, I wonder how many of us that require meals wouldn't rather take the $100 and pack a turkey sandwich.

I'm going for the $100 plate... why? Because I'd never dream of spending a $100 on myself for one plate of food. It's easier to stomach the idea when somebody else is paying for it. And also, I don't have to pay taxes on that food.

sctbiggs wrote in post #11044195
I'm going for the $100 plate... why? Because I'd never dream of spending a $100 on myself for one plate of food.

I agree, although I've never considered any of these meals to be worth even half that much. They're perfectly fine meals, but more than half the time I think to myself that I could've done better with a $20 selection from even a chain like Outback or something.

ScullenCrossBones wrote in post #11040544
We pack a cooler with sandwiches, drinks and snacks. I honestly don't care if we get fed or not, but if something happens and we're taking a break, then we won't get the shot. Simple as that.

Same here.

The Wife's wedding contract included a meal clause--they provide--if the shoot is 6 hours or more. Including that in the contract removes any ambiguity (not to mention keeling over from hypoglycemia!).

I've been fortunate that the B&G's that I have had in the past have come over, made us take a break and eat. I always have Special K bars (the double chocolate are GREAT) and Powerade Zero at weddings just in case. However, I and my minions will eat, whether it's the same as the regular guests or if we go get drive-thru. We've been fortunate that we have had a separate table at the receptions. We eat when everyone else is eating. There usually isn't anything too special going on during the meal; however, I keep an eye out in case I am needed. By they way, I had some of the best roast I've ever eaten at the last wedding. The B&G also served the DJ and his assistant their meals and made sure they didn't go without.

Ohio Dept of Labor requires a 30 minute meal and 2 15 minute breaks per every 8 hours of work. It doesn't stipulate that you have to be paid for that meal, but it does require one.