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Events

Catering Contract Template

Catering contracts live on one number: the final guest count. This template sets the date it's locked, what happens when fewer guests show up (you still charge the confirmed count), and how extra guests are billed. It also covers the menu and substitutions when ingredients aren't available, allergens and dietary requirements, staffing and service hours, rentals and cleanup, and leftover food. Use it for weddings, corporate lunches, and private events, and take the deposit when the client signs.

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Catering Contract Template

Between
Jane Rivera (Rivera Studio)
And
Alex Chen (Acme Bakery)
Total fee
$2,400.00
Deposit
$720.00
Delivery deadline
October 24, 2026

Event, Menu & Service

The Sender will provide catering for the event described in a full redesign of the Acme Bakery marketing website, including a new homepage, menu page, and online ordering integration, including the agreed menu, number of service staff, and service hours. The Sender may substitute an ingredient or dish of equal or higher quality if an item becomes unavailable, and will tell the Client in advance where possible.

Guest Count

The Client will confirm the final guest count in writing at least 10 days before the event. The Client is charged for the confirmed count even if fewer guests attend. Additional guests on the day will be served if food allows and billed at the per-person rate.

Allergies & Dietary Requirements

The Client will share all known allergies and dietary requirements with the final guest count. The Sender will label dishes and prepare requested alternatives with care, but kitchens handle common allergens (nuts, gluten, dairy, shellfish, and others), so the Sender cannot guarantee that any dish is free of trace allergens. Guests with severe allergies should be informed by the Client.

Venue, Rentals & Food Safety

The Client ensures the venue provides the access, kitchen or prep space, water, and power described in a full redesign of the Acme Bakery marketing website, including a new homepage, menu page, and online ordering integration. Rentals are the Client's responsibility once set up, and missing or damaged items are billed at replacement cost. For food-safety reasons, leftover food that has been served may not be packed for guests unless local rules allow it.

Payment Terms

The total fee for this engagement is $2,400.00. The deposit reserves the date and is non-refundable. The balance, adjusted for the final guest count, is due 7 days before the event.

A deposit of $720.00 is due before work begins. The remaining balance is due upon completion and delivery of the final work, unless otherwise agreed in writing.

Invoices are payable within 7 days of receipt. Late payments may accrue a 1.5% monthly late fee, and work may be paused until outstanding balances are settled.

Cancellation

If the Client cancels more than 30 days before the event, the deposit is kept and nothing else is due. If the Client cancels within 30 days, 50% of the total is due; within 7 days, the full total is due, as food and staff will already be committed.

Limitation of Liability

The Sender's total liability under this agreement is limited to the total fees paid by the Client. Neither party is liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from this engagement.

Independent Contractor Relationship

The Sender is engaged as an independent contractor, not an employee, partner, or agent of the Client. The Sender is responsible for their own taxes, insurance, and benefits, and is free to accept other engagements during the term of this agreement, provided they do not conflict with the confidentiality obligations above.

Governing Law & Entire Agreement

This agreement is governed by the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to conflict-of-law principles.

This document represents the entire agreement between the parties regarding a full redesign of the Acme Bakery marketing website, including a new homepage, menu page, and online ordering integration and supersedes any prior discussions or proposals. Any changes must be made in writing and agreed to by both parties.

By signing below, both parties confirm they have read, understood, and agree to the terms above.

FAQ

What if fewer guests show up than confirmed?

The client pays for the confirmed count, locked 10 days before the event under this template. You bought the food and booked the staff for that number.

How should a caterer handle allergies in the contract?

Collect them with the final count, label dishes, and state honestly that trace allergens can't be ruled out in a shared kitchen. The Allergies clause does all three.

What cancellation policy is standard for catering?

A tiered one. This template keeps the deposit before 30 days, charges 50% within 30 days, and 100% within 7 days.

Is this Catering Contract legally binding?

Yes. Signatures collected through Clinch are Simple Electronic Signatures, valid for standard business contracts under the US ESIGN Act and the EU's eIDAS regulation. See our legality page for the full picture.

Can I customize this template?

Every section is editable before you send it — add, remove, or rewrite clauses, and fill in your own fees, deadline, and party details. Nothing is locked until you send it for signature.

How do I send it for signing?

Click "Use this template," edit the details, and send it — your client signs from their phone in about 30 seconds, no account required on their end.

Is it really free?

Yes — every Clinch account can send contracts for free (see /pricing for the exact monthly limit). No credit card required to start.

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