Exquisite Catering Booking, Deposit & Cancellation Policy Explained
TL;DR
Exquisite Catering requires a deposit to confirm bookings. This deposit is non-refundable but can be credited toward a future event. Cancellations, changes, or postponements must be submitted three to seven days before your delivery or event date; late changes may incur additional fees.
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The Short Answer: What Exquisite Catering’s Policy Actually Says
When booking with Exquisite Catering for a corporate lunch, wedding, or Thanksgiving feast delivery, a deposit is required upfront to secure your date and initiate planning. This means:
- Deposits are non-refundable. Full cancellations do not result in a cash refund.
- Deposits can be applied to a future event. Should you reschedule instead of canceling, the deposit remains on your account for a future booking.
- The change window is three to seven days before your event. Cancellations, postponements, or modifications must be communicated within this timeframe.
- Changes made outside this window may incur additional fees.
This policy applies to both Exquisite Catering’s corporate and luxury catering divisions.
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Why Non-Refundable Deposits Are Standard in Catering
This policy is standard across the catering industry. Once a booking is confirmed, caterers commit resources: purchasing ingredients, scheduling staff, reserving equipment, and blocking event capacity.
Industry research supports this. Data from the Institute of Hospitality shows that 18% of procured food is thrown away in the hospitality and food-service sector, with 45% of that waste occurring during the preparation stage. When a client cancels late, the caterer has often already purchased, prepped, or portioned food that cannot be recovered.
A study cited by the U.S. Food Waste Pact / ReFED found that right-sizing portions and finalizing guest counts in advance reduced wasted food costs from 41% to 25%. Late changes undermine this advance planning, explaining the three-to-seven-day notice requirement.
The deposit protects both parties: Exquisite Catering from unrecoverable costs, and clients by securing the date and ensuring dedicated resources from day one.
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The Three-to-Seven-Day Change Window: What It Covers
This three-to-seven-day window covers three types of client-initiated changes:
- Cancellations: Ending the booking entirely.
- Postponements: Moving the event to a different date.
- Changes: Adjusting guest count, menu selections, delivery time, or other logistics.
The window is a range, not a single cutoff, because event types have varying lead times. An office lunch differs logistically from a wedding or gala. If unsure if your change falls within the acceptable window, contact Exquisite Catering directly as early as possible.
For corporate catering inquiries, call 305-622-3663. For luxury events, call 954-516-0041. You can also use the contact forms on the website for non-urgent requests.
Beyond policy, this timing is practical. A PCMA study of 20,000 meals across six business events revealed 42% of buffet food went uneaten. Much of this waste stems from last-minute guest count changes caterers had no time to adjust for. Early communication enables accurate planning by Exquisite Catering, directly benefiting your event.
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Applying Your Deposit to a Future Event
The credit-toward-future-events provision is the most client-friendly aspect of this policy. If your event cannot proceed as planned (e.g., venue issues, date conflicts, or timeline shifts), you do not forfeit the deposit. Instead, you can apply it toward a rescheduled or entirely different event.
Key points to remember:
- Notify Exquisite Catering within the three-to-seven-day window to preserve your credit.
- Credit applies to future bookings only, not to a different client or as a cash refund.
- Clearly communicate your intent to reschedule when making changes to avoid ambiguity regarding deposit handling.
This is especially important for larger events such as weddings, bar and bat mitzvahs, galas, or multi-course corporate dinners, where deposits can be substantial. Knowing the credit does not disappear offers clients a meaningful safety net when circumstances shift.
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How to Book and Avoid Policy Complications
To avoid policy complications, finalize all details before confirming your booking. This means locking in your guest count, menu preferences, delivery time, and event date before paying the deposit.
For corporate catering, Exquisite Catering’s online ordering system allows you to view full menus, descriptions, images, and pricing before committing. The minimum order is 10 persons. Sunday deliveries and those north of Glades Road (outside the standard zone) require a direct call for custom pricing.
For luxury events (weddings, bridal showers, sweet sixteen parties, engagement parties, and similar occasions), submit a quote request via the website or call the luxury events line directly. The team manages everything from food and decor to lighting, flowers, and entertainment; earlier engagement leads to a better outcome.
Exquisite Catering has received consistent praise from clients for food quality, professionalism, and punctuality across both divisions.
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FAQ
Can I get my deposit back if I cancel my event? No. Exquisite Catering’s deposit is non-refundable. However, with proper notice (three to seven days before the event), a canceled or postponed booking’s deposit can be applied as credit toward a future booking.
What happens if I need to change my guest count or menu after booking? Changes are accepted within the three-to-seven-day window before your event or delivery date. Changes made outside this window may incur additional fees. Contact Exquisite Catering as early as possible: 305-622-3663 for corporate events or 954-516-0041 for luxury events.
Does the cancellation policy apply to both corporate and luxury event bookings? Yes. The non-refundable deposit rule and three-to-seven-day notice requirement apply to all Exquisite Catering services, including corporate catering, luxury events, and seasonal offerings like the Thanksgiving feast.