What is included in the rental fee?
When you rent The Block for your wedding or reception, you’ll have use of up to 130 comfortable banquet chairs, ten 30” adjustable height bistro tables that work great for seated or standing receptions, seven 6’ banquet tables, 20 high bistro chairs, a Bose speaker system to hook up your portable music device, a private dressing room and bathroom, and indoor balcony and outdoor landscaped deck overlooking Muskegon Lake. Bar service available.
Are there other fees?
All events require a non-refundable $75 set up/clean-up fee. Other optional items available for rent are our state-of-the-art AV equipment, an on-site Steinway Grand Piano, and a portable stage.
What is the maximum number of guests allowed in The Block?
Legal capacity: 150 main floor, 42 balcony
– comfortable seating: Seated Reception at Rounds or Rectangular Banquet Tables: 60-80 people. Seated wedding: 130-150.
Maximum seats available with a rental, including main floor and balcony: 150
Can I bring in my own alcohol?
Our liquor license requires that all alcohol be purchased through The Block. Please let us know if we can send you a listing of our stock items or special-order prices.
Do I need to hire a bartender if I am serving alcohol?
You must use one of our certified staff bartenders if you choose to serve liquor at your event. We will hire a bartender to work the duration of your event. A $25 per hour bartender fee will be added to the fees in your rental contract.
How many hours are included in the venue rental?
A wedding ceremony is $800 and includes a consecutive four-hour block of time.
A reception is $1,000 and includes a consecutive six-hour block of time.
A wedding and reception is $2,000 and includes a consecutive ten-hour block of time.
Additional time can be added to your existing block of time for $25 an hour, plus additional bartending fees as applicable.
What AV packages are available?
Three AV packages are available to provide microphones, music, videos, and/or special lighting for your event, along with a technician to run everything. Please see The Block rental information page for details. We also have Bluetooth connectivity to our sound system for budget-minded clients.
When can I come in and decorate?
If you wish to rehearse or decorate the day before your event, The Block can be reserved for a consecutive two-hour block of time for $200, based upon availability. If additional time is needed, it can be added for $25 an hour.
Does The Block offer linens for any of its tables?
No. We can recommend several companies who rent linens and chair covers.
What are the rules for decorating?
The following items are not allowed in the facility: sparklers, rice, birdseed, confetti, glitter, tape/adhesives, glow sticks, helium balloons, sand (except for a unity sand vase), wax candles (except for a unity candle)and the placement of any glass on window sills. Nothing should be fastened to any wall, ceiling, or surface without permission of The Block. All decorations for the event must be removed immediately following the event. The Block reserves the right to ask renters to remove any decorations which do not meet our approval. The Block reserves the right to keep a portion of the renters security deposit for professional removal of any decorations which do not comply with these guidelines.
Am I allowed to have candles in The Block?
Flameless candles and unity candles are allowed. Please inquire with specific questions about your proposed use of candles. The Block does not provide any decorations, flameless candles, or candle holders.
Can I bring my own food into The Block?
Yes! You may hire a caterer of your choice or you may provide the food yourself. Whoever is providing the food (caterer, friend, or family member) must make an appointment to visit The Block beforehand to learn how to properly use the facility relating to serving food. We have a small area in which to stage food, but we do not have a full kitchen, refrigerator or stove. Portable fryers are not allowed in The Block. Although we don’t have preferred caterers, we can certainly make recommendations of caterers who have worked with us at The Block.
Does The Block have microphones I can use?
Yes. We have lapel, handheld wireless, and handheld corded microphones available for an extra fee.
Can my DJ/Band plug into The Block sound system?
Most DJs and bands have their own sound systems, speakers, and microphones, which they are required to bring and use. There are plenty of outlets available for their use.
Is there any information I should share with my DJ/band/live entertainment?
It’s important to let any hired entertainment know that The Block is a very live sound space. Clients are required to keep the combination of guest and entertainment volume under 105db as measured by a professional decibel meter by Block staff. Failure to do so may result in immediate termination of the event. Trust us, you and your guests will thank us for this requirement.
Is there parking nearby for my guests?
Yes! There are acres of free parking within steps of The Block.
Is The Block handicap accessible?
Yes. The Block has elevator access and continuous surface accessibility.
Do I have to clean the space after my event has occurred?
It’s expected that the facility will be left in reasonable condition. Leftover decorations must be removed. Caterers or renters providing their own food are responsible for the removal of all food waste and items associated with the catering of the event. Otherwise, additional cleaning fees will be withheld from the security deposit.
How can I secure a date for my event?
Call Gabe Slimko at 231-928-5735 to ask for availability and/or a tour. To hold a date, we need a signed rental agreement and a deposit of 50% of the rental costs.