Frequently Asked Questions

Where are you situated?

Shongweni, Outer West Durban

B5 Mr551 Rd, Shongweni, Outer West Durban, 3624

Do you offer Venue Viewings?

Yes, we always recommend booking a venue viewing. You can book a 45-minute venue viewing with us through email or WhatsApp. We are open Monday to Friday 8am – 4pm, and do offer early morning viewings on a Saturday, these are strictly by appointment only. We are closed for viewings on Sundays. Please contact us to make a booking.

What are the payment terms, and what is the securing deposit?

An admin fee and breakage deposit of R8 000 is required to secure your date. 50% of your total wedding amount is due 4 months before the booked date, the balance is due 2 weeks before the booked date.

What is your cancellation policy?

• 90% of the admin fee will be refunded if you cancel 12 months or more before your booked date

• 80% of the admin fee will be refunded if you cancel 10 – 12 months before your booked date

• 70% of the admin fee will be refunded if you cancel 8 – 10 months before your booked date

• 60% of the admin fee will be refunded if you cancel 6 – 8 months before your booked date

• 40% of the admin fee will be refunded if you cancel 4 – 6months before your booked date

Should the wedding be cancelled, for any reason, between FOUR months before the wedding date, and TWO weeks prior to the wedding date, 50% of the total wedding value and the admin fee of R8 000.00 shall be forfeited.

In the event that the wedding is cancelled, for any reason, between TWO and ONE week (14 – 7 Days) before the date of the event, 75% of the total wedding value and the admin fee of R8000.00 shall be forfeited.

In the event that the wedding is cancelled, for any reason, in the FINAL WEEK (7 days) before the date of the event, 100% of the total wedding excluding the admin fee of R8000.00 shall be forfeited.

Should the wedding need to be post poned (for any reason), the couple has the option to postpone to the next available date of their choice. ALL confirmed details of the initial wedding date will be postponed to the updated date, including venue, catering, accommodation. 

The couple will have to pay 50% of the wedding payment upfront and will have up to six months from the initial wedding date to confirm a new date. Should a new date not be confirmed before the end of this six-month period, the wedding will be cancelled and the client shall forfeit the 50% of the wedding total.

Should the couple choose to cancel due to a change in COVID 19 restrictions our standard cancellation policy applies.

Are there any other venue costs?

A wedding can be broken into three payment points
1. Admin fee
2. Venue Hire
3. Bar Sales Deposit or Surcharge (should you not use our bar services) 

What are your minimum/maximum guest numbers allowed?

Argus – Minimum: 35 guests, maximum: 80 guests indoors, 150 guests with the use of the outdoor space

Emeric – Minimum: 80 Guests, Maximum: 120 guests indoors, 250 guests with the use of the outdoor space

How far in advance do you accept wedding bookings?

We do not have a minimum advance time to book your wedding, bookings are solely based on availability

What is included in the venue hire?

Please click this link to view Argus’s Packages – https://www.happly.co.za/venues/argus-at-ollivanders-estate-44ce2aa3

Please click this link to view Emeric’s Packages – https://www.happly.co.za/venues/emeric-at-ollivanders-estate-158623f9 

Do you offer different rates on weekend or seasons?

Mid-week weddings may be subject to a small discount, this offer will need to be received in writing and included in your booking form

What accommodation do you have on site?

At Ollivanders Estate we have a wide range of options available for accommodation, from beautiful large suites to self-catering family units. The Estate sleeps a total of 48 guests. Wedding accommodation is offered at a discounted rate for a minimum two-night stay. All accommodation bookings are subject to availability. You can find out our rates here.

Do we have exclusive use of the property?

Ollivanders Estate boasts two beautiful outdoor wedding venues, which can be booked for the same day. You will however have exclusive use to your ceremony and reception areas throughout your wedding duration.

Is the bridal suite free?

Yes, it is included in the package for two nights

Does the venue fee include food/catering?

No, the venue fees do not include food or catering. However, we do have an on-site caterer who you can contact. The menus available are also listed under our packages

Do you allow external catering?

We have a fantastic on-site caterer, should you choose to outsource your own catering, there will be a surcharge of R2643.75 

Do you have kitchen facilities for the caterer?

Yes, we have prep spaces for outsourced caterers. They will however need to supply their own burners and refrigeration. We don’t offer wash up facilities and their rubbish/trash must be removed from the property by them. 

Do you provide waiters?

