How it works
The most common questions we get asked, and some extra info you might be looking for.
Our full terms and conditions can be found at the below link, or contact us for anything specific we can help with!
Booking & Payments
Q: How do I book Sip & Savor for my event?
A: To secure your booking, a 50% non-refundable retainer is required within 48 hours of confirming your event and package selection. Once your deposit is received, your date is officially secured, and planning begins!
Q: How far in advance should I book?
A: The more in advance the better! Weekends and peak periods often book out 12+ months in advance, so if you have a specific date in mind, please get in touch as soon as possible to check our availability. For smaller bookings and Private Chef experiences, we may be able to fit you in on short notice, but we recommend contacting us with a minimum of 4 weeks notice, to ensure menu and logistical planning can take place.
Q: What if my numbers change?
A: That's no problem at all. Final guest count is due 7 business days prior to your event, with a maximum decrease of 10% of the originally booked number (no limits to increases!). Your final balance will reflect the final count.
Q: When do I need to pay the remaining balance?
A: The remaining balance is due 5 business days prior to your event date. Prompt payment ensures we can finalise arrangements and provide you with the best experience possible. If final payment is not received by the due date, your event may be cancelled.
Q: What happens if I need to cancel my booking?
A: Please note that all deposits are non-refundable. Cancellations made within 10 business days of the event will result in forfeiting 100% of the event fee, as preparation and staffing are already underway.
Q: Can I change my event date or details after booking?
A: We understand that plans can change! If you need to adjust your date or event details, please let us know as early as possible. Changes are subject to availability and our cancellation policy.
Event Types & Minimums
Q: What areas do you service?
A: Geelong, the Surf Coast and The Bellarine are home for us, but our team works across most parts of Victoria. Bookings more than 30 minutes from our local area may be subject to a travel fee.
Q: Is there a minimum spend for bookings?
A: Yes.
For Private and Corporate events, as well as Private Chef bookings, we have a $1,500 minimum spend (Friday–Sunday) and a $1,000 minimum spend (Monday–Thursday).
For Weddings, we have a $5000 minimum spend (Friday–Sunday) and a $1,500 minimum spend (Monday–Thursday). This ensures that our team can provide the best quality service for your event.
Q: Do you cater for small private dinners as well as large events?
A: Absolutely! We offer everything from intimate private dining to large corporate or celebratory gatherings. Package recommendations and staffing will be tailored to your event size. Please note, we do have minimum guest numbers for certain packages and experiences.
Menu & Dietary Needs
Q: Can you accommodate dietary restrictions or allergies?
A: Yes, we’re happy to accommodate most dietary restrictions. Please provide all dietary details as soon as possible so we can design your menu accordingly. Please note that we make every attempt possible to adhere to dietary requirements and allergies but are not an allergen free kitchen and cannot guarantee the absence of trace contamination.
Q: Can I customise my menu?
A: Definitely, it's what we do best! Our menus are created specifically for each event to include dietary requirements and personal requests where possible. Our chefs can work with you to tailor the menu to your preferences and event vision. We also offer seasonal recommendations to ensure the freshest ingredients. Please note that menus are subject to seasonal and supplier availability and not all requests are possible. Menus are at the discretion of our chefs and additional charges may apply to certain amendments.
Q: Do you offer menu tasting?
A: Yes, a menu tasting for a maximum of 4 people is included in all wedding bookings above $10,000. Menu tastings are provided after menu planning has occurred, as a final stage in planning your wedding. The menu provided at your tasting may not include all elements of your final menu such as add ons, snack, grazing etc. Tastings are booked based on availability and usually occur 6-8 weeks prior to your wedding date.
Q: Where do you source your ingredients?
A: We have incredible relationships with a number of industry leading suppliers, including local, artisanal and high-quality imported goods providers. Our team create menus specifically to ensure you are getting the best produce and ingredients available.
Q: Do you provide meals for children and vendors?
A: Of course! We have multiple options for children's meals, whether they want to be included in the adults meals at a reduced price, or have their own age-appropriate menu created. Vendor meals are something we recommend for all weddings, and some larger events. These are charged at a reduced price for those working hard to make your day perfect.
Staffing & Service
Q: What is included in your staffing service?
A: Staffing varies depending on your package. All event packages include principal chefs and kitchen assistants, with most also including service staff. Additional staff such as extra waitstaff, or bar staff can be arranged at an added cost.
Q: How long do staff stay at the event?
A: Service staff are scheduled for the duration of your event as per the agreed service time, as well as any briefing/pack up time required. Any extra time beyond the agreed hours may incur an additional fee. All staff, including additional staff booked, remain under the management of Sip & Savor, and cannot provide services outside of their specific duties assigned to them by our team.
Q: Do you charge extra for weekends/public holidays?
A: Saturdays are our most popular day of the week, so no surcharge is applied. Sundays incur a surcharge of 10% and public holidays incur a surcharge of 15% (of the total spend). This is to account for award wages, supplier logistics and operational costs.
Equipment & Hire
Q: Do you provide tableware, glassware, and linens?
A: Yes! Equipment and hire items such as buffet ware, utensils, glassware, and linens can be provided depending on the package you choose. Additional equipment needs can be arranged upon request.
Q: Can you recommend venues for events?
A: Yes, we work with several trusted venues and can assist with recommendations that suit the style and size of your event.
On the Day
Q: How far in advance will staff arrive to set up?
A: Our team typically arrives about 1–2 hours before service to ensure everything is set up, prepared, and ready to go on time. For Weddings - day prior bump in is preferred where possible, with a minimum of 4hrs prior to the beginning of service required.
Q: What spaces or facilities are required at the venue?
A: We’ll need access to a usable kitchen, running water, and power. For larger events or venues without these, we can provide alternative arrangements where possible. Additional costs may apply for items such as cool room hire, generator hire, rubbish disposal etc.