The details behind every booking

These terms apply to all Elena’s Paella catering bookings.

Acceptance

Paying your deposit and confirming your booking means you accept these terms and conditions in full.

Pricing & Timing

Pricing is quoted per guest unless we've agreed otherwise, and covers the food, travel and fuel within the Melbourne metropolitan area, set up, and packing away. It does not cover rubbish removal.

Quotes are based on a four-hour time budget for your event unless another arrangement has been agreed. Our staff costs are calculated on a four-hour minimum. If your event runs over by more than an hour, additional staff-hour costs may apply at $50 per hour, per staff member — unless the delay is on our end, in which case there's no charge. We'll always do our best to work to your event timing.

Guests Running Late

We understand things can run behind schedule. If our time on site extends well beyond the agreed timing, additional staff-hour costs may apply at the end of the night, as above.

Minimum Guest Numbers

Our minimum booking is 30 guests, and this minimum must be made up of adults — children under 10 don't count toward it.

After-Hours Service

Anything after midnight is considered after-hours. If we're asked to stay past the agreed finish time, additional staff-hour and after-hours travel costs apply at the rate above.

Travel & Distance Surcharge

Events more than 50km from our base in Berwick, Victoria incur a per-kilometre surcharge.

Access & Parking for Setup

Please have a parking space available for our vehicle. If access for setup or pack-down changes from what was originally planned — especially in a way that affects our ability to arrive, set up or leave on time — an additional charge may apply. It helps enormously if you can send us details, plans or photos of your venue ahead of time.

Setup & Cleaning

We need a flat area to set up in. If we're cooking on a paved or concrete surface that you'd like protected, please have suitable covering ready for us on arrival. Rubbish removal and any post-event cleanup beyond our immediate cooking area is the client's responsibility.

Deposits & Payment

A $400 deposit secures your booking. The remaining balance is due on or before the day of your event, by bank transfer, card or cash. Direct deposits must be received at least three days before your event unless we've agreed otherwise.

Cancellations

If you need to cancel, the following applies:

• 9 months or more before the event: no refund
• More than 8 weeks before the event: deposit refunded, less a $100 cancellation fee
• Exactly 8 weeks before the event: 50% of the deposit refunded
• 4 weeks or less before the event: no refund
• Within 10 days of the event: a $15-per-guest charge applies, to cover lost trade from being unable to rebook the date

Final Guest Numbers

Please confirm final numbers 10 days before your event. A reduction of up to 10% from your original booking is fine at that point; reductions within 7 days of the event won't reduce the cost. If numbers increase, we'll do everything we can to accommodate it, though additional costs may apply.

Menu Selection

Your paella and tapas selections need to be finalised 10 days before your event. No changes can be made after that point.

Your Email Address

We may use the email address you provide for marketing purposes.

Force Majeure

We can't be held liable for delays or changes caused by circumstances outside our control — things like severe weather, fire, natural disasters, industrial action, or other emergencies.