Our Policies
Deposit, cancellation, and service policies for a smooth planning experience.
Our Policies & Service Terms
We believe in complete transparency throughout the planning process. The policies below are designed to protect both our clients and our team, ensuring every event is handled with clarity, professionalism, and care. Please review these terms before signing your service agreement — and don't hesitate to reach out with any questions.
Deposit & Reservation
Securing Your Date
A non-refundable deposit of 25% of the estimated event total is required to reserve your date and begin the planning process. Your date is not confirmed until the deposit has been received and a signed contract is on file. We recommend booking as early as possible — popular dates, particularly summer weekends and all of December, fill very quickly.
Contract Requirement
All events require a signed service agreement before work begins. The agreement outlines the scope of services, menu selections, staffing levels, and all associated fees. Changes made after the contract is signed may be subject to additional charges depending on timing and availability.
Payment Schedule
Deposit — Due at Booking
25% of the estimated event total is due at the time of booking to secure your date. This deposit is non-refundable.
Second Payment — 30 Days Before Event
An additional 50% of the estimated event total is due no later than 30 days prior to your event date. At this point, your guest count, menu selections, and staffing needs should be finalized.
Final Balance — 7 Days Before Event
The remaining balance, adjusted for any final guest count changes or additions, is due 7 days before your event. No further changes to the guest count or menu will be accepted after this point without prior written approval.
Accepted Payment Methods
We accept personal checks, cashier's checks, Zelle, and all major credit cards. A 3% processing fee applies to credit card payments. Checks should be made payable to A Tasteful Affair.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation by Client
All cancellations must be submitted in writing. The initial 25% deposit is non-refundable under all circumstances, as it covers administrative costs and opportunity loss from holding your date.
Cancellations 60+ Days Before Event
If you cancel 60 or more days before your event, only the deposit is forfeited. Any additional payments already made will be refunded.
Cancellations 30–59 Days Before Event
Cancellations made 30 to 59 days prior to the event will result in forfeiture of the deposit plus 25% of the remaining estimated balance, as food purchasing and staffing commitments will have been made.
Cancellations Under 30 Days
Cancellations made fewer than 30 days before the event date will result in forfeiture of 75% of the total estimated contract value. At this stage, staffing, rentals, and perishable food orders are already in process.
Cancellation by A Tasteful Affair
In the rare event that we must cancel due to unforeseen circumstances (severe weather, family emergency, or force majeure), we will provide as much advance notice as possible and refund all payments received in full. We will also do our best to assist you in finding a suitable replacement caterer.
Guest Count & Menu Changes
Final Guest Count
A preliminary guest count is required at the time of booking. The final guaranteed guest count must be submitted no later than 7 days before the event. We will prepare food for the guaranteed count and cannot be responsible for shortages caused by last-minute increases beyond that number.
Minimum Guest Count
Our standard minimum is 25 guests for most events. For gatherings under 25, please contact us directly to discuss available options, as a minimum service charge may apply.
Menu Changes
Menu selections should be finalized no later than 30 days before your event. Minor adjustments may be accommodated up to 14 days prior; however, significant changes after this period may not be possible and could be subject to additional charges.
Service Terms & Conditions
Service Hours
Our quoted service hours are based on your event timeline as agreed in the contract. Additional time required beyond the contracted hours will be billed at the applicable hourly staff rates. We will always communicate with you before authorizing overtime.
Venue Access
We require access to the event venue at least 2–3 hours prior to the start time for setup, depending on the scope of service. It is the client's responsibility to arrange and confirm venue access with the facility. Any delays resulting in insufficient setup time may affect service quality.
Equipment & Rentals
All equipment provided by A Tasteful Affair (chafing dishes, serving utensils, linens, etc.) must be returned clean and undamaged. The client is responsible for the cost of any lost, damaged, or unreturned items. Rental items arranged on your behalf are subject to the rental company's own terms.
Food Safety & Leftovers
For health and safety reasons, we are unable to guarantee the safety of food left over after service. Clients who wish to retain leftovers do so at their own risk. Our staff will follow all California Department of Public Health food safety guidelines throughout your event.
Alcohol Service
A Tasteful Affair is not licensed to sell or purchase alcohol. However, we are licensed and insured to serve alcohol provided by the client. Clients are responsible for obtaining any required permits for alcohol service at their venue. Our staff reserves the right to refuse service to visibly intoxicated guests.
Gratuity
Gratuities are not included in our billing and are never required. They are, however, deeply appreciated by our service staff. A customary gratuity of $25–$60 per staff member, or a percentage of the total, is a meaningful way to recognize exceptional service. We do not place tip jars on bars for private events or weddings.
Liability & Insurance
General Liability
A Tasteful Affair carries general liability insurance and product liability coverage up to five million dollars. Our staff are covered by workers' compensation insurance. Certificates of insurance are available upon request and can be provided directly to your venue.
Limitation of Liability
A Tasteful Affair's liability is limited to the total value of the services contracted. We are not responsible for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from service disruptions caused by events beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to natural disasters, power failures, or venue issues.
Client Responsibility
The client is responsible for ensuring that all necessary venue permits, health department approvals, and local event permits are in place prior to the event. A Tasteful Affair cannot be held liable for event cancellations or service disruptions resulting from a lack of proper permits.
Questions About Our Policies?
Our team is happy to walk you through any of the above terms before you sign. We want you to feel completely confident going into your event.