In Indian weddings, food isn’t just a part of the celebration, it’s almost sacred. No matter how big or small the gathering, there’s an unsaid rule: “khana kha ke jana.” And this isn’t reserved only for the guests. From the decorators and band members to the photographers and videographers, it’s common courtesy to ensure that everyone who worked through the chaos of the day leaves after eating.
Which is why a recent clash between a Delhi bride and her wedding photographers over food has struck such a nerve online.
A Delhi bride, who was planning her big day later this year, left a 1-star Google review for her wedding photographers, We Don’t Say Cheese (WDSC), after an argument broke out over meals for the crew.
The bride wrote that the team’s demand to be fed during the event was “unreasonable,” especially since the venue was charging Rs 6,000 per head. She said she was okay with arranging food from an outside vendor, but she did not want the photographers to take meal breaks during the function. She also wasn’t happy about WDSC asking for full advance payment. Unhappy with the interaction, she dropped a negative review, saying she couldn’t work with “rigid vendors.”
Richa Oberoi, the WDSC’s business head, took to Instagram to share the entire ordeal along with screenshots of messages from the bride.
“This is not about fine dining. This is about basic dignity. We simply asked not to be treated as invisible labour,” she wrote.
Oberoi explained that the team usually works 12–15 hour shifts carrying heavy cameras and equipment, and food is essential. They never demanded the same meals as the guests, just that the hosts either arrange food for them or reimburse what they order themselves.
According to Moneycontrol, the wedding events were set to run from 8.30 AM till dinner. Six photographers and videographers were part of the crew. The bride insisted on dictating their meal breaks, which they found unacceptable.
After three days of back-and-forth, WDSC finally walked away from the Rs 4 lakh gig.
Have a look at the full Instagram post here:
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Should wedding vendors be provided meals as a basic courtesy, or should they fend for themselves? What do you think – is asking for food at a 12-hour shoot unreasonable, or just human?