Free Caterer Invoice Template — Download or Use Online
Independent caterers serving weddings, corporate events and private parties. Use the buttons below to download a printable PDF or open our free Invoice Generator pre-filled with caterer-specific line items.
Pre-filled line items for Caterers
These are suggested defaults based on typical caterer engagements. The Invoice Generator lets you edit any of them in seconds.
| Description | Unit | Suggested rate |
|---|---|---|
| Catering per guest | per unit | $65 |
| Bar service (per guest) | per unit | $18 |
| Service staff (per hour, per person) | per hr | $35 |
| Setup & cleanup fee | fixed | $400 |
What every caterer invoice must include
A caterer invoice is more than a request for payment — it's a legal record. To stay compliant and get paid on time, make sure your invoice has these elements:
- Your full business name, address, and contact info
- A unique invoice number (e.g. CATE-001) for tracking
- Your client's name, business name and address
- Issue date and due date (Net 14 or Net 30 is standard)
- Itemized list of services with quantities and rates
- Subtotal, tax (if applicable) and total amount due
- Payment methods accepted (bank transfer, card, PayPal)
- Late fee terms if you charge them (1.5% per month is standard)
- Your tax ID — EIN for businesses, SSN for sole proprietors
Suggested rate ranges for Caterers
Hourly rates for caterers range widely based on experience, location and project complexity:
Frequently asked questions
When should I send a caterer invoice?+
Send your invoice immediately after delivering work or completing a milestone. Most caterers use Net 14 or Net 30 payment terms.
What hourly rate should a caterer charge?+
Typical caterer rates range from $25/hr to $100/hr depending on experience, geography and project complexity. Mid-career caterers average around $63/hr.
Does a caterer invoice need a tax ID?+
If you operate as a sole proprietor in the US, you can use your SSN. Most caterers apply for a free EIN from the IRS to keep their SSN off invoices.
Can I charge a late fee?+
Yes — most states allow 1.5% per month (~18% annualized) on unpaid invoices. Always state the late fee in writing on the invoice itself.
Is this invoice template legally binding?+
An invoice itself isn't a contract, but it's a legally enforceable record of services rendered and amount owed. Pair it with a signed contract (free via our eSign tool) for maximum protection.
Related invoice templates
Ready to invoice your client?
Use our free Invoice Generator — pre-filled with caterer line items. PDF, payment links, and email delivery included.
Open Invoice Generator →