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• Decorations
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Please review the detailed outline of WMU Catering Policies to ensure the success of your event.

Food and beverage policy

No food and/or beverage may be brought into the Bernhard/Fetzer Centers. All meals served Monday through Friday after 8 p.m. and Sunday after 2 p.m. will be assessed overtime charges.

In compliance with state health regulations, all leftover food remains the property of WMU Catering and will not be given to the host or guests following a catering event.

Guarantee policy

A final guarantee of the number of guests is required five (5) working days prior to your event. WMU Catering will prepare food and set the room 5% above the guarantee figure up to a maximum of 15 guests.

We appreciate any estimates you can provide seven (7) days prior to your event, to assist us with our planning. Substantial increases in the final guarantee above the original estimate may alter menu availability. Billing will be based on the final guaranteed number of guests or the number of meals served - whichever is higher.

Minimum guarantees

Served banquet meals: If less than 15 guests are guaranteed, a $15 set up charge will apply.

Buffet banquet meals: If less than 40 guests are guaranteed, a $25 set up charge will apply.

Payment

Final payment of the charges for your event will be made seven days prior to the date of your event, unless your organization has pre-arranged and is approved for direct billing. For direct bill accounts, payment must be made within 45 days of receipt of the invoice or a finance charge will be applied. If questions regarding billing arise, please call the Bernhard Center Office for all Bernhard events and off-premise events. All prices are subject to applicable service charges and Michigan sales tax.

Service charges

• A 20% service charge will be added for catered events held at the Bernhard Center and at off premise locations.
• A $25 drop-off charge will be included for orders less than $50.
• Free delivery is available for on-campus orders over $50, and for off-site locations within ten miles of Western Michigan University (minimum order $50).
• Free pick-up service is available in the WMU Catering office at the Bernhard Center.

Cancellations

Cancellations must be made no later than seven (7) working days prior to the event in order to avoid a charge. Cancellation of a food and beverage event less than seven (7) working days will be subject to appropriate food preparation and labor charges.

Decorations

Any decorations provided by the client need to be coordinated with either the Bernhard Center office or the Fetzer Center office. No masking tape, scotch tape, nails, tacks, etc. are to be used on any painted or veneer surface. Please ask our assistance in hanging banners, etc. If these rules are violated, the client is responsible for any damage to the premises or equipment by members, guests or outside groups contracted by the client. Damage charges will be assessed and charged to the client and/or group to cover the necessary repairs.

The Bernhard Center, Fetzer Center, and WMU Catering assumes no responsibility for damage and/or loss to any merchandise and/or personal items left in our banquet facilities or meeting rooms. This applies prior to the event, during the event, and post-event.