Banquet Policies & Contract

General Policies

The clubhouse has been designed to offer both private function and member exclusive areas. Locker rooms are for the use of the golfing members and their guests and may not be used as changing/storage rooms by non-members. Guests may change and prepare for the event in the restrooms located east of the main entrance. For storage of items please consult the event coordinator for availability and locations. All function materials must be removed from the property of Effingham Country Club at the conclusion of the function, or must be approved by the event coordinator. The Club can assume no responsibility or liability for any article of personal property lost or stolen on the club premises.

Room Fees

In order to maintain excellent service and facilities at Effingham Country Club the following fees apply toward the rental of the following rooms:

Reserving, Deposit, and Billing

Banquet Space is not contractually obligated until Effingham Country Club receives this signed contract and 50% of room rental as a non-refundable deposit. For your convenience, a courtesy hold can be placed on one available event date for 3 business days with no deposit or contract required. At the end of those 3 days, the date will be released. An Event Confirmation Contract and full payment must be received 72 hours prior to event. Guarantees for Tuesday and Wednesday events must be received the preceding Friday. The Advanced Payment and all pre-payments shall be applied to the final bill. Additional food quantities, beverage totals or any additional charges are due at the conclusion of the event.

Please Note: Effingham Country Club is not able to accept Credit Cards as any form of payment. Payment must be made in the form of cash or check unless prior written consent has been received by the club allowing the sponsoring member’s account to be charged.

Cancellation

Cancellations must be made in writing. 100% of the deposit will be refunded if your event is cancelled up to 120 days prior to the event. If your event is 90 days or more beyond your cancellation date and the date is rebooked within 30 days of your cancellation there will a partial refund in the amount of 50% of room rental.

Changing Your Date
Rescheduling your event must be done no less than forty five (45) days prior to the original reserved date. 50% of your deposit may be transferred to the new date. Upon rescheduling the new date, a new signed Banquet Contract is required.

Menu Selection

For your satisfaction all ingredients used are the freshest possible. To help ensure the quality of your dining experience, menu selections must be selected thirty (30) days prior to your function. Should a custom menu be desired our Clubhouse manger, would be happy to design one to fit your special needs. If you desire this option please alert us as soon as possible because of the planning and time involved in catering a menu to your specific needs. Should you desire split entrées (maximum of 2 selections), the price shall be the selection of greater value. Split entrées require a guaranteed guest count for each item 72 hours prior to the beginning of your scheduled function. To ensure the highest level of service only two choices of entrées will be allowed.

Outside catering is allowed with approval of the event coordinator. A $ 5.00 service charge per plate will be added to any event choosing to have outside catering.

Buffets & Hors D-oeuvres

In order to ensure that cuisine is pleasing to both the palate and the eye, all selections are priced per person in attendance. Buffets and hor d’oeuvres shall be replenished frequently to provide a quality appearance and satisfy the first patron through the last. For this reason and health regulations no unserved portions may be taken from the premise.

Pricing

All menu pricing is current and subject to change without notice. Please consult the catering director with any questions.

Guaratees

In order to present you with the finest product and services available a guaranteed guest count is crucial. A guaranteed guest count is required 72 hours prior to the beginning of the function. This number will be the guaranteed minimum and the number you shall be charged. In the event that the actual number in attendance exceeds the Guaranteed Guest Count additional items are subject to a 10% increase in price and subject to possible substitution of other items based on availability. Additional food quantities, beverage totals or any additional charges are due at the conclusion of the event. Due to health regulations, any unserved portions may not be taken from the premise.

Sales Tax & Service Charge

All services provided by Effingham Country Club (including food and beverage prices) are subject to an 18% service charge. All food, beverage, service charges, & miscellaneous fees are subject to Illinois State Sales Tax (6.5%).

Dress Code

Effingham Country Club has a dress code that encourages country club appropriate attire. Please inform guests of this policy to avoid any embarrassing situations.

Smoking Policy

According to Illinois State Law, smoking is not permitted inside or within 15 feet of the clubhouse. Ash urns are placed near entrances as a convenience and are not a designated smoking area.

Extras

White table linens & black linen napkins will be provided for all tables in use for any banquet held at Effingham Country Club. The Club does not provide any other decorations, floral centerpieces or entertainment. Appropriate serving staff will be provided for all events held. Effingham Country Club has a sound system, which includes a CD player, wireless microphone and built in speakers for the dining room facility only. These services are available with applicable service charges. All cleaning services with the exception of personal decorations used are the responsibility of Effingham Country Club.

Wedding Ceremony & Reception

Effingham Country Club is delighted to accommodate a wedding ceremony and/or reception in the banquet facility. If you would like to have the wedding ceremony located on club property a ceremony set-up fee will be allocated, with approval of the Board of Directors. Fees are based on number in attendance and location. Wedding photographs may be taken in the clubhouse but are limited to the clubhouse facility. For locations outside of the clubhouse please consult the event coordinator for acceptable areas.

No outside food is allowed onto the premises of Effingham Country Club. However, the Club does allow you to provide your own wedding cake. The service staff will cut and serve the wedding cake in exchange for dessert selection. If a dessert selection is not included in the selected menu, a cake cutting fee of $1.00 per person will be charged.

Beverage & Liquor Policy

Iced Tea & Lemonade are available for all events. All pricing is per drink. A drink price list is available upon request. Wine service is available. A Cash Bar (event guests are responsible for drink purchases) or Open Bar (event holder is responsible for all drink purchases) may be set up. Ticketed bar may be set-up. This allowed guests to purchase tickets at a designated ticket vendor that may be exchanged for beverages at the beverage station. No outside beverages are allowed to be brought onto Effingham Country Club premises. One bartender per 100 guests is provided with all services. Additional bartenders and service stations are available for $50 per hour requested. 
 
Please Note: Effingham Country Club personnel must administer all liquor service.
An 18% gratuity charge will be added for bartender services.