Frequently Asked Questions

Which chairs can I use?
We have 2 types of chairs: wrought iron designer chairs or banquet chairs (see booking form, page 1).

If you use the banquet chairs, you will need chair covers. The chair covers are not included in our price but can be hired at R15 per cover.
If you use the wrought iron chairs, please note that we only have a total of 150 wrought iron chairs. We do not supply cushions for these chairs but you can hire from the florist.

Can I make a provisional booking for a date?
Yes, there is no charge for this. The provisional booking will be kept for 7 days. If we don’t hear from you, we will automatically release the booking. We will contact you if somebody else wants that date before the 7 days are over. You will then have 48 hours to make a decision and pay a deposit.

Are we allowed to bring our own drinks?
No, Valverde has a fully stocked bar.
You are only allowed to bring something special that is otherwise not available on the market. Gifts for the guests (e.g. small Amarula bottles) are also allowed, because they are not consumed on the premises.

What is the waiter/barman charge?
The waiter charge is 10%, which is charged on top of the menu price.

Can I bring my own caterer?
Yes. Should you wish to bring your own caterer, a fee of R100 per person will be charged. This includes the use of chapel, tables, chairs, cutlery, crockery and white table linen. It also includes cleaning up of the venue after the function. It does NOT include waitrons for setting of the tables and for table service during the function. Waitrons can be hired at an additional charge of R25 per waitron per hour, barmen @R35 per hour. Alternatively, you can use the waitrons of your caterer.

Can we smoke in the venue?
It is entirely up to you to decide if you want the venue to be a smoking or a non-smoking venue. If you do decide to smoke, please indicate so in the final arrangements. There is a cigarette vending machine on the premises.

Can we have breakfast in the morning?
Yes. Also guests that don’t sleep over at Valverde are welcome to join you for breakfast. The price is R65p.p

Can there be another wedding/function/conference at the same time?
Yes, this can happen, especially on Saturdays in summer. Note however that the venues are far apart from each other, so this will not interfere with the privacy of your wedding. There are also 2 separate entrance gates. You and other guests may make use of the entire estate for photographs. Should you wish to be the only bride we can accommodate you at an additional venue hire charge of R12.000. This fee needs to be paid upon booking, together with the deposit of R5.000.

Do we have to book all 20 rooms?
No. If you don’t book all the rooms, other guests that are not attending your wedding can also make reservations. However, they will not interfere with your wedding, as they will not be allowed to access your venue.

Can we make a provisional booking for rooms for our guests?
No. If you make a reservation, it will remain on our reservation system for 48 hours. Thereafter it will automatically be deleted unless we receive proof of payment of the full amount. Rooms are strictly on a first come first served basis. This is to prevent any misunderstanding and to prevent turning away of other prospective clients.

At what time can the guests check in?
Check in time is at 14.00h. Check out time is at 10.00h.

Can I use the Bridal Suite to get changed?
Yes, it will be available from 12a.m.

Do we have to take the Wedding Package?
No. If you only want individual items, e.g. the Bridal Suite or the draping, they also have individual prices (see Wedding Packages).

Is there a wedding consultant to help me with ideas etc?
Yes, Valverde offers a free service of wedding coordinating - we are happy to organize it all for you but please feel free to take charge of the planning if that is more suited to you.

What decoration is included?
White or black table linen, red carpet, silver cake knife and cake lifter.
Wrought iron items: 2 candle stands for the cake table, 2 flower stands (excluding cone vase, please arrange with florist), arch at chapel entrance (Jasmine Chapel only).

Can you hire organza overlays for us?
Yes, please contact the florist about sizes and colours.

Do you have suppliers for everything we will need on the day?
Yes. We have a list of recommended suppliers whom we have been satisfied with but you are welcome to choose whoever you are most comfortable with.

At what time can we start setting up?
This depends on the availability of the venue. Please confirm with your function coordinator 10 days before the function.

What are the most popular times to start the ceremony?
Friday night recommended starting time of ceremony 17.00/18:00
Saturday morning recommended starting time 09:00/10:00
Saturday afternoon Garden Ceremony recommended starting time 15.00
Saturday afternoon Jasmine Chapel Ceremony recommended starting time 16.00
Saturday afternoon Vista Chapel recommended starting time 15.30
Sunday lunch recommended starting time 11:00

What is the cut off time?
There is no specific cut off time for afternoon weddings. Our price includes 8 hours from the beginning of the ceremony (e.g. from 4 to 12 or from 5 to 1). The staff overtime fee for any additional hour is R500. For morning weddings the cut off time is 14:00, independently of your starting time.

Is the parking secure?
Yes, there is security 24h right at the entrance gate next to the parking.

Do you offer a shuttle service?
Yes, please contact Reception in advance. Please settle the bill directly with the shuttle service.

What is your physical address?
Plot 5, Lammermoor, Beyers Naude Ext.
Please find a map and directions on our website and ensure that your guests know how to get here.

What happens if my wedding is in the Olive Lapa and it rains?
The Olive Lapa has canvas blinds with big windows that can be rolled down in case of bad weather. We also have patio heaters that can be brought into the venue if it gets cold.

What happens if we have to cancel?
Should you cancel the wedding, irrespectively of the reason, you loose any monies paid with Valverde and this is not negotiable under any circumstances. Please read our terms and conditions carefully before you pay any deposits. It is up to you to ensure the venue meets your families’ religious requirements. Please note that there are wedding insurances that protect you against the loss of deposits with venues and/or other suppliers in the event of cancellation. However, these insurances mostly cover you only in case of unexpected tragic events such as a death in the family or if one of you is hospitalized and the wedding cannot take place on the booked date. It normally does not cover you if you get cold feet!
Contact details:

http://www.weddingsafe.co.za
086 111 4855
e-mail: mail@weddingsafe.co.za

Can we use our own florist, décor.?
No. We have our own residential florist and décor specialists who are available at all times. They also decorate the tables at our monthly food tasting evenings.
Chair covers and draping will be done by Valverde as it makes coordinating various functions on the day easier.