I am against providing meal allowance (whether in food or in currency) because
- There is no PUBLIC law of the land that enforces all services should be given such
- So far, the WEDDING INDUSTRY is popularly/notoriously setting the trend for this requirement because their services run for hours; if this is the case, and in addition to the first, then ALL transactions should be given meal allowance, and why should it be exclusive to the wedding industry? Allow me to include more deserving professions:
Since the health care sector invests time for recovery of the patient, they should also be given meals for their hard work for every shift or hour.
Transport network vehicle services (TNVSs) and logistics drivers should also be fed since they travel long periods for their client's destinations, not to mention they pay for gas.
Since call center agents communicate with customers for prolonged periods, they should also be given food.
What about the agricultural sector? They should supposedly merit food the most since they grow the harvest themselves for us, but sadly the inverse is true. They are not even compensated properly.
- It promotes the wrong tipping culture such as in the United States, where food servers coerce the customers for tips, when it should be the responsibility of the employers for their just wage. Tips are earned, not solicited. If they tip the service, it means they were more than satisfied, not to avoid guilt.
- Suppliers should opt for a service charge instead because currency is the fairest form of exchange; remember, we evolved from the barter system because the value of certain goods is relative and different for each party.
- In relation to the previous statement, not everyone eats the same amount, and the more you eat away from your allowance, the less change you will receive. Some suppliers would rather ask for money instead of food, so why not just add it to service charge instead?
- Not all suppliers serve periods of time; some simply deliver their goods to the venues, so why should they also be fed? Most porters are satisfied to receive their pay, even the minimum wage, and yet they don't ask for food.
- It's an additional expense and headache for the couple to think for their food, not to mention their picky preferences, allergies (if present), religion, logistics of the crew meal, and corkage if a venue requires. The rates of their services are negotiated in favor of the supplier, so why should the couple provide more compensation?
- I'll start with the list and update as more commenters share information.
- [UPDATE] I appreciate the help of fellow Redditors for providing their recommendations and experiences. Since this post is gaining interest, I will categorize each supplier depending on their service/goods offered throughout the following days.
NO MEAL ALLOWANCE REQUIRED:
- Tantoco's Catering (Caterer and Stylist)
- JMB Events Management
- Coffee Break
- Mardi's Bites and Bliss
- The Vine and the Branches
- Southern Blooms Manila
- Oliver's Kitchen Tarlac
- Joven's Catering Services
- Gunita Gift Box ph
- Mang Odie's Ice Cream
- Hiraya Creative Visual
- Niz Lights & Sounda
- Juan Carlo and Cocktails Manila (wedding promo)*
- Gudz Hernandez Florals
- Anitta Cafe
- HMUA Justine Balagtas
- Densol's Catering
- AKreamy and Delights
- A&K Mobile Bar
- Madriaga's Catering
- The Coffee Dose est. 2025
- Tastygraham
- DRIFT&Co (Bridal Car)
- Cassie&Sweets
- Half and Half Coffee Cart
- Marquis
- Sariwa Florals
- Pao Larawan
- Elegant Perfumes
- Bizu
- Passion Cooks
- Arlene's Catering
- Araro
- NM Productions
- Chef Maria
- Fotomato (photobooth)
- Clementine Catering*
- Enderun (Catering?)
- Mahas Kitchen
- One Stop Shot Events
- Belagis Catering
- Josiah’s Catering
- Periwinkle Crystal Event Planning and Coordination
- Marcia Adams
- Canvas of Praise
- Chef Pinong Lechon
- Papa P Party Food Cart
- Yugto Cocktails
*Conflict of testimonies from commenters