A minimum number of staff will be allocated to your wedding package, this will include cleaning, wait staff, runners etc. and are charged at R803.70 per staff member. This will depend on your guest count and catering. Bar staff are included in your package should you opt for the Ollivanders Cash Bar. You can also add additional wait staff/bar staff if required. 

Can we organise a tea and coffee station?

Yes, we can offer tea and coffee set ups for your guests at an additional charge R20.00 per person 

Are you able to provide the bridal party with food prior to the wedding?

Ollivanders Estate does not offer any catering, but we do have a lovely on-site caterer who is always happy to go above and beyond to supply for all catering needs. Please contact Carole over WhatsApp on +27 (0)83 236 1321

Is confetti allowed?

Yes, confetti and petals are allowed so long as it is biodegradable. E.G.: flower petals, greenery, seeds, coloured rice, popcorn etc.

Do you allow external suppliers?

Yes, external suppliers are allowed. Please find our recommendations on happly.co.za

Do you supply décor?

We offer the following items per package:

Argus – Round tables, plastic chairs, white chair covers, white tablecloths, white napkins, an easel for seating plans, a cake table & knife, and a signing table

Emeric – Wooden tables, white tiffany chairs with white cushions, white napkins, an easel for seating plans, a cake table & knife, a red carpet, and a signing table

We have a list of preferred suppliers available for you to look at on happly.co.za 

Do you supply any other services other than the venue hire?

We have a wide range of extras you can add to your wedding package including, draping, tiffany chairs, natural wooden tables, a vintage car, waiters, bar staff, on the day co-ordinator, cutlery, crockery, glassware and much more. You can see a full list of extras in our wedding package breakdown

What other suppliers are typically required?

Decorators, florists, photographers, videographers, officiants, DJ, sound, lighting. You can search for your suppliers on happly.co.za

What time does the venue open and what is the ‘cut-off’ time?

The venue is open from 7am and closes at midnight. Venue hire allows for 10 hours of venue use, from the start of your wedding (ceremony). Your vendors and suppliers may have access to the venue the day before for set ups with prior arrangement (if it is available) from 8am – 5pm.

After midnight, you have the option to extend your use of the venue by 1 hour at an additional charge of R1 000. Meaning, you can then use the venue until 1am, at which time all guests must vacate the property 

When can suppliers move items out/clean up?

Your suppliers can setup they day before between 8am and 5pm with prior confirmation

Clean up happens the next working day following the event (we are closed on Sundays)

Do you provide a wedding coordinator?

Yes, a co-ordinator is available at an additional cost. Please contact us for more information

Do you allow soft drinks and/or alcohol to be brought in by the bridal party/wedding guests/caterer – corkage?

Ollivanders offers two bar options:

  1. Ollivanders can run a cash bar at your wedding. This service requires a Sales Deposit of R6000.00 paid with your wedding payment. This amount covers the cast of the cash bar service and the sales on the day up to R6000.00 will be refunded after the wedding. Should the cash sales be less than the R6 000 then the difference will be retained towards bar costs. No outside drinks are permitted should you opt for our cash bar service.
  2. We do offer a BYO bar option; this option is offered at a surcharge of R4230.00. You will then need to outsource all your own stock, glassware and staff.
What is your bar list?

We keep a standard bar stock. Special requests must be noted a minimum of 2 weeks in advance

What is your wine list?

Subject to availability/requests

Can we run a bar tab at the bar?

Yes, you can but this will need to be paid in advance with your final wedding payment, two weeks before your wedding date.

Do you have a sound system?

No, we do not keep any sound or lighting but can recommend some fantastic suppliers. You can also search Happly.co.za for suppliers.

Do you accept credit cards at the bar?

No, all Ollivanders bars are cash, Zapper or scan to pay on your banking app only

Do you allow traditional Hindu ceremonies?

Yes, we do allow for outdoor traditional Hindu ceremonies; however, we don’t permit open flames within and on the Veranda of the Emeric venue.

Is there a generator?

No, Ollivanders Estate does not supply a generator. However, we can outsource one with prior arrangement at an additional charge.

What block are you on for load shedding?

Our block is Number 10 – Shongweni Resources

Do you provide and setup road signage?

We have directional signs setup to guide guests to each wedding venue on the property, and recommend including your venue name in your invitations, for example: “Emeric at Ollivanders Estate”

What happens if it rains?

We advise you make provisions for a stretch tent. We work closely with a company that can provide them for you should you let us know 1 week beforehand; we’d be happy to assist in sorting this out

Can I take food away?

No, Ollivanders and our caterers do not allow for food to be taken away.