Good questions.
Great events.
Frequently Asked Questions & Catering Policies
At GEM’s Catering, we are committed to providing a personalized catering experience with exceptional food, attention to detail, and service tailored to your event. Please review the following frequently asked questions and policies to help ensure a smooth planning process.
Booking & Reservations
How do I book GEM’s Catering?
To request a quote, please complete the appropriate inquiry form below. Include your event date, location, estimated guest count, and catering needs so we can prepare a customized proposal that aligns with your vision and budget.
General Catering & Weddings: Catering Quote Request
Grazing Tables & Charcuterie: Grazing Table Inquiry
How far in advance should I book?
We recommend booking as early as possible, particularly for weddings, corporate events, and large gatherings. Availability depends on your event date, guest count, and catering requirements. Last-minute requests may be accommodated based on availability.
Is a deposit required to reserve my event date?
Yes. A non-refundable deposit equal to 30% of the total invoice is required to secure your event date. Your date is not officially reserved until the deposit has been received.
What is your cancellation, refund, or rescheduling policy?
The 30% booking deposit is non-refundable. Cancellation, postponement, and rescheduling requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Please notify us as soon as possible if your plans change. Approved changes are subject to availability and the terms of your catering agreement.
Pricing, Payments & Policies
How much does catering cost?
Pricing varies based on menu selections, guest count, event location, delivery and service requirements, and setup needs. We offer options for different budgets and will work with you to determine the best fit for your event. Please submit an inquiry to receive a customized quote.
What are the final payment and menu adjustment deadlines?
To ensure all event details are finalized on time, the following deadlines apply:
Weddings: Final payment and all final invoice adjustments must be completed at least 14 days before the wedding date.
All other catering events: Final menu and guest count adjustments must be submitted at least 7 days before the event. Final payment is due 1 day before the event.
Please plan accordingly, as requests submitted after the applicable adjustment deadline may not be accommodated.
What happens if my final payment is late?
Payments not received by the applicable due date are subject to a late fee of 5% of the outstanding invoice balance per day, beginning the day after the payment deadline, in accordance with the terms of your catering agreement.
To avoid additional charges, please ensure all payments are completed by the required deadlines.
Events & Service Options
What types of events do you cater?
GEM’s Catering provides customized catering for a variety of occasions, including:
- Corporate events and business meetings
- Employee appreciation events
- Birthdays and private celebrations
- Bridal and baby showers
- Weddings
- Community events
- And much more!
Do you cater large events?
Yes! We have experience catering events with hundreds of guests. Whether you are planning an intimate gathering or a large corporate function, we will work with you to determine an appropriate menu and service plan.
Do you travel outside Lancaster, Pennsylvania?
Yes! We serve locations throughout the region and beyond, depending on availability and event requirements. We have provided catering in Philadelphia, Ephrata, Leola, Lebanon, Denver, Wrightsville, York, and surrounding areas.
Please include your event address in your inquiry so we can confirm availability and calculate any applicable travel fees.
Delivery, Setup & Staffing
Do you offer delivery, and how are delivery fees calculated?
Yes! We offer delivery for your convenience.
Events more than 5 miles away: $1.50 per mile, calculated using the round-trip distance to and from the event location.
Events 5 miles away or less: Delivery fees are waived.
Please provide your event address when requesting a quote so the applicable delivery fee can be calculated accurately.
Do you provide setup and teardown?
Yes! We offer setup and teardown of GEM’s Catering food displays and designated catering areas for a flat fee of $100.
Are delivery, setup, teardown, and staffing included in the catering price?
These services are charged separately unless specifically included in your proposal. Your customized quote will outline the catering costs and any additional services selected for your event.
Do you offer staffed catering services?
Yes! Staffed catering service is available at $30 per staff member, per hour, with a two-hour minimum per staff member.
Our standard staffing package includes serving food and assisting with the setup and teardown of GEM’s Catering food displays, equipment, and catering items.
The standard staffing package does not include:
- Trash removal
- Clearing guest tables
- Bussing or collecting dishes
- General event cleanup
If you require services beyond our standard staffing package, please discuss your needs with us in advance so we can determine whether additional arrangements are available.
Minimum Orders & Tableware
Is there a minimum order or guest count?
Yes. GEM’s Catering requires a minimum of 25 guests to ensure we can provide the quality, attention to detail, and service our clients expect.
Do you provide plates, napkins, utensils, and glassware?
Yes! We offer several tableware options to accommodate your event style and budget.
Basic Tableware — $0.50 per person
Includes a natural plant-fiber plate, a medium-weight plastic cutlery set, and a napkin.
Premium Plastic Tableware — $2.00 per person
Includes a premium plate available in white, gold, silver, or clear, coordinating gold or silver plastic cutlery, and a dinner napkin.
China Tableware Package — $5.50 per person
- One china dinner plate
- One china salad plate
- One dinner fork
- One salad fork
- One butter knife
- One dinner napkin
Glassware — $1.40 per item, per person
- Water glasses
- Wine glasses
- Champagne glasses
Glassware is charged separately for each type selected.
Cloth Napkin Upgrade — $1.40 per person
Upgrade your standard napkins to cloth napkins for an additional $1.40 per person.
Linens — Starting at $15
Linen pricing varies depending on the size and selection required for your event.
Please confirm your preferred tableware, glassware, and linen selections when finalizing your catering proposal.
Beverages & Beverage Stations
Do you offer beverages?
Yes! We offer a standard assortment of bottled beverages, including:
- Coca-Cola
- Sprite
- Ginger Ale
- Diet Coke
- Bottled water
Can you provide beverage stations?
Absolutely! We can arrange beverage stations featuring options such as:
- Lemonade
- Water
- Infused water
- Iced tea
- Unsweetened iced tea
Beverage selections and station arrangements can be discussed during the planning process and included in your customized proposal.