What to Include in a Catering Proposal
4 min read
Quick answer
A catering proposal should include event details, menu and portions, per-person and total price, what is included, staffing, deposit and payment terms, headcount deadline, cancellation policy, and an expiration date.
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Essential sections
- Date, venue, guest count, and service style
- Menu with descriptions
- Pricing and what is included
- Deposit, balance, and cancellation terms
- Final headcount deadline
- Quote expiration date
Protect your margin in writing
Clear terms on headcount changes and add-ons keep last-minute requests from becoming free work.
Frequently asked questions
How long should a catering quote be valid?
Set a short validity window so ingredient price changes do not erode your margin before the client signs.
How MyFoodCostIQ helps with this
See your real numbers automatically
MyFoodCostIQ tracks food cost, event profit, and ordering for food trucks, trailers, and caterers.
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