What’s the amount of deposit?
This will depend on how far away your event date is. Generally, a 25 percent deposit is required to confirm any date. The goal is to give 90 percent of the estimated cost of your event to Monterey Bay Caterers 30 days prior to your date. We often waive deposits for repeat customers. A $2,500 minimum deposit is required to hold dates at our Pajaro Dunes location.
After your deposit is received, you will get a confirmation letter with receipt. This letter will include when your count guarantee is due and other related information.
When is the deposit due?
ASAP. Without a deposit, the date and our services are not on hold. Once we send you a bid, we will follow up in about a week to discuss the status of your event.
If we do not receive your deposit in 10 days, we will give you a courtesy call or e-mail. If we do not hear back from you within 48 hours, the date will be released.
When is the balance due?
You will receive a final detailed statement after your event, usually within five days. Final payment is due within 15 days of your event.
What is a count guarantee, and when is it due?
A count guarantee is how many people you anticipate will attend your reception / ceremony and is due five working days prior to your event. Our confirmation letter will give you a specific date. Once you have guaranteed a specific count, that number cannot be decreased, but it can be increased within reason. You will be billed for your count guarantee as a minimum. Monterey Bay Caterers will prepare a three percent overage on plated meals and five percent overage on buffets.
What if it rains?
As many of you know, our beautiful California coastal region provides us with lots of different kinds of weather. With 39-plus years of experience and having worked on marriages more than 800 times, our experience says to plan the wedding the way you want it, but to be realistic about the normal weather pattern for your time, date and location. Then, have an alternative game plan.
What about tastings?
Once we have a deposit, Monterey Bay Caterers will deliver, upon request a no-charge tasting of the items you have selected or would like to see, at your location. If we do not have a deposit, there will be a minimal charge for tastings.