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Tasteful Catering & Event Decor
Fee Disclosure
Do you charge delivery fees?
Yes. Local deliveries start at $40 and vary by distance, vehicle size, and number of vehicles. We’ll always quote in advance if your event requires multiple vehicles or trucks. Full Disclosure (expanded): $40–$90 for local delivery (0–30 miles, van or SUV). Custom quote for events beyond 30 miles or requiring multiple vehicles/box trucks. What it covers: Transport of food, décor, and equipment. When it applies: Included for most events; additional for large décor installs or long-distance venues.
Is setup and breakdown included?
Catering Setup & Breakdown
Setup and breakdown are included in Full-Service Catering. Drop-Off clients may add setup/breakdown for an additional fee. Full Disclosure (expanded): Setup: $300–$800 depending on guest count Breakdown: $250–$600+ depending on guest count What it covers: Buffet/service station build, equipment handling, teardown When it applies: Always included in Full-Service Catering; applies to Drop-Off if setup/strike requested
Décor Installation & Strike
Décor setup is always included. Strike (tear-down) is included in Full-Service and optional for Drop-Off. Full Disclosure (expanded): Essentials Décor Drop-Off: Delivery + setup included; strike not included Full Service Décor: Installation + strike included Stand-alone strike (if requested): $250–$1,000 depending on complexity What it covers: Installing/tearing down décor such as garlands, backdrops, and scenic builds
Bundled Packages
All Bundled Packages include delivery, setup, strike, and staffing. Signature and Luxe also include gratuity. Full Disclosure (expanded): All Bundled Packages include: Standard delivery (within 20 miles, one vehicle) Catering setup and breakdown Décor installation and strike (Essentials Drop-Off: setup only, no strike) Staffing according to event size Signature & Luxe Bundles: Gratuity for staff is included Additional fees may apply for: Extended travel or multiple vehicles Third-party rentals (linens, chairs, drape, tableware, lighting) Custom fabrication beyond package minimums Rush changes (within 7 days of event) After-hours labor (before 7 am or after 10 pm)
Are gratuities included?
Gratuity is included or required for all Catering and Bundles, and optional for Décor-only packages. Full Disclosure (expanded): Required: All Catering Packages (Essentials, Signature, Luxe) and all Bundles Optional but recommended: Stand-alone Décor Packages Standard rate: 18–20% of subtotal
Do you charge for staffing?
Staffing is included in Full-Service Catering, Décor, and Bundles. Additional staff are billed hourly if requested. Full Disclosure (expanded): Servers/Attendants: $25–$35/hr Bartenders: $30–$50/hr (+setup/strike) Banquet Captain: $35–$55/hr Chefs: $30–$65/hr Décor Team: $25–$75/hr depending on role Gratuity: Required for all Catering Packages and Bundles; optional but recommended for Décor-only Packages
What about rentals?
Rentals such as linens, chairs, drape, and lighting vary in pricing by quantity and quality and may be billed at vendor cost + a coordination fee if they are source though a vendor partner. Full Disclosure (expanded): Linens: $10–$40 per table Chairs: $7–$12 each Pipe & drape/backdrop: $200–$400 Tableware/chargers: $4–$6 per guest Lighting: $250–$1,000+ All rentals are billed at vendor cost plus a 10–20% coordination fee.
Do you offer custom décor?
Yes, we offer custom décor. Signature packages start at $750; Luxe Packages start at $1,500+. Rush fees apply. Full Disclosure (expanded): Signature Packages: From $750 (branded props, signage, backdrops) Luxe Packages: From $1,500+ (scenic builds, immersive installations) Rush Fabrication: +15–25% surcharge if needed in under 10 business days
What is a damage waiver?
A damage waiver protects against small losses. It applies to both Tasteful-owned items and third-party rentals. Full Disclosure (expanded): Tasteful-Owned Equipment: 7% of equipment value (minimum $75) Covers normal wear, small losses, or minor breakages of Tasteful-owned serveware and décor Excludes theft, negligence, or major destruction (billed separately) Third-Party Rentals: 5–10% of rental invoice Required by rental vendors If Tasteful coordinates rentals, the vendor’s waiver will be billed at cost + coordination fee
Do you charge extra for late events or last-minute changes?
