Merci Event Space — Frequently Asked Questions

Booking & Payments

How do I confirm my booking? Your booking is confirmed once you've completed the booking form, we've accepted it, and we've received your deposit.

How much is the deposit? 50% of the venue hire fee. The exact amount will be outlined in your booking confirmation.

When is the final balance due? The remaining venue hire balance and any additional charges must be paid by the due date on your invoice.

What if my event has a minimum spend? The minimum spend must be met regardless of final guest numbers or how much your guests actually consume.

Guest Numbers & Catering

When do I need to confirm final details? Final guest numbers, menu selections, beverage packages, and event requirements must be confirmed at least 14 days before your event.

Can I reduce my guest numbers after confirming? No. The numbers confirmed at the 14-day mark are used for final invoicing and cannot be reduced.

Can I make changes after the deadline? We'll accommodate late changes where possible, but they're subject to availability and may incur additional charges.

Can menu items change? Occasionally we may need to substitute menu items or suppliers due to availability or seasonal changes. Any substitution will be of equal or comparable quality.

Cancellations & Postponements

How do I cancel or postpone? All cancellation or postponement requests must be submitted in writing to our Events Team.

What are the cancellation fees?

• More than 60 days before your event: The deposit may be retained.
• 30–60 days before: Up to 50% of the total booking value may be retained.
• Within 30 days: We may retain amounts needed to cover losses from staffing, preparation, and supplier commitments already made.

Are November and December events different? Yes. Due to peak demand, cancellations within 60 days of a November or December event may result in retention of amounts needed to cover losses and commitments.

Can I reschedule instead of cancelling? Where possible, yes — subject to availability. A rescheduled date must be within 12 months of the original event date unless otherwise agreed.

What if something outside anyone's control stops my event? For events like natural disasters, government restrictions, extreme weather, or power outages, we'll work with you on a suitable alternative, including postponement where possible. Refunds or credits are considered based on circumstances and costs already incurred.

Venue Access & Timing

How long do I have the venue for? Access is limited to the booking period in your confirmation. Extra time may incur additional fees and is subject to availability.

When can suppliers set up and pack down? You and your suppliers must comply with the agreed bump-in and bump-out times.

Can I leave items at the venue overnight? No. All personal belongings, decorations, and hired items must be removed at the end of your event unless prior arrangements have been approved.

Music & Entertainment

Can I have a live band or DJ? Not without written approval from Management. We're in a residential precinct and are committed to respecting our neighbours.

Can I bring my own sound equipment? External sound equipment is not permitted without prior approval.

How can I play my own music? You're welcome to provide a Spotify playlist, which we'll play through the venue sound system. Our staff will control the playback device throughout the event.

Decorations & Styling

Can I bring my own decorations or stylist? Yes — but all decorations, styling installations, and external suppliers must be approved by Management first.

What items aren't allowed? Confetti, glitter, powder cannons, party poppers, smoke machines, streamers, adhesive materials (blu-tac, tape, nails, pins), and anything that could damage venue surfaces.

What if my stylist damages something? You're responsible for ensuring external stylists and suppliers follow our requirements. Any damage to the venue, furniture, fixtures, or equipment may be charged to you.

Food & Drink

Can I bring my own food or drinks? No. To maintain food safety and quality standards, outside food and beverages are not permitted. All selections must come through approved Merci Event Space suppliers unless agreed otherwise in writing.

Can I bring a celebration cake? Yes, with prior approval. A cake service fee of $2.50 per guest applies, covering handling, presentation, and service.

Alcohol Service

What are your alcohol service rules? We comply with Queensland liquor licensing laws, including responsible service of alcohol obligations. Staff may refuse alcohol service or remove guests who are intoxicated, aggressive, or behaving inappropriately.

Will guests need ID? Guests may be asked to show valid identification where alcohol is served.

Is there a refund if a guest is refused service or removed? No refund is provided where a guest is refused service or removed due to their behaviour.

Children

Can children attend events? Yes, but children and minors must be supervised by a parent, guardian, or responsible adult at all times. You're responsible for ensuring children behave safely and appropriately within the venue.

Damage, Cleaning & Personal Property

Is the venue responsible for lost or stolen items? No. While we take every reasonable care, we accept no responsibility for loss, theft, or damage to personal belongings brought into the venue.

Who pays for damage during the event? You accept responsibility for any damage caused by yourself, your guests, or your suppliers. Repair, replacement, or additional cleaning costs may be charged to you.

When do extra cleaning fees apply? Where excessive cleaning is needed due to spills, damage, unapproved decorations, excessive mess, or breaches of venue requirements. Any charges will be communicated after the event.

Photography & Privacy

Will photos of my event be used for marketing? We may capture photos or video of the venue, styling, and events for promotional purposes. If you don't want your event's images used, let us know in writing before the event.

How is my personal information handled? We collect personal information to manage bookings and deliver event services, handled in accordance with applicable Australian privacy laws.

Your Rights

Do these terms affect my consumer rights? No. Nothing in our Terms & Conditions excludes, restricts, or modifies any rights you have under the Australian Consumer Law.

Which laws govern my booking? The laws of Queensland, Australia. Any disputes are subject to Queensland courts.