How booking works at Shake & Gather

Quotes are valid for seven days and do not hold dates. An inquiry, saved plan or quote does not reserve your date. Booking requires quote acceptance, a signed agreement and the required payment, subject to availability.

Ordinary bookings require a 30% retainer calculated on the entire invoice, credited toward the total. The remaining balance is due 14 days before the event.

Bank deposit or credit card are accepted.

The retainer is generally nonrefundable, subject to the exceptions stated in the signed agreement and to applicable law.

Bookings accepted 30 or fewer days before the event require full payment upfront and a 20% short-notice premium.

Any exceptions to the ordinary cancellation and rescheduling terms are the ones stated in your signed agreement.

Final guest count and beverage selections are due 30 days before the event, or at booking for short-notice events.

Later changes require express written approval and may change your quote. Reduced attendance does not automatically reduce the total.

Cancellation obligations and notice requirements are set out in the event agreement you sign when you book, together with any exceptions.

Cancellation notices must be sent in writing to the email address below. Ask us any time for the specific terms that apply to your date before you book.

One ordinary reschedule may be approved, subject to availability. A second reschedule is treated as a cancellation, with the remaining balance due.

Changes to the replacement event may increase the price.

Written cancellation notices: info.shakeandgather@gmail.com

Refunds that are owed are issued within 14 calendar days after the refund amount is confirmed. Bank or card processing may take additional time.

This timing does not create refund eligibility where none otherwise exists.

A 20% premium applies on designated holiday dates. The designated dates that apply to your event are confirmed in your quote.

Holiday and short-notice premiums use the same service package subtotal and add together rather than compounding. When both apply, the combined premium is 40% of that subtotal.

Separately itemized travel, rentals, gratuities and taxes are excluded from that premium basis. The ordinary 30% retainer is calculated on the entire invoice, which is a different basis.

Travel to your venue within our standard Chicago service area is included. Any additional distance-zone travel, plus parking, tolls or extraordinary access charges, is disclosed in your quote before you book.

Additional service time requires client authorization, staff availability and venue permission. Extended-service charges will be included in your quote.

Clients must disclose access, utilities, restrictions and insurance requirements before the event.

Outdoor service requires suitable shelter and a safe backup plan. Venue-specific permission is confirmed for each event.

Identification may be required. Staff may refuse alcohol service or stop unsafe or unlawful service.

Clients should disclose allergies and dietary restrictions before menu finalization. An allergen-free environment is not guaranteed.

Your proposal defines supplied quantities, equipment and cleanup scope.

Venue-wide cleanup, bussing and trash hauling are included only when expressly listed.

Tips are voluntary. There is no mandatory gratuity or tip guarantee.