Terms and Conditions
Mandalong Country Estate (MCE) is a family owned and operated business. We expect our guests to treat it with the same respect they would treat their own property.
Guest and Visitors must comply with the Terms and Conditions and instructions from the Management and Staff during their stay and must notify staff of any issues as soon as practical.
These Terms and Conditions relate to the details stated in your Booking Invoice. Your booking dates cannot be confirmed until a minimum 10% booking fee has been paid. Payment of deposit, signifies you agree to the Terms and Conditions stated here. Please read them carefully. This deposit is non-refundable. MCE has the right to cancel a tentative booking when a deposit is not received within 48 hours.
MCE reserves the right to cancel any booking due to unforeseen circumstances or force majeure and all monies paid (if applicable) will be refunded.
Standard Payment Terms (wedding date more than 1 year from initial booking)
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10% deposit / booking fee required to lock in dates, then the balance of 25% within the first month.
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The next 25% is due one year out from the wedding.
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The balance of 50% is due one month out from the wedding.
Payment Terms (wedding date less than 1 year from booking)
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10% deposit / booking fee required to lock in dates, then the balance of 25% within the first month.
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The next 25% is discussed based on timeframe.
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Any final balance is due one month out from the wedding.
Payment Terms for all bookings made prior to December 1st, 2023
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A minimum of $500 is acceptable by way of a deposit to secure dates, for all bookings made prior to 18th November 2023.
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25% of balance is payable by 31st December, 2023.
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A Full refund policy will apply for all monies paid for all bookings which are made prior to 18th November, 2023. This must be requested in writing prior to 1st December 2023. Otherwise, our Standard Cancellation Policy will apply.
Payment Terms (wedding over 2 years from booking)
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10% deposit / booking fee required to lock in dates, then the balance of 25%, is due 2 years from wedding date.
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The next 25% is due one year out from the wedding.
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The balance of 50% is due one month out from the wedding.
We do not refund any payments for guests who cancel or change their booking up to 6 months before the event date.
MCE reserves the right to cancel any booking if we deem the guests to be in breach of any of our Terms and Conditions. MCE reserves the right to move your booking due to circumstances beyond our control.
COVID Policy or Similar circumstances
If you need to postpone the date due to Government restrictions relating to Covid & Similar Circumstance, then we will transfer the deposit to a new booking date within a 12 month period after the original wedding date, without penalty. This is subject to our availability on the new date. Penalty rates/surcharges would still apply for Sundays/Public Holidays if the new date falls on them.
This comes into effect if you are unable to hold the wedding due to the restrictions. If the restrictions dictate that there are some limitations as to the specific activities at the wedding but it is still able to go ahead but perhaps “ not the day we had planned ", we reserve the right to use our discretion in regards to moving the deposit amount to a new date.
Bond
As part of your booking, there will be a preauthorised security bond of $1000 taken on the day of check-in. If there are any breakages or damage to property or items belonging to Mandalong Country Estate, we will advise of the costs, and then charge them to your credit card. Please note, you are responsible for all guests on the property during your booking period, for activities they partake in and behaviour that is conducted.
Any serious damages exceeding the $1000 security bond will be invoiced to the owners of the booking. This invoice will need to be paid within 7 days. Mandalong Country Estate does not accept any liability for injuries or damages incurred as a result of guests behaviour. Mandalong Country Estate is a rural farm property and as such dangers and hazards do exist on the property
Catering
MCE will provide a preparation area for external caterers, however catering is to be organised directly by the guest. This also extends to all crockery and glassware.
BYO / Bar Service
MCE is a BYO venue and needs to comply with RSA requirements. RSA trained and qualified bar staff is a requirement for serving alcohol on the premises. MCE does not organise or supply Bar Service or BYO, however we can recommend external companies who can provide this service.
We also have a plastic cups policy. All glasses must be surrendered at 10pm (or at the discretion of MCE staff), and changed over to plastic cups. This ensures minimal breakages, cuts and accidents.
MCE are required to comply with all RSA laws without exception including but not limited to, not serve anyone who shows signs of impending intoxication, not serve anyone who arrives already intoxicated, not serve alcohol to anyone who is under the age of 18.
Drugs
Zero Tolerance Drug Policy: We have a zero tolerance towards the use of Illegal Drugs. Anyone believed to be under the influence of an illegal substance will be required to leave the premises immediately. Any disturbance in this matter will result in the event and venue being shut down immediately. Any dangerous or malicious activity will result in the police being called.
Security Camera
Please be aware, our property has 24 hour surveillance cameras installed. This is for the safety of our guests and staff, and to ensure our property is protected
Venue Curfew
Your booked venue has a curfew of 11pm. Last drinks are to be called half an hour before the function end. All music must be off/quiet by designated time and guests who are not booked into MCE accommodation must leave the property by no later than 11.30pm. We recommend organising a bus to collect guests and deliver them to their accommodation / home. Please note, if you choose to end the bar staff prior to curfew, this will mean the end of the function
Accommodation and Venue Access
Wedding Packages 2 and 3 (including accommodation in The House)
Check in time is from 3pm
Function curfew is 11pm
Check out time is 11am or 9am the following day, depending on your booking.
