# Catering Invoice Template Invoice Mama offers free catering invoice templates in Excel, PDF, and Word. Align final bills with your proposals, show deposits and balances, and give planners a clean breakdown of food, beverages, staff, and rentals. Canonical page: https://invoicemama.com/invoice-template/catering **Industry:** Catering ## Download Your Free Catering Invoice Template A catering invoice template is a ready-made bill layout for food service events. Download free Excel, PDF, and Word files to itemize menus, guest counts, staffing, rentals, taxes, deposits, and balances in one place. - [Excel](https://mr2.invoicemama.com/invoice-templates/excel/catering-invoice-template-4.xlsx) - [Word](https://mr2.invoicemama.com/invoice-templates/word/catering-invoice-template-4.docx) - [PDF](https://mr2.invoicemama.com/invoice-templates/pdf/catering-invoice-template-4.pdf) ## Frequently asked questions ### Is this catering invoice template completely free? Yes. This catering invoice template is 100% free with no strings attached. Download Excel, PDF, or Word. No email required, no credit card, and no hidden fees. ### What should a catering invoice include? A complete catering invoice should include your company details, event date and location, guest count, an itemized menu with per-person pricing, beverages, equipment rentals, staffing costs, applicable fees, service charge, tax, total amount, deposit paid, and the remaining balance due. Refer to our sample catering invoices above for a real-world view of how these elements come together. ### How do you write a catering invoice? Download your free template in Excel, PDF, or Word. Add your business details and logo, enter the event date and location, list menu items by course with per-person pricing, include beverages, equipment rentals, and staffing costs. Apply taxes, note the deposit paid, and calculate the balance due. Send the invoice within 24-48 hours after the event for faster payment. ### How should I price catering? Per-person: Appetizers ($25-65), buffet ($30-75), plated ($55-120), breakfast ($18-45). Add 18-22% service charge. Factor in food, labor, rentals, overhead, profit. ### Should I require deposits? Yes. 25-50% at booking. Larger deposits for weddings. Final balance at completion or within 7 days. ### How do I handle guest count changes? Set deadline (7-10 days before) for guaranteed minimum. Bill for minimum or actual, whichever is higher. ### Do I charge sales tax? It varies by state and sometimes by venue type. Many states tax prepared food and catering delivery. Use your state revenue department guidance and ask a tax professional when contracts are large. The template includes tax fields so you can enter the correct rate. ### Do catering invoices help with tax records? Yes. Invoices and receipts help document gross receipts and deductible expenses. The IRS discusses supporting records for businesses in Publication 583, Starting a Business and Keeping Records. Keep invoices that match deposits, final payments, and vendor bills. ### How do I bill bar service? Open bar ($15-35/person/hour), consumption-based, cash bar, or packages. Itemize bartender fees, setup, alcohol. ### What payment terms? Deposit at booking (25-50%), balance at completion. Corporate: Net 15-30. Offer credit cards for faster payment. ### Can I customize the template? Yes. Add your logo, modify menus, adjust categories, and customize payment terms. ### Why use Invoice Mama? Save time with saved menus and clients. Track events in one dashboard. Accept online payments and send reminders from one place. Start free and upgrade to affordable plans when you need unlimited access. ## Related templates - [freelancer](https://invoicemama.com/invoice-template/freelancer) - [consulting](https://invoicemama.com/invoice-template/consulting) - [construction](https://invoicemama.com/invoice-template/construction) - [Create this in Invoice Mama](https://app.invoicemama.com/sign-up) --- Invoice Mama is invoicing software for contractors, freelancers, and small businesses. It is not a tax, legal, or accounting firm. For current pricing, use the live pricing page. **More:** [Home](https://invoicemama.com/) - [Pricing](https://invoicemama.com/pricing) - [Guides](https://invoicemama.com/guides) - [Tools](https://invoicemama.com/tools) - [Invoice templates hub](https://invoicemama.com/invoice-template)