> ## Knowledge Base Index
> Fetch the complete knowledge base index at: https://help.chefmaison.com/sitemap.xml
> Use this file to discover available pages before exploring further.
> Pure-Markdown content can be obtained by appending a '.md' suffix to the content URLs listed in the sitemap (without the trailing slash).

# What happens if my chef doesn't show up on the day of my event?

It's completely understandable to want guarantees before your event — here's exactly what protects you, and what happens if something goes wrong.
## What a chef commits to when they accept your booking
When a chef accepts your booking on ChefMaison, they're committing to deliver the service at the **date, time, and address** you agreed on together. This isn't just a casual arrangement — it's a confirmed commitment on the platform.
## If something goes wrong on the chef's side
If a chef has a last-minute problem or cancels close to your event, **our team steps in to help** — and where possible, we'll find a **replacement chef** so your event can still go ahead.
If you're ever in a situation where your chef hasn't shown up, contact us **immediately** at [**operations@chefmaison.com**](mailto:operations@chefmaison.com) (or via chat) so we can act as quickly as possible — the sooner we know, the more we can do to help. If we don't find a chef, we guarantee your full refund.
## Why your payment is part of what protects you
Here's the part that actually guarantees your security: **your payment is held by ChefMaison, and the chef is only paid 2 days after your event has taken place.** This means the chef isn't paid upfront — they're only paid once the event is confirmed to have happened. This is intentional, and it's what protects you as a client: there's a real incentive on the chef's side to deliver the service as agreed, since payment depends on it.
## What you're covered for if a chef cancels
If a chef cancels your booking, our **Cancellation Policy** protects you — see **Cancellation Policy for Clients** for the exact terms, including refunds.
## We're here before and during your event
Our team stays available both **before and during** your booking in case anything comes up — you're never on your own with a confirmed booking, even outside of a worst-case scenario like a no-show.
> 💡 The best way to make sure everything goes smoothly is to keep communication with your chef open in the lead-up to your event — Confirm the exactly address and the date in advanced!