Caterers need to document the agreements they enter into with clients. This protects your legal rights and helps reduce disagreements with your customers.
A free catering contract template makes it easy for you to make a comprehensive agreement you can use in your business. Learn more about writing a contract and download a template below.
What Is a Catering Contract?
A catering contract is a service agreement between a client and the caterer. It details the services the caterer will provide either as an independent contractor or an employee of a catering company.
This written document outlines the essential details of what the parties agreed to. A catering contract is also often called:
- Catering service agreement
- Catering services contract
- Restaurant catering contract
- Wedding catering contract
Who Should Use a Catering Contract?
Anyone that offers catering services should have a written catering contract. These include situations such as:
- Catering a wedding
- Catering corporate events, parties, or meetings
- Catering private functions and family events
- Catering a business lunch
- One-time or recurring catering agreements
Why Use a Catering Contract?
There are many benefits of using a catering contract. It can give you benefits such as:
- Fewer disputes between you and your customers
- Clear guidelines and expectations about the job
- Detailed cost and payment information
- Easy dispute resolution
Every caterer should write their agreement to get these and other benefits.
What To Include in a Catering Contract
There are specific important terms you need to include in every catering contract, including:
State and Date of the Agreement
The catering agreement should include the date it was signed and the state in which it was signed. This is important if there is ever a legal dispute over the contract.
Names of the Parties
Include names and other contact information in the contract, including:
- The parties’ individual names
- Their business name and official titles, if any
- Addresses for individuals and businesses
Description of the Catering Services
A written catering agreement should include a detailed list of what is involved with the job. It should outline:
- The date the catering will take place
- The food offered
- The cost of food or the sale of goods
- The fees charged
- Whether it is buffet style or requires servers
- How long the event will take
Legal Protections
Many caterers miss out on critical legal protections because they do not know what to add to their agreements. A customizable service contract includes provisions that protect your legal rights.
Signature Section
A written service contract is not legally binding without signatures. It should have a section for the printed and signed names of the parties.
Catering Contract Sample
The printable catering contract sample below can help you build a written agreement. You can download this template in PDF or Word format:
Catering Contract
