Things to Remember at Merle Manders Center
We want your event to be as successful as possible! This comprehensive policy sheet is meant for your protection and to ensure that you are aware of the abilities and liabilities of MMC for the purpose of all event pre-planning.
You must follow these policies and procedures in order to receive your deposit refund.
1. Reservations are issued to the first party to complete a contract and all required steps to guarantee their reservation. If your contract is not in place and the appropriate deposit is not made on a specific date, then your date is still available and may be rented to another party.
2. Your rental time MUST include your setup and clean-up (This means the time that you need for your event contractors to setup and breakdown their area, remove all personal items, etc.) If you go over your contracted rental time, you will be responsible for additional fees.
3. MMCC event attendant will be on the premises during rental hours. Attendant will unlock and lock the conference center.
4. MMCC will provide set-up and breakdown of our items as agreed upon and initialed on the layout diagram or for the specific room(s) rented. Set-up changes WILL NOT be available on the day of your event. If additional tables are needed, additional fees will be applied. All additional table request must be requested during your final appointment. If requested after this time, your request may not be granted. No additional chairs or tables can be requested day of the event.
5. Caterers MUST inform you of the number and arrangement of tables that are needed for the food and drink. These tables will be included in your rented inventory. The center is not responsible for adding tables that are not on the layout.
6. There is $800.00 security deposit in addition to the $50 alcohol permit required if you are serving alcohol at your event. Please refer to "Alcohol For Events" clause. To ensure this policy requirement, your event may be monitored by security cameras.
7. We DO NOT allow cash bars and a bartender must be used when distributing alcohol. No alcohol is permitted outside of the building.
8. The center closes at midnight (if you have rented until midnight). Everyone must vacate at this time, No exceptions.
9. Due to the City of Stockbridge noise ordinance; all music, etc. must be completed by 11:00 p.m.
10. All special rental items (dance floor, PA, MIC, stage, etc.) must be requested and paid for in full before the event. These items cannot be moved or altered once set-up is complete.
11. There will be a $200 charge for use of the building for a wedding rehearsal. It CANNOT exceed 2 hours and is not guaranteed to be available on the night before the wedding. If rented for the rehearsal, this time is dedicated to rehearsal only and not to be used for décor or other setup purposes. If you would like to decorate for your event on the day before your contracted time, you must do a full rental of the space.
12. NO SMOKING is allowed inside the building, either levels, at any time.
13. Linens are NOT included in your rental and must be rented from an outside vendor.
14. Rice, birdseed, confetti and fireworks are not allowed inside or outside the center.
15. No skates, rollerblades, or other wheeled objects are allowed inside the building or on the premises. Exceptions are made for wheelchairs and strollers.
16. All decorations/equipment must be removed at the end of each event. Any items left for more than 24 hours without a phone call or prior approval will be thrown away or become property of MMCC.
17. The center must be cleaned according to the cleaning checklist and left exactly the way indicated on checklist. No cleaning supplies are provided.
18. ALL center pieces and trash MUST be removed from tables and all other used areas of the center at the end of every event. Failure to assign someone to this duty will result in an additional charge of $10 per table, in addition to forfeit of your deposit. This also applies to any trash, etc. left outside of the center or other areas of the center.
19. All trash must be placed in the trash area outside of the kitchen. Trash cans must be placed inside the kitchen.
20. Please do not throw food or wedding cake at your event. Doing this may result in undue property wear and tear, thus leading to the loss of your deposit.
21. No open candles allowed in the center. Candles MUST be domed or contained at all times. Please check with staff concerning centerpieces or decorations that will include candles.
22. The room(s) will be set-up according to the agreed upon layout. Changes that are needed MUST be requested 72 hours prior to event date and may have associated fees.
23. All furniture in lobby, hallways, brides’ room and through-out MMCC MUST remain in their designated area, and assigned rooms. DO NOT ALTER OR MOVE.
24. No outside equipment, furnishings, or similar items are allowed in the building or on the premises without written permission from the center.
25. No structures of any kind are allowed in parking lot or grass area of center.
26. No grills are permitted on the premises, either level, at any time.
27. No banners are allowed inside or outside of center without prior approval.
28. Advertisements or public announcements identifying the Merle Manders Center (other than wedding invitations) should not be distributed without written approval from MMCC.
29. Decorations may not be attached in any way to surface or walls of the facility. No nails, tacks, staples, tape, or other items should be used to hang objects anywhere in the building or on the premises. You will lose your deposit and accrue additional fees if you do not follow this rule.
30. No items should be hung from wall sconces or chandeliers.(NO ITEMS ARE ALLOWED TO BE TAPED OR TACKED ON ANY WALLS, IF THIS POLICY IS NOT ADHERED TO, THE CLIENT ON THE CONTRACT WILL FORFEIT TOTAL DEPOSIT. CLIENT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR DECORATOR'S EXECUTION. IT IS THE CLIENT'S RESPONSIBILITY TO MAKE SURE THE DECORATOR AND/OR EVENT COORDINATOR IS AWARE OF THIS POLICY.
31. Proper etiquette is expected in common areas, including lobbies, restrooms, hallways, etc. that may or may not be shared by those renting the building at the same time.
32. Children MUST be supervised at all times and should not be allowed to be in any room other than the one where your event is being held. No running is allowed in the center.
33.No change out / switch outs of your approved set-up is permitted (i.e. changing/flipping from ceremony to reception, banquet set-up).
34. No fog machines are allowed.
35. If there are any theft, damages or vandalism you will lose your deposit.
*ALCOHOL FOR EVENTS: Alcohol is only permitted if client has secured a caterer with a purchase and pouring license or certified alcohol vendor that has a state license to administer alcohol for special events. All bartenders must be licensed to pour. (NO EXCEPTIONS).
To serve alcohol you must obtain a permit from the City Hall Permit Department located at 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge GA 30281, the cost for the permit is $50. (credit card or money order accepted)
*OUTSIDE CATERERS: The use of an outside caterer is an additional $500.00. Non-preferred caterers MUST submit 1) catering license/ business license 2) Copy of Safe Serve from registered county 3) Copy of certificate of insurance listing City of Stockbridge as additional insured a minimum of 30 prior to the event.