What Is a Catering Contract?
A catering contract is a written agreement between a caterer and a client that explains how food or beverage services will be provided for an event. A caterer is a person or a business that prepares and serves food for events. In most cases, the caterer works as an independent contractor, not an employee of the client. This means the caterer controls how the work is done, while the client agrees to pay under the terms of the contract.
Putting these expectations in writing helps avoid problems later. A catering service contract outlines details such as menu items, pricing, staffing, and cancellations. Catering contracts are commonly used for weddings, corporate events, private parties, and other events. By setting the terms in writing, both parties know exactly what to expect on the day of the event.
Legal Templates’s offers a free catering service contract template that you can use to draft your agreement. Just answer a few simple questions to customize and create your contract in minutes.
How to Create a Catering Contract
A catering contract should clearly state what services are provided, how much they cost, and what happens if plans change. Here’s what you should include in your catering contract:
Identify the Parties and Event Details
Start by listing the full legal names and addresses of the caterer and the client. If the caterer uses a different business name, include that as well. The contract should also specify the event date and the location where the service will take place.
Describe the Catering Services
Explain what services the caterer will provide. This may include the type of food or beverage service, whether the agreement covers a single event or multiple events, and how the services are priced.
Set Payment Terms
Specify how payments will be handled. Your catering contract agreement should state the total cost of the services and whether a deposit is required. The agreement should also include payment deadlines and list all accepted payment methods. This ensures that neither party has to deal with payment disputes later.
Use a free catering contract invoice template to bill clients after the event. Ensure the invoice aligns with the pricing and payment terms outlined in your catering contract.
Address Cancellations and Other Terms
You can include additional terms in your catering contract agreement to address common situations. These terms help set clear expectations if something changes before or during the event. You can address things like:
- The right to cancel and any related fees
- Confidentiality requirements
- Event-specific rules, such as venue restrictions, if any
- Rules for rescheduling or changing event details
Review and Sign
Before finalizing the contract, both parties should carefully review it. Each party should then sign the agreement and keep a copy for their records.
Sample Catering Contract
Review a sample catering contract template below to see what details to include. Then, use our step-by-step questionnaire to customize and download your catering service contract in PDF or Word format.
