Catering Services

It is highly recommend inputting a place holder for the date your event is expected to take place as availability can become very limited. We understand that plans may evolve, and changes are inevitable. Rest assured, we are more than happy to accommodate adjustments to your order as your event details are confirmed. By securing your spot early, you not only ensure the availability of our exceptional catering services but also gain more flexibility to tailor your order to perfectly suit your needs. Any necessary changes must be made 5 full business days in advance of the event.

Whether on or off campus, we request that the event location is reserved before we plan for catering arrangements. University Events can be reached at 703-993-2853 to arrange tables, chairs, trash cans and other equipment on George Mason University Campuses. When reserving the location please allow an adequate amount of time for set up before and after the event for clean up.

All cancellations and menu changes must be confirmed within 5 business days prior to the event date. Functions cancelled with less than 5 business days may incur a charge. Guest count and event arrangements must be confirmed within 3 business days prior to the event. We will prepare for the estimated number and charge accordingly should a final count not be confirmed. While we strive to accommodate all needs, insufficient notice hinders our ability to schedule production and staffing needed. After we have finalized all the details of your event, you will receive an event order confirmation email. Please carefully review for accuracy and completeness. Make any necessary changes 5 full business days in advance of the event.

All catered functions must be secured by payment before the event date. University Funds, State Accounts, Checks, ACH payments, and Credit Cards (Visa, MC & Amex) are all valid payment methods. Non-University related groups are required to make a 75% deposit two weeks prior to their event with the final balance due on the day of the event. Tax exempt organizations are required to submit a copy of their exemption certificate prior to their event.

Per GMU Food & Beverage Policy, to process payment when either Foundation or State Account is used, the following documentation is required. Sodexo Catering kindly asks that you send us the List of Attendees and confirm the Method of Payment at least three business days prior to your event. Per GMU “Use Sodexo” procedures, our Catering office must receive the required documents three days prior to the event to confirm the contract.

Regarding the List of Attendees: Sodexo Catering is required to submit the List of Attendees to GMU AP, this list should notate if the participants are GMU Affiliated or NON-GMU Affiliated. We understand that with some events a List of Attendees may not be feasible to provide. In these instances, a statement of such impracticality must be provided for the event.

Regarding the Method of Payment: When using a State Account, please keep in mind that this method of payment will not cover Alcohol, Bartender, Floral, or Décor charges, and it is limited to Per Diem rates. The above-mentioned charges are usually paid with Foundation Account, but we also accept Credit Cards, Checks, and Cash. Note that when non-GMU accounts are used, sales taxes will be added unless proper documentation of tax exemption is provided.

In addition, the State Account’s Approver email information is required in advance. Per GMU AP, the required official must provide authorization by email and confirm that the event and order amount is Approved.

Mason Catering offers commercially compostable service ware as our standard. China service ware is available for the additional charges below.

Full Meal China, Glassware, Silverware Service $2.75 per guest

Coffee or Beverage China Service $2.00 per guest

Full Bar Glass Service $2.00 per guest

Reception China and Silverware Services $2.00 per guest

Eco-friendly Service $1.50 per guest

The above are charged per request.

As a standard, we provide tablecloths for all food and beverage tables free of charge. White Standard Linens for guest tables are included with full service plated meals. Linens for guest tables at receptions, continental breakfast breaks, and boxed lunches can be provided at an additional charge. The same applies to registration tables, head tables and any other additional tables that will not be directly used for food and beverages.

White Standard (85” square) for round tables $10.00 each

White Standard (2 - 85” squares) to box a 6’ or 8’ table $20.00 per table

White Standard (114” rectangle) for 6’ and 8’ banquet tables $10.00

Black skirt $30.00 each

White Standard (120” rounds) for round tables $18.00 each

Napkins $0.95 per napkin

Other linen colors, depending on availability, may be placed as special orders.

Specialty linens are also available for your food and guest tables at an additional cost. Please set up an appointment to view the linens.

To ensure that your event is a success, our catering team will work with you to properly staff your events. Servers are $175.00 for a four hour minimum each, (including set-up, event time, and breakdown). For longer events, attendants are $225 for ~7 hours of labor.

The catering team requires a server for 1 per 50 guests for any non-china event including receptions when hot foods are present. Events using full china requires a server per every 15 guests for plated and every 25 guests for buffet style meals. We always recommend that you ask the catering staff for staffing guidelines to ensure your event is properly staffed.

University group events are subject to a service fee charge: Fairfax: $35.00, Arlington: $75.00; Prince William: $75.00, for all events where an attendant is not included. Non-University groups are subject to 18% service fee and 6% sales tax for all food events. Continental breakfasts, breaks, and receptions are priced for self-service.

As the host of the catering event, you are responsible for the equipment we provide for the service of your catered event. Any missing or damaged catering equipment or supplies will be charged to your account at replacement cost. For very large events, specialty equipment may need to be rented at an additional charge.

We will be happy to order, receive and handle specific floral and decorative requests for an additional fee determined in accordance with your specific needs.

Due to food safety liability, guests may not remove food from the function site.

**Consuming raw or under cooked meats, seafood, shellfish or eggs may increase your risk of food borne illness.**

If another caterer is performing services for your event, Sodexo will not be able to offer any of its services at that time.

Mason Catering offers both cash bar and consumption bar options. Both bar styles are offered with a Full Bar or Wine & Beer only option. Bartender Service fees are the responsibility of the client. All bars have a sales minimum of $150, Bartender Fee not included.

We require at least one bartender for every 75-100 guests for Beer and Wine service. The charge for a bartender is $175.00 for a four-hour minimum (including set-up, event time, and breakdown) and $225 for seven hours.

All alcoholic beverages must be served by our personnel and consumed in designated areas. Proof of age will be required.