Change Orders & Rush
Yes, last-minute changes may carry fees. Rush staffing and fabrication also incur surcharges. Full Disclosure (expanded): $100–$300 + vendor costs for menu or décor changes within 7 days of event Rush staffing billed at overtime rates
After-Hours & Overtime
Yes. Late strikes, early load-ins, and extended events may incur additional labor charges. Full Disclosure (expanded): After-hours surcharge: +25% for strikes after 10 pm or load-ins before 7 am Overtime: 1.5× hourly rate for staff if events run past contracted time
Are taxes included?
Taxes are not included in your package price. Full Disclosure (expanded): State and local sales tax applies to food, rentals, and taxable services
Tasteful Catering & Event Decor
Client Policies and Terms
Deposit & Payment Policy
6+ Months Before Event
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Under $10,000: 25% deposit at booking
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$10,000–$25,000: 30% deposit at booking
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$25,000+: 35% deposit at booking
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Vendor deposits (rentals, décor, AV, etc.) are due when billed
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Balance due 10 business days before event
3–6 Months Before Event
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Under $10,000: 40% deposit
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$10,000–$25,000: 50% deposit
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$25,000+: 60% deposit
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Balance due 10 business days before event
Less Than 90 Days
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75% deposit at booking, balance due 10 business days before event
Less Than 30 Days
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100% payment due at booking
All deposits are non-refundable. Vendor deposits follow the vendor’s cancellation policy. See Fee Disclosure for additional fee details related to vendor coordination.
Cancellation & Rescheduling
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Deposits are non-refundable.
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If cancellation occurs, costs already incurred (labor, vendor deposits, purchased materials) will be deducted from payments received. If costs exceed payments, the client is responsible for the balance.
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Cancellations more than 30 days before the event: payments beyond actual costs will be refunded.
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Cancellations within 30 days of the event: no refunds.
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Rescheduling due to emergencies or force majeure will be accommodated within 12 months, subject to vendor availability and vendor fees.
See Fee Disclosure for setup, breakdown, and staffing fees that may still apply in the event of cancellation.
Guest Count & Guarantees
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Final guest count is due 14 business days before your event.
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Billing is based on the guaranteed count or actual number served, whichever is higher.
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Increases after the deadline may incur additional charges for staff, rentals, and food sourcing.
Additional staffing and overtime rates are outlined in the Fee Disclosure.
Food & Beverage
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Allergies and dietary restrictions must be disclosed in writing before the event. Tasteful cannot be held responsible for undisclosed allergies.
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Outside food and beverages are not permitted unless approved in writing.
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Leftovers may be packaged at the client’s request prior to the event; otherwise, leftovers are not guaranteed.
Additional food safety and packaging fees may apply, as noted in the Fee Disclosure.
Rentals & Décor
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Rentals (linens, chairs, tableware, draping, lighting, etc.) arranged by Tasteful are billed at vendor cost.
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Clients are responsible for lost or damaged rental items. Replacement costs are billed at full vendor rates.
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Custom fabrication and décor remain property of Tasteful unless purchased outright.
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Clients are responsible for confirming that their venue permits décor elements such as candles, rigging, or large installations.
See Fee Disclosure for décor setup and breakdown fees, and vendor coordination charges.
Staffing & Service
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Gratuity of 18% is included in Signature and Luxe catering packages, and optional for Essentials and décor-only services.
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Staffing levels are determined by guest count and service style (buffet, plated, cocktail).
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Overtime is billed at $50 per staff member, per hour if the event exceeds contracted time.
Staffing fee details are outlined in the Fee Disclosure.
Insurance & Liability
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Tasteful carries general liability insurance for catering and décor services.
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Clients are strongly encouraged to carry event insurance to cover venue requirements and guest-related liabilities.
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A 7% damage waiver fee applies to Tasteful-owned equipment. Third-party rentals are subject to vendor damage waiver or replacement policies.
See Fee Disclosure for complete details on insurance-related fees.
Additional Policies
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Late Payments: A 5% late fee applies after 5 business days past due. 1.5% monthly interest accrues on overdue balances. Events with unpaid balances may not proceed until payment is received in full.
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Fee References: All fees outlined in Tasteful’s Fee Disclosure apply. This policy document summarizes those fees; in case of overlap, the Fee Disclosure is the authoritative source.
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Force Majeure: Tasteful is not liable for cancellations due to events beyond our control (e.g., natural disasters, strikes, venue closures).
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Client Responsibility: Clients are responsible for providing accurate event details, access to the venue, and timely approvals for menus, décor, and layouts.