Event Details
Event name, date, start and end times, location, and host department so vendors and facilities know where and when to deliver and set up.
A formal catering request centralizes event specifications, tracks approvals against budgets, and reduces risks from miscommunication. It supports consistent vendor onboarding, allergen control, and compliance with workplace policies while providing a clear record for audits and chargebacks.
HR coordinators, hiring managers, and event planners usually prepare the request and route it for approval.
Sign-off procedures vary by organization; include the approver list and thresholds to match your internal approval matrix.
Event name, date, start and end times, location, and host department so vendors and facilities know where and when to deliver and set up.
Estimated headcount and guest breakdown (employees, externals) to size portions, calculate cost per person, and confirm seating or tray requirements.
List specific allergies, religious or medical dietary needs, vegetarian/vegan counts, and cross-contamination notes for vendor compliance.
Proposed menu items, special instructions, and vendor name with contact information and contract or preferred vendor ID.
Internal cost center, GL account, or cardholder responsible for payment and whether expense is corporate or recruiting-related.
Signature lines or e-sign fields for requester, manager, procurement, and finance with required approval thresholds documented.
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Requestor Field | Auto-fill from HR directory to ensure accurate contact. |
| Approval Steps | Manager → Procurement → Finance for amounts above threshold. |
| Notifications | Email and calendar invite on approval; include delivery window. |
| Attachments | Allow vendor quotes and invoices as PDF uploads. |
Choose a platform that supports PDF, DOCX uploads, mobile signing, and preserves an audit trail for approvals.
Ensure the chosen platform supports conditional fields, audit trails, and role-based access to maintain compliance and traceability.
Export the completed and signed request as a PDF/A file to preserve formatting and include the audit trail for compliance reviews.
Keep an editable DOCX of the form template for updates and version control; retain older PDFs as the signed record.
Store signed requests in a central document repository with access controls and retention policies for finance and HR audits.
Provide a printable confirmation that includes approver names, timestamps, and the vendor order number for on-site staff.
72 hours for basic continental breakfasts or boxed lunches.
7–14 days for plated meals, custom menus, or large events.
Same-day orders possible but may incur premium charges and limited options.
Internal approvals should be completed within 48 hours to avoid order delays.
Submit vendor invoices within 30 days for timely payment reconciliation.
| signNow | DocuSign | Adobe Sign | PandaDoc | HelloSign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $8/user/mo | $15/user/mo | $14/user/mo | $19/user/mo | $15/user/mo |
| Free Trial | 7-day free trial | Varies by vendor | Varies by vendor | Varies by vendor | Varies by vendor |
| Bulk Send | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Envelope Cap | No cap | 100 envelopes/user/year | Varies | Varies | Varies |