Is there a food and beverage minimum?

I cannot stress enough how important this question is! However, I have found about 50% of the time that the food and beverage minimum is not always understood. Therefore, I thought it was very important to address it. A majority of reception sites that have on site catering will require a food and beverage minimum. The food and beverage minimum is the least amount of money that is required to be spent on food and beverages combined BEFORE tax and service charge. Therefore, if the reception location has a food and beverage minimum of $8,000; the sub-total has to equal $8,000 or more. The food and beverage minimum is NOT the overall total for the catered reception. Instead, its just a minimum that is put in place by the catering department for the reception location. This minimum is usually based off the amount of guests you have attending the reception and the amount of space you will require. Its crucial to ask the Catering Director or Manager what minimum they require and ensure you see that minimum stated on the contract. Remember the minimum does not include taxes, and taxes can vary from city to city. Therefore, ask the Catering Director to provide you with a cost estimate including tax and service charge of the desired menu you have chosen with the exact guest count. This will provide you with the overall catering figure. Happy Planning!