For an event host or organizer hiring a caterer, food truck, or service vendor — covers menus, staffing, guest counts, deposit and cancellation policies, alcohol service, and insurance requirements.
Drafted by a Harvard Law entertainment attorney.
Pick an option to continue.
Answer a few guided questions and we'll create your contract with your answers built in. E-sign or download when you're done.
Answer a few questions
About 2 to 5 minutes
Download a blank version in Word or PDF that you fill out yourself. Every spot to fill is highlighted in yellow.
Get the blank template
Download instantly
This contract is built for organizers hiring a caterer or vendor and for the caterers and vendors they hire. It fits food and beverage catering as well as other event vendors, and sets the menu or services, price, setup and service times, staffing, and each side's responsibilities.
It helps to have these details on hand before you create your contract:
Parties and recitals
Identifies the client and caterer or vendor and the event being served.
Catering or vendor services
Describes the event, the food or services, the schedule, and food safety or service standards.
Staffing and equipment
Covers any staff and equipment the vendor provides, when included.
Guest count and changes
Sets how the final guest count is confirmed and how increases or decreases affect billing for catering.
Compensation and payment
Sets the total fee, payment schedule, adjustments, gratuity, and additional charges.
Cancellation and postponement
Sets what is owed if either side cancels and how postponement is handled.
Insurance and liability
Sets insurance requirements, responsibility for damage, and limits on liability.
Representations and warranties
Covers each side's promises, including licenses and permits.
Disputes and general provisions
Covers standard terms such as notices, how disputes are handled, and signatures.
These are common issues to watch for in any catering & vendor agreement: