Every event starts with a pitch, but in catering, it’s the proposal that opens doors.
Client expectations start building the moment they read your proposal. Running tastings for a gala or outlining logistics for a corporate lunch, every detail you present shapes their decision.
🔎 Did You Know? The global catering services market was worth $154.71 billion in 2024. It’s expected to grow to $229.92 billion by 2033, with an annual growth rate of 4.28%. That’s some serious growth in the catering world!
So, the proposal your potential client sees sets the tone long before they take a bite. A polished catering proposal template helps you present your services with clarity, credibility, and confidence.
We’ve assembled the best free catering proposal templates available, ready to customize and use today. Spend less time formatting menu items and more time booking! ✨
Free Catering Proposal Template Options to Secure More Clients
- What are Catering Proposal Templates?
- Top 21 Catering Proposal Templates
- 1. ClickUp Services Proposal Template
- 2. ClickUp Business Proposal Template
- 3. ClickUp Project Proposal Whiteboard Template
- 4. ClickUp RFP Process Template
- 5. ClickUp Commercial Proposal Template
- 6. ClickUp Request for Quote Template
- 7. ClickUp Catering Contract Template
- 8. ClickUp Events Planning Template
- 9. ClickUp Party Planning Template
- 10. ClickUp Menu Planning Template
- 11. Catering Proposal Template by PandaDoc
- 12. Catering Proposal Template by Better Proposals
- 13. Catering Proposal Template by CloudHQ
- 14. Catering Proposal Template by Proposify
- 15. Catering Services Purchase Proposal Template by Template.Net
- 16. Printable Catering Business Proposal Template by Template.Net
- 17. Corporate Catering Proposal Letter Template by Template.Net
- 18. Wedding Catering Proposal Letter by Template.Net
- 19. Sponsorship Proposal Letter for Catering Event by Template.Net
- 20. Catering Package Proposal Template for Restaurants by Template.Net
- 21. Restaurant Catering Proposal Template by Template.Net
- What Makes a Good Catering Proposal Template?
- Craft Proposals That Clients Can’t Resist with ClickUp
Summarize this article for me pleaseWhat are Catering Proposal Templates?
Catering proposal templates are pre-designed documents used by catering businesses to outline their services, pricing, menus, and event logistics for potential clients.
These templates provide a structured format for presenting key information, such as event details, catering menu options, dietary restrictions, staffing requirements, equipment rentals, payment terms, and contact information.
🧠 Fun Fact: The roots of professional catering in the U.S. date back to 1778, when Caesar Cranshell catered a grand ball in Philadelphia, marking one of the first major catered events in American history.
Most catering menu proposal templates are customizable, often based on the type of event (such as weddings, corporate events, or private parties), and are shared in editable formats like Word or PDF.
➡️ Read More: Best Proposal Management Software Tools
Summarize this article for me pleaseTop 21 Catering Proposal Templates
If you’re also in the catering industry, here are some templates from ClickUp, the everyday app for work, and other platforms to simplify and optimize your proposals and increase your bookings.
1. ClickUp Services Proposal Template
The ClickUp Service Proposal Template simplifies the proposal creation process by offering a structured framework for businesses to present their services with precision.
This template highlights key deliverables, helping you communicate your value effectively and win more business without getting bogged down in the details. Pitch with professionalism and transparency, with clearly defined sections for services, timelines, pricing tiers, and terms.
🌻 How does it help?
- Showcase your service packages in a clean, client-friendly format
- Outline schedules, menu variations, and special accommodations
- Include visuals or past event highlights to build credibility
- Stay organized using ClickUp’s built-in project management tools
Ideal for: Catering companies presenting their full-service offerings to prospective clients like event planners, corporate clients, or individuals organizing large functions.
💡 Pro Tip: When you need to collect key event details, such as guest count and menu needs, upfront, use a project request form for smoother and more efficient service.
2. ClickUp Business Proposal Template
The ClickUp Business Proposal Template is a versatile starting point for any industry, including the catering industry. It allows you to detail your company background, competitive strengths, service portfolio, and unique value proposition. Use it to pitch your menu plans, staffing solutions, and event service logistics for any scale.
Great for beginners, this ready-to-use template makes proposal writing simple. It is built with a plug-and-play structure, so you get started instantly without worrying about formatting or layout. Plus, it blends narrative with detail, positioning your brand as a professional, organized, and dependable vendor.
🌻 How does it help?
- Communicate operational strengths like hygiene, sourcing, and logistics
- Customize sections for B2B, private, or contract-based catering
- Break down project goals, service details, and key milestones
- Use striking visuals like color-coded fields to highlight task status, effort, and complexity
Ideal for: Catering businesses pitching for full-service events, recurring contracts, or venue partnerships.
3. ClickUp Project Proposal Whiteboard Template
Whiteboards are a valuable tool for transforming your brainstorming into clear and collaborative proposals. The ClickUp Project Proposal Whiteboard Template does just that by turning proposal building into a visual brainstorming session.
While it’s perfect for all kinds of projects, catering teams can use it to sketch out event timelines, menu logistics, staffing needs, and more in an engaging and interactive format. The flexible canvas helps teams align service components with client expectations in real time.
🌻 How does it help?
- Customize your canvas freely with sticky notes, flowcharts, and diagrams
- Open dual views like the Project Proposal and the Getting Started Guide to organize and act at the same time
- Plan large-scale events collaboratively on a dynamic whiteboard
- Use color-coded blocks to organize task categories
Ideal for: Teams who love mapping out complex catering projects like weddings, festivals, or high-profile events that involve multiple vendors and touchpoints.
4. ClickUp RFP Process Template
Clients often use RFPs to vet catering vendors, but smart catering businesses use them too. The RFP Process Template by ClickUp helps you understand how proposals are evaluated, so you respond with precision or even issue your RFPs when partnering with venues, decorators, or event planners.
This brings structure and transparency to every step of the RFP process, letting you lay out your response clearly—addressing requirements, pricing, timelines, service capabilities, and differentiators.
🌻 How does it help?
- Showcase certifications, licensing, and safety procedures
- Customize fields like budget, deadlines, and awarding dates to refine vendor coordination
- Include detailed scope, cost breakdown, and service logistics
- Add clarity with built-in attributes like attachments, process phases, and evaluation criteria
Ideal for: Catering vendors responding to formal service requests from event organizers, venues, or corporate clients.
5. ClickUp Commercial Proposal Template
Need to pitch your catering services to a corporate client or venue partner? The Clickup Commercial Proposal Template is a sleek, ready-to-use document that helps you craft professional, detailed proposals without starting from scratch. Whether you’re bidding on a venue contract or a recurring office catering service, it helps you strike a balance between professionalism and detail.
Include contract duration, service schedule, menu options, billing structure, and escalation procedures—everything a commercial client needs to evaluate your fit.
🌻 How does it help?
- Incorporate legal and operational terms to align expectations early
- Add clauses around volume pricing, holidays, and custom requests
- Use the About Us section to share your catering journey and highlight your specialties
- Build out a full ClickUp workflow from this template using List, Gantt, Calendar, and more
Ideal for: Catering teams pitching recurring services or high-value deals to corporate clients.
Here’s what Catriona Parsons, Director at Bluelime Bespoke, had to say about using ClickUp:
6. ClickUp Request for Quote Template
When a client needs quick numbers to compare vendors, the ClickUp Request for Quote Template provides the structure to respond quickly and accurately. The template standardizes your RFQ process, making it easy to gather, compare, and evaluate bids so you never overpay or miss a detail.
It helps you organize itemized pricing based on headcount, package, delivery distance, and extras. You’ll also find space to clarify availability, timeline, and cancellation policies—helping both parties get on the same page before moving forward.
🌻 How does it help?
- Detail optional add-ons like beverage service or equipment rentals
- Maintain transparency and fairness with a structured bidding process
- Clarify service windows, travel fees, and payment terms
- Track quote progress with comments, assignees, and status updates
Ideal for: Caterers responding to informal or early-stage client inquiries looking for cost estimates.
➡️ Read More: Free Budget Proposal Templates in Excel and ClickUp
7. ClickUp Catering Contract Template
The ClickUp Catering Contract Template guarantees that every engagement is backed by clear, professional documentation. Fundamentally, it ensures clarity for both parties, helping to avoid confusion and minimize risks.
The template provides a systematic approach to simplifying the contract process and offers clear definitions of terms to prevent misunderstandings. Additionally, it protects the caterer with well-drafted clauses to safeguard against potential disputes or claims.
🌻 How does it help?
- Formalize agreements with legally relevant fields and signatures
- Outline scope, payment terms, liability clauses, and cancellation policies to protect both your team and your clients
- Attach menus and service checklists with the contract
- Personalize the template by adjusting details like menu options, payment terms, and event-specific requirements
Ideal for: Catering businesses looking to streamline contract management and ensure a clear, legally sound agreement with clients.
8. ClickUp Events Planning Template
The ClickUp Events Planning Template is perfect for anyone in the events management industry. It provides a high-level overview of your event, including key details such as venue information, catering, entertainment, and more.
It gives your team a centralized hub to manage guest counts, menus, schedules, vendor coordination, and equipment setup.
🌻 How does it help?
- Get super specific and add details like food preferences or allergies
- Stay organized with built-in checklists to make sure everything goes smoothly
- Plan timelines with dependencies and auto-reminders
- View planning progress through Gantt charts or dashboards
Ideal for: Event planners, corporate event managers, wedding coordinators, and catering companies offering full-service event coordination.
➡️ Read More: Free Event Budget Templates
9. ClickUp Party Planning Template
Whether you’re pulling off a big event for a client or planning your own unforgettable bash, the ClickUp Party Planning Template is your behind-the-scenes MVP. This template adds fun to functionality, helping caterers and clients organize personal events, such as birthdays, anniversaries, or intimate dinners.
RSVPs, menu planning, playlists, party favors—you name it, it’s all neatly organized and chaos-free. It also includes sections for guest lists, menu selections, timing, themes, and coordination with entertainers or decorators.
🌻 How does it help?
- Use checklists and visual views to keep things festive and flowing without stress, easily
- Create mood boards or visual boards for theme and décor planning
- Track assignments and vendor contacts with task views
- Access smart statuses like Needs More Info or Blocked to track progress like a pro
Ideal for: Party planners and catering teams managing boutique or private events that require close coordination and personalized service.
📮 ClickUp Insight: 18% of our survey respondents want to use AI to organize their lives through calendars, tasks, and reminders. Another 15% want AI to handle routine tasks and administrative work.
To do this, an AI needs to be able to: understand the priority levels for each task in a workflow, run the necessary steps to create tasks or adjust tasks, and set up automated workflows.
Most tools have one or two of these steps worked out. However, ClickUp has helped users consolidate up to 5+ apps using our platform! Experience AI-powered scheduling, where tasks and meetings can be easily allocated to open slots in your calendar based on priority levels. You can also set up custom automation rules via ClickUp Brain to handle routine tasks. Say goodbye to busy work!
10. ClickUp Menu Planning Template
No event is complete without food that makes people talk (in a good way). And let’s be real, nailing the menu can make or break the entire vibe. That’s where the ClickUp Menu Planning Template steps in to save the day (and the dinner).
From buffets to plated dinners, this menu planning template makes it easy to create event-specific menus that align with client preferences, seasonal availability, and dietary restrictions. Additionally, link dishes to prep schedules, ingredient lists, and portion estimates, making it a functional tool for both culinary teams and coordinators.
Originally built for restaurants, this flexible template works perfectly for catering businesses, event managers, or planners curating a custom dining experience.
🌻 How does it help?
- Use built-in views like Recipe Box and Start Here so your team easily finds what they need
- Keep everyone in sync with collaboration tools like comments, assignees, and mentions
- Easily prioritize dishes based on factors like cost, popularity, or ingredient availability to fit your event’s needs
- Track approval status for menu iterations with clients and use tags to organize menus by event type, cuisine, or theme
Ideal for: Event planners, catering coordinators, and chefs planning menus for one-time events or seasonal offerings.
💡 Pro Tip: A solid food management software helps you set menus, cost dishes, manage inventory, and plan like a pro.
11. Catering Proposal Template by PandaDoc
This comprehensive Catering Proposal Template by PandaDoc includes everything you need to impress first-time clients. It starts with a personalized cover letter and walks you through sections like ‘About Us’, client testimonials, event details, equipment rentals, menu options, pricing, and more.
The best part is that all the sections are fully customizable within the PandaDoc platform. The template’s integration with eSignature and payment features further enables seamless closing of deals right within the platform.
🌻 How does it help?
- Customize templates quickly using drag-and-drop content blocks
- Present visually rich proposals with images and branded themes
- Collect client signatures and payments digitally in one flow
- Track engagement analytics to follow up at the right time
Ideal For: Caterers wanting a fast, professional way to create and send interactive proposals with built-in approvals.
12. Catering Proposal Template by Better Proposals
The Catering Proposal Template by Better Proposals is focused on conversion, featuring persuasive copy structure, embedded imagery, and pricing tables. The clean interface guides potential clients through every step, from understanding services to confirming the event.
This template helps you showcase your services, highlight your strengths, and build trust with potential clients in just a few scrolls. With built-in sections for everything from menus to testimonials, it’s designed to impress and convert leads fast.
🌻 How does it help?
- Track when a proposal is opened and signed
- Guide clients through your proposal with conversion-optimized sections
- Access smart fields for auto-filling client and event data, reducing manual edits while keeping proposals personalized and polished
- Use interactive pricing tables to add flexible pricing, optional upgrades, and auto-calculated totals in seconds
Ideal for: Catering professionals focused on lead conversion and client experience through smart, branded documents.
13. Catering Proposal Template by CloudHQ
Simple, modern, and refreshingly easy to use, the Catering Proposal Template by CloudHQ helps you pitch your catering services with confidence. This editable Google Doc provides a well-structured layout that’s easy to customize, letting you showcase your offerings and close deals faster without overwhelming potential clients with too much complexity.
It includes ready-to-edit sections such as introduction, services offered, estimated costs, and special requirements.
🌻 How does it help?
- Use directly in Google Docs with no special software required
- Share and collaborate with clients via secure links
- Include spaces for service breakdown, portfolio, team bios, T&Cs, and signature
- Export as PDF or send for review without formatting issues
Ideal for: Independent caterers and small businesses who want a no-fuss, professional-looking proposal for first-time client introductions.
📚 Also Read: How to Plan the Perfect Team Lunch: Exciting Ideas
14. Catering Proposal Template by Proposify
This beautifully designed Catering Proposal Template by Proposify is the perfect tool for catering companies looking to pitch their services effectively. Whether you’re providing food, event services, or both, this template allows you to present all the important details, like chef profiles, event portfolios, sample menus, budgets, and more.
Additionally, manage team workflows with internal comments, version control, and approval stages—making it useful for larger teams or high-volume proposal operations.
🌻 How does it help?
- Elevate trust and engagement through interactive sections like clickable menus, visual galleries, and client testimonials
- Customize templates with your brand colors, fonts, and layout
- View proposal analytics to optimize follow-up strategy
- Clearly outline all costs per person, covering transportation, staff, glassware, cutlery, tables, and meals for complete transparency
Ideal for: Mid-sized to large catering companies needing scalable proposal tools with rich visuals and workflow features.
15. Catering Services Purchase Proposal Template by Template.Net
This fully customizable Catering Services Purchase Proposal Template by Template.net is designed for formal service engagements that require purchase approvals. It combines service outlines, cost breakdowns, and authorization sections into a clean and printable format.
Add your company logo, name, and all relevant details on the front page. Its formal tone makes it well-suited for submitting bids or proposals to companies, schools, or government departments.
🌻 How does it help?
- Present catering offerings in a structured, procurement-friendly layout
- Incorporate terms, timelines, and payment schedules with clarity
- Customize document sections easily in Word, PDF, or Google Docs
- Describe payment terms, cancellation policies, etc., to protect both parties with the Terms and Conditions section
Ideal for: Catering vendors responding to purchase requests or submitting bids to formal institutions.
➡️ Read More: Free Recipe Templates for Word: Plan, Cook & Enjoy
16. Printable Catering Business Proposal Template by Template.Net
The Printable Catering Business Proposal Template by Template.net is developed for catering ventures, aiming to highlight their operational capacity, service variety, and value proposition. It includes content placeholders for company introduction, culinary philosophy, pricing options, and team structure.
Ideal for pitching to investors or securing venue partnerships, this template helps you present your catering services in a polished, clear, and engaging manner. The printable aspect ensures you can create physical copies for in-person meetings, making a lasting impression on potential clients.
🌻 How does it help?
- Introduce your business professionally with branded layouts
- Summarize service levels, pricing structures, and differentiation
- Share your team story, chef profiles, or sourcing practices
- Use customizable formats suited for different business scenarios
Ideal for: Catering startups, cloud kitchens, or expanding businesses, making B2B proposals or pitching new services.
17. Corporate Catering Proposal Letter Template by Template.Net
In the catering and event management industry, a proposal letter is essential for presenting your services to potential clients, especially for corporate events and meetings. This Corporate Catering Proposal Letter Template by Template.net is crafted specifically for business-oriented events to structure offers for board meetings, conferences, and corporate celebrations.
The template combines concise event overviews with flexible catering options and professionalism in tone. Furthermore, it’s a ready-to-send option for reaching decision-makers in HR, administration, or facilities management.
🌻 How does it help?
- Keep the structure formal yet friendly for B2B communication
- Customize your company name, logo, and contact details to make the letter uniquely yours
- Highlight menu flexibility and service reliability
- Present detailed menu options with clear descriptions of various catering packages for different events
Ideal for: Catering professionals reaching out to corporate clients and offering customized catering services for meetings, conferences, or corporate functions.
18. Wedding Catering Proposal Letter by Template.Net
This Wedding Catering Proposal Letter Template by Template.net is a perfect solution for catering businesses seeking to provide an unforgettable dining experience for couples on their big day.
Capturing the tone and detail needed for weddings, the template balances warmth with professionalism and includes fields for menu themes, guest counts, dietary accommodations, and presentation styles. It’s perfect for following up after a venue visit or bridal consultation, giving couples confidence in your service.
🌻 How does it help?
- Present personalized wedding packages with elegance and clarity
- Include sample menus, service tiers, and event-day timelines
- Speak directly to couples’ concerns, like dietary options and ambiance
- Use beautiful formatting that complements the tone of wedding planning
Ideal for: Caterers offering services for weddings, receptions, and pre-wedding events, looking to personalize their pitch.
19. Sponsorship Proposal Letter for Catering Event by Template.Net
Whether you’re hosting a fundraiser, a charity event, or a community gathering, the Sponsorship Proposal Letter for Catering Event by Template.Net helps you approach potential sponsors for co-branded catering events.
Highlight event impact, audience demographics, and sponsor benefits such as logo placements, mentions, or samples. This template is an effective way to secure local support or partnerships for food festivals, fundraisers, or charity banquets.
🌻 How does it help?
- Structure sponsor pitches with clear value propositions
- Briefly explain the purpose of the event, its mission, and how the sponsor’s contribution will make a difference
- Clearly include all relevant sender details like name, position, company, and contact information
- Include visibility opportunities and ROI for supporting brands
Ideal for: Catering companies planning public events or fundraisers in need of brand sponsorships or in-kind support.
20. Catering Package Proposal Template for Restaurants by Template.Net
When you’re looking to secure catering clients for your restaurant, it’s essential to present your services in a way that aligns with their event needs. The Catering Package Proposal Template for Restaurants by Template.Net crafts a detailed, professional proposal that outlines all the services you offer.
Present logistics, prep processes, revenue share models, and menu ideas in a way that’s simple and partnership-oriented. The template often helps open doors to co-branded opportunities that expand service footprints.
🌻 How does it help?
- Define delivery logistics, branding, and profit-sharing details
- Provide a modular framework for one-time or ongoing collaboration
- Include fields to clearly list your contact details and the proposal’s date, helping establish the proposal’s legitimacy
- Clear terms outlining the deposit requirements, final payment details, and cancellation policies
Ideal for: Catering teams or ghost kitchens proposing partnerships to restaurants for extended services.
💡 Pro Tip: A clear project overview template is your roadmap to success. For catering, it should highlight stakeholders, deliverables, schedules, budgets, and resource allocation to keep everything on track and transparent.
21. Restaurant Catering Proposal Template by Template.Net
If you’re a restaurant offering catering services and need a polished, ready-to-send proposal, the Restaurant Catering Proposal Template by Template.net is for you. It is designed specifically for restaurants looking to secure more catering gigs by presenting themselves professionally from the start.
This template helps structure proposals for external clients and highlights how your existing kitchen, staff, and menu translate into on-location service.
🌻 How does it help?
- Adapt in-house restaurant offerings for external event services
- List catering packages by course, occasion, or headcount, and include optional upgrades like table setup ordécorr
- Offer pricing in flexible tiers suited to different event sizes
- Use the built-in testimonial section for adding social proof and building trust
Ideal for: Restaurants and pop-up kitchens that are expanding into catering and want to formalize their offerings.
Summarize this article for me pleaseWhat Makes a Good Catering Proposal Template?
A good catering proposal template should be both functional and professional to help you have satisfied clients. It makes sure you present all the necessary details clearly and efficiently.
Here are the key elements that make a catering proposal template effective:
- Clarity: Select a catering proposal template that is easy to read and free from unnecessary complexity
- Comprehensive: Choose a catering proposal template covering all essential details like menu options, pricing, and event logistics
- Customizable: Pick a free template for catering that is flexible enough to adapt to different event types and client needs
- Visually appealing: Go for catering proposal templates with organized layouts that exude professionalism
- Consistent branding: Prioritize a catering proposal template that aligns with your company’s design and tone for a cohesive look
Summarize this article for me pleaseCraft Proposals That Clients Can’t Resist with ClickUp
Running a catering business means juggling a hundred things at once; your proposal shouldn’t be one of them. With the right template, you get to skip the formatting headache and focus on showing off your amazing food and flawless service.
If you’re a restaurant stepping into the catering space or a seasoned professional looking to optimize your workflow, know that the right tools matter for long-term success. This is where ClickUp comes in with its catering proposal templates that tick all the boxes!
Ready to take your catering proposals to the next level? Sign up for ClickUp today to grow and manage your catering business like a pro.
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