The property should be left in a similar state to its' condition on arrival. All rubbish should be placed in bins provided outside. Please ensure all windows and doors are closed, the fan/heaters/lights are turned off and fire place and/or fire pit has been extinguished.
MCE will make every effort to ensure the property is available as booked. However, we reserve the right to make alterations to bookings due to unforeseen circumstances or emergency repairs.
To allow sufficient time to style / decorate your booked venue space, access to MCE will be allowed from 3pm the day prior to your event . i.e. if your wedding is on the Saturday, access will be on the Friday. If this does not suit your itinerary or you require additional time to set up, please discuss this with the Manager to ensure the area is available and if there are additional costs.
Removal of your personal items, florals and presents etc from the reception area must be completed between 8am - 11am the following day (regardless of checkout day).
The accommodation and venue areas must be left as they were found. All rubbish should be placed in bins provided, and fridges should be emptied. Please note, there will be a cleaning fee charged if the property is left in a mess.
MCE staff will setup tables and / or chairs for your ceremony, predinner drinks and reception as per The Wedding Planner instructions, prior to your arrival (unless otherwise specified).
Your set up is dependent on your personal requirements. Time will obviously vary depending if you are having DIY wedding, or if you are employing a stylist / event company to set up your wedding. Most couples set up includes:
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Flowers
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place cards
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signage ie welcome sign, seating plan, drinks list, menu etc
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bonbonniere / favours
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After the function, all that should be left in the venue for you to clean up, should be your decorations, presents, tables centres, flowers, candles etc. The venue should be left as it was found. Any glasses, bottles, plates etc that were still being used after the staff have left, must be cleaned and left for the external caterers to collect. Any items that were used from the house, must be returned to the house. Fridges & cool room must be left completely empty.
Venue and Furnishings
The reception venue and ceremony area are rented as is. The furnishing and/or props provided are available to use, though may vary from time to time. As part of your agreement, you will have access to standard furniture inclusions and other speciality items. Please check with venue manager closer to your wedding date. Wall fixtures at MCE are not to be removed without prior approval.
Decorating / Confetti
Hanging items from the ceiling, on the deck or from trees is all allowed, as long as there is NO damage. Please bring cable ties, string, fishing line etc for your decorations. All must be removed thoroughly after your function.
We prefer NOT to have real flame candles. If you choose real flame candles, they must be in a glass jar or similar. We DO NOT allow taper candles due to fire danger and wax residue. Flameless candles are a better option, as they can stay on all day, don't blow out, don't drip, and don't burn anyone or anything.
Artificial confetti and rice are NOT allowed. If you would like a style of confetti, real rose petals, dried leaves or something similar is accepted. We do not allow biodegradable confetti, as it takes months to break down and is not fair on future couples. Please note: if any artificial or biodegradable confetti is used, there will be $100 fee charged from your bond.
Sparklers are allowed by approval only. They must be the giant sparklers to ensure the safety of guests, and ease of clean up. They must only be used outside, and have adequate disposal methods i.e. buckets of water or sand.
Number of guests
Parties and Functions outside booked events i.e. weddings, are prohibited at MCE without prior approval.
The number of guests staying at the property must not exceed 16 in “The House”. In addition to the 16 guests staying on the property, you are allowed 3 children under 5 years of age (please note, bedding will not be provided – please bring appropriate bedding etc).
Guest Accommodation / Camping on Grounds / Caravans
Please ensure your guests are made aware to book their accommodation early.
We do not allow camping/glamping on the grounds. Watagans Forest has designated camping areas and is only a short drive away from MCE.
We do not allow people to sleep in their cars on the property.
Children
Children / babies are welcome at our property but are the full responsibility of their parents / carers. Please be aware that, as we are in the country, there are many unfenced dams and water hazards on the property, and there are also snakes and spiders etc.
Pets
Dogs and Pets are not permitted at MCE.
Farm Animals at MCE
As you may be aware, we have some very special "pets" on the property, including horses and soon will be having our very own Alpacas. Couples may like to have them in the background of their photos. They are very placid animals, but please remember, like all animals, they can be unpredictable. As they are such large animals, if they are spooked or harassed, they may react. Please feel free to visit the animals at the fence line, however, please do not enter the paddock without an MCE Staff Member. Children MUST be supervised at all times near the animals.
Noise
MCE reserves the right to control the volume of any music on the property. Holding Parties, BBQs or any type of Function (that are not prearranged and authorised by Mandalong Country Estate) is strictly prohibited. Unauthorised additional guests/visitors are not allowed onto the property and may cancel your booking and forfeit your security deposit.
