Full-Service Catering FAQ

• A contract is generated and signed when you would like to formally reserve your event date. Details and particulars will continue to be updated and modified throughout the event planning process, but only a signed contract will reserve your chosen date.

Please Note: summer, holiday and weekend dates book quickly.

• While pre-set packages with all-inclusive costs per guest may be easier for budgetary purposes, Elephants prefers to customize each event we cater. Every client deserves input on their menu and guest experience. No two events are ever the same, and we thrive on helping you create an event that is uniquely yours.
• Customizing your event also makes it easier for you to see where your money is being spent and target the truly important budgetary choices. Simply put, without pre-set packages, we can stretch your budget farther and put you in control of your guests’ experience.

• We carry a simple and stylish line of in-house linens for basic event needs, and routinely coordinate the rental of specialty and custom linens. We do not offer in-house flower arrangements, but can still offer arrangement from local florists.

• Your final guest count – not subject to reduction – is due ten days prior to your event. Any increases in guest count beyond this date may incur additional charges, as menu ingredients are ordered specifically for your event.

Elephants is a fully OLCC licensed provider of beer, wine and spirits, and will happily provide and serve at your event. We maintain a full selection of regional wine and beer, and specialize in creating custom-crafted cocktails as well.

• Elephants clients are free to provide their own alcohol for events, but it must all come from the same source (no BYOB). All events with client-provided alcohol must be pre-approved by the venue (unless it is a private residence), and may result in additional venue-specific insurance or fee requirements.

Please note: not all venues permit client-provided alcohol, and some carry restrictions on the types of alcohol allowed.

• If alcohol is provided by the client, Elephants Catering charges a per-bottle/drink/keg corkage fee in addition to the per-guest bar setup fee. This covers the cost of bar equipment, insurance and standard mixers.

• Our resident barkeeps live to devise cocktails (from old classics to custom creations) suited to your event. Elephants is also proud to offer a selection of “preferred cocktails” with each and every full bar package. This rotating roster of revived classics and brand new creations is sure to be a hit with your guests, and is complimentary with all full bars.
• In addition to craft cocktails, Elephants is bringing back the long-neglected party punch. These drinks have a long history (they were a favorite of the founding fathers) and add a surprisingly affordable element of nostalgia and elegance to any event. These batch cocktails also help eliminate the dreaded bar lineup at the beginning of an event. Please inquire with your event planner for seasonal offerings.

• We offer complimentary tastings for up to two individuals with a signed contract. Tastings are conducted at our catering offices in SE Portland and are by appointment only. Additional guests can be accommodated with advanced notice, for $10 per person.
• All tastings are limited to your proposed menu only, with an option for one additional item if requested in advance. If a menu item is not available, Elephants will make every effort to substitute a similar or suggested substitute.

Please note: all menu tasting items are subject to ingredient availability, and may not be feasible outside of the seasonal menu’s time frame.

• Our menus are updated to take advantage of locally and seasonally available ingredients. We recommend, therefore, selecting a day reasonably close (30-45 days before) to your event date to increase the likelihood that particular menu items or ingredients are available.