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Free Catering Contract Template

Download a free catering contract template for electronic signature. Define menu, service, pricing, and event details for catering services.

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Full Template Text

Copy the usable agreement below, replace every [BRACKET] placeholder, then customize for your situation.

Catering Contract
CATERING CONTRACT This Catering Contract (the "Agreement") is entered into as of [Effective Date] (the "Effective Date"), BETWEEN: [Caterer Name], with a principal place of business at [Caterer Address] (the "Caterer"); AND [Client Name], with a principal place of business at [Client Address] (the "Client"). The Caterer and the Client may be referred to individually as a "Party" and collectively as the "Parties." 1. EVENT DETAILS AND VENUE The Caterer will provide catering services for [Event Type] on [Event Date] at [Event Venue Name and Address] (the "Event"). Service hours are [Event Start Time] to [Event End Time]. The Client will provide accurate venue access times, loading dock or kitchen information, and a single on-site contact for day-of coordination. 2. MENU SELECTION AND DIETARY ACCOMMODATIONS The agreed menu is: [Menu Description]. The Caterer will accommodate documented dietary requirements (including [Dietary Accommodations]) when confirmed in writing at least [Menu Change Deadline] before the Event. Substitutions of equal value may be made for unavailable ingredients with Client approval. 3. GUEST COUNT AND FINAL NUMBERS The estimated guest count at signing is [Estimated Guest Count]. The Client will provide final guaranteed guest count by [Final Guest Count Deadline]. The guarantee may not fall below [Minimum Guest Guarantee]. Billing will be based on the final guaranteed count; additional guests served above the guarantee will be charged at [Additional Guest Rate] per person. 4. SERVICE STYLE AND STAFFING Service will be provided in the following style: [Service Style]. Staffing includes [Staffing Details]. Staff will follow reasonable attire standards and comply with venue rules. The Caterer will assign an on-site lead to coordinate service timing with the Client or venue. 5. PRICING AND PAYMENT SCHEDULE The total contract price is [Total Contract Price], subject to adjustment per guest count and approved change orders. The Client will pay a deposit of [Deposit Amount] upon execution. Remaining payments follow: [Payment Schedule]. Late payments may accrue interest at the maximum rate permitted by law. Gratuity and service charges, if any, are [Gratuity Terms]. 6. SETUP, CLEANUP, AND EQUIPMENT The Caterer will arrive for setup at [Setup Arrival Time] and complete breakdown by [Breakdown Completion Time]. The Caterer provides [Equipment Provided]; the Client or venue provides [Client/Venue Provided Items]. The Caterer will remove its equipment, trash from catering operations, and leave the service area in broom-clean condition, excluding pre-existing conditions. 7. CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICY Cancellation terms: [Cancellation Policy]. Deposits may be non-refundable as stated herein. Postponements are subject to Caterer availability and may require a rescheduling fee. Refunds of unused prepaid amounts, if any, will be processed within [Refund Processing Days] days. 8. LIABILITY AND INSURANCE The Caterer will maintain general liability insurance of at least [Insurance Coverage Amount] and provide a certificate upon request. The Caterer is not liable for illness or injury resulting from undisclosed allergies or guest misconduct. Each Party's aggregate liability under this Agreement is limited to [Liability Cap Amount], except for gross negligence, willful misconduct, or non-payment. 9. FORCE MAJEURE Neither Party is liable for failure or delay due to events beyond reasonable control (including severe weather, utility failure, labor disputes, or government orders). If the Event cannot proceed, the Parties will negotiate in good faith regarding rescheduling or partial refund of recoverable costs, minus non-refundable deposits and committed expenses. 10. GOVERNING LAW This Agreement is governed by the laws of [Governing Law / Jurisdiction], without regard to conflict-of-law principles. The courts located in [Governing Law / Jurisdiction] will have exclusive jurisdiction over disputes arising out of or relating to this Agreement, unless the Parties agree in writing to mediation before litigation. 11. GENERAL (a) Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties concerning its subject matter and supersedes prior or contemporaneous agreements on that subject. (b) Amendments. Modifications must be in writing and signed by both Parties. (c) Severability. If any provision is held unenforceable, the remaining provisions remain in effect. (d) Assignment. Neither Party may assign this Agreement without the other Party's prior written consent, except to a successor in connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of substantially all assets. (e) Counterparts and Electronic Signatures. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, including electronic signatures, each of which will be deemed an original. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Agreement as of the Effective Date. CATERER Name: [Caterer Name] Signature: _______________________________ Name of Signatory: _______________________ Title: ___________________________________ Date: ____________________________________ CLIENT Name: [Client Name] Signature: _______________________________ Name of Signatory: _______________________ Title: ___________________________________ Date: ____________________________________

This is a starting template, not legal advice. Have a qualified attorney review it for your jurisdiction and use case before signing.