Even though we are on a large property, noise travels easily. Guests and visitors must not create noise which is offensive to neighbouring properties, especially between midnight - 7am. Please show respect.
Smoking
All buildings on the property are strictly a non-smoking environment. If you or your guests smoke in the accommodation, you will be charged for steam cleaning floors, curtains and soft furnishings.
Smoking is only permitted in the designated outdoor smoking section. “Butt Buckets” are supplied for the use of smokers outside of these areas. Please do not leave cigarette butts on the ground. An additional cleaning charge will be incurred if excess cigarette butts are found.
Fireworks
Fireworks are allowed on approval. They MUST be fired by a fully licensed fireworks company. Mandalong Fire Brigade and surrounding neighbours MUST be notified at least 1 week prior. Any illegal / unauthorised fireworks will mean forfeiting your bond of $1000, and that money will be donated to the Mandalong Fire Brigade. Please ensure your guests are aware of this, as YOU are responsible for their behaviour / acts whilst on the property.
Fires
Please do not light any fires on the property grounds other than in the designated fire pit area (dependent on conditions and fire bans). Use of the fire pit is by approval only. Timber for the fire pit can be purchased from MCE (with 24 hours notice), or you can bring your own. Any unauthorised use of the fire pit will mean forfeiting your bond of $1000, and that money will be donated to the Mandalong Fire Brigade. Please ensure your guests are aware of this, as YOU are responsible for their behaviour / acts whilst on the property.
Please note, timber is supplied for the indoor fireplaces, and external burners.
Camping BBQs or any other cooking facility must not be brought onto the property.
Swimming Pool
The swimming pool is for the use of house guests only. It is NOT open to wedding guests. The swimming pool is to be used at your own risk.
Please do not take any glassware into pool area. If there is broken glass found in the pool, you will be charged for a full pool clean.
Please ensure that children are supervised at all times when using the pool.
Please note: the pool is closed over the Winter months.
BBQ
We provide a clean BBQ. If you use the BBQ please ensure that it is cleaned before you leave. If we need to clean the BBQ after you have checked out, a $50 charge will be deducted from the security bond for cleaning.
Parking
Cars must be parked in the designated parking areas and not on the grassed areas. If you're guests choose to leave their cars in the carpark overnight, they must be collected before you checkout.
Equipment – Use, Damages, Malfunctions
If there is a problem due to malfunctioning equipment, report it immediately. Whenever possible - do not leave your report until check-out. We will do our best to fix or replace malfunctioning items. We do not issue refunds / discounts for problems with TV, Internet, DVD players, games, or anything else that is not considered a necessity. We will make every effort to have repairs done ASAP; however there may be limited service contractors in our area.
You will be held responsible for any damages to the house or property, caused by you or your guests. The property is inspected after each stay. If any items are missing and damaged; you will be notified and then charged from your bond.
Storms & Flooding
If there is a storm / act of God, and damage / power outage, MCE will do what they can do assist to ensure your function can proceed. Though we will not take any responsibility. Please note, there is no generator / back up power in place if there is a power outage. MCE is situated in a rural area and as such, rural roads can be prone to flooding in extreme events. MCE will endeavour to find solutions for situations which may arise and any additional costs for facilitating the event as a result of the severe weather will be bourne by the hirer/guest.
Recovery Party / Post-wedding BBQ
Post Wedding events can be held the following day. Depending on the size of the function, this may incur an excess cleaning charge. Please discuss this with The Manager prior to your arrival.
Lost / Damaged Property
You will be notified of any items found after checkout. These will be held for 2 weeks awaiting collection or postage and then disposed of. If items require postage, the postage will be charged from the bond unless otherwise specified. Please note: we do NOT hold items until you next visit the local area.
Event Manager
A MCE Event Manager will attend on the day to co-ordinate with third party suppliers (e.g. photographers and musicians etc) and ensure wedding facilities are set up and working correctly. The Event Manager will be present until at least the commencement of the reception and then handover to the bar / catering staff. In case of emergency, there will always be a team member on call.
Cleanup after function
MCE will pack up tables, chairs and furnishings.
Anything you have hired independently from external vendors i.e. chairs, tables, props etc. must be packed up neatly and left for the company to collect. Please ensure collection is arranged for the following day.
Regardless of your checkout date, all personal items are to be packed down and removed from reception area by 11am the day after the function (if you have a ceremony and reception only package, it must be by 9am). The caterers and beverage company will remove / clean up all the related items ie. Glassware, bottles, plates, cutlery etc.
It is your responsibility to remove all decorations, broken glass, excess mess (i.e. glitter, cigarette butts etc.) and place all rubbish into bins provided. Thorough cleaning (i.e. cleaning toilets, mopping floors etc.) and disposal of rubbish is the responsibility of MCE.
We reserve the right to make aesthetic improvements / changes to MCE venues, accommodation, ceremony areas and property without notification.