A catering contract ensures both the caterer and the client are aligned on menu, service expectations, and financial terms for any event — from intimate dinners to large-scale corporate functions.

What Is a Catering Contract?

A catering contract is a service agreement between a caterer and a client for the provision of food, beverage, and related services for a specific event. It covers everything from menu details and guest counts to pricing, logistics, and cancellation terms.

Essential Clauses

1. Event Details

  • Event date, start and end times
  • Venue name and address
  • Type of event (wedding, corporate, birthday, holiday party)
  • Indoor or outdoor setting
  • Kitchen and preparation facilities available on-site

2. Menu & Dietary Needs

  • Complete menu with all courses listed
  • Beverage options (non-alcoholic, alcoholic, bar service)
  • Dietary accommodations (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, allergen-free)
  • Tasting session schedule (if included)
  • Menu change deadline

3. Guest Count

  • Estimated guest count at signing
  • Deadline for final confirmed count (typically 7-14 days before event)
  • Minimum guest guarantee
  • Pricing adjustments for count changes after deadline
  • Overset percentage (extra meals prepared, typically 5-10%)

4. Service Style & Staffing

  • Service type: buffet, plated, family-style, stations, cocktail reception
  • Number of servers, bartenders, and kitchen staff
  • Staff attire requirements
  • Service timeline (cocktail hour, dinner service, cake cutting)
  • Manager or coordinator on-site

5. Pricing & Payment

  • Per-person pricing by menu tier
  • Service charges and gratuity
  • Tax calculations
  • Deposit amount and due date
  • Progress payment schedule
  • Final payment deadline
  • Accepted payment methods
  • Overtime charges (if event runs long)

6. Setup & Cleanup

  • Arrival time for setup
  • Equipment provided (tables, chairs, linens, china, flatware)
  • Equipment rental costs (if separate)
  • Cleanup timeline and responsibilities
  • Leftover food policy

7. Cancellation Policy

  • Cancellation deadlines and corresponding refund percentages
  • Postponement vs cancellation terms
  • Weather-related cancellations for outdoor events
  • Force majeure provisions
  • Non-refundable booking fees

How to Customize This Template

  1. Detail the menu precisely — List every dish, portion size, and presentation style to avoid day-of surprises.

  2. Set realistic deadlines — Give enough time for guest count finalization and menu changes.

  3. Address alcohol carefully — If providing bar service, specify whether the caterer or client provides the alcohol, liability insurance, and responsible service policies.

  4. Include a contingency plan — For outdoor events, define rain plans and how they affect setup and service.

  5. Get proof of insurance — Require the caterer to carry liability insurance and provide a certificate of insurance.

How to Send for E-Signature with WPsigner

  1. Upload — Add this catering contract to WPsigner
  2. Customize — Fill in event details, menu, pricing, and payment schedule
  3. Add fields — Place signature and date fields for both caterer and client
  4. Send — Client reviews and signs from any device
  5. Store — Signed contracts are securely stored with audit trails

Catering companies can create a master template in WPsigner and customize it for each event — saving hours on contract preparation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should a catering contract include?

A catering contract should include event date, time, and venue, menu selections with pricing per person, guest count and deadline for final numbers, service style (buffet, plated, family-style), staffing details, setup/cleanup responsibilities, alcohol service terms, payment schedule, cancellation and refund policy, and liability/insurance provisions.

When should I sign a catering contract?

Sign a catering contract as early as possible — ideally 3-6 months before the event for large events like weddings, or 4-6 weeks for smaller corporate events. This secures the caterer for your date and provides adequate time for menu planning, tastings, and logistics coordination.

What is a typical deposit for catering services?

A typical catering deposit ranges from 25-50% of the estimated total, due at contract signing. The remaining balance is usually due 1-2 weeks before the event, with final adjustments based on the confirmed guest count. Some caterers also charge a non-refundable booking fee.

Who is responsible for leftover food after a catered event?

This should be addressed in the contract. Typically, the client can keep leftover food, but some health regulations may restrict this. The caterer is usually responsible for removing their equipment, unused supplies, and cleaning their service area. Leftovers become the client responsibility after event conclusion.

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