Brahman Hills Wedding Brochure 2018

INDEX Introduction 1 Budget & Tips

3

Packages 7 Venues 9 Bar & Menu

11

Accommodation 13 Check List

15

Paper Trail

17

Contract 19 Your Eco Partner

20

Property Plan

22

P.O. Box 169, Nottingham Road, 3275 +27 (0)33 2666 965 weddings@brahmanhills.co.za www.brahmanhills.co.za

INTRODUCTION Brahman

Hills

is

nestled

in

the

Kwazulu

Natal

Midlands

just

8

kilometres

from

Nottingham Road village. A 1½ hour drive from Durban and only 4 hours from Johannesburg easily accessed from the N3 highway.

We comfortably host reception guests for numbers up to 400 in our main venue and have the expertise and space to create bigger spaces, smaller space, unique spaces, any space...

•

30 Hotel Rooms with private garden

•

Restaurant.

courtyards and hammocks.

•

12 Self Catering Cottages with private

•

Copper – Our Bar and Lounge.

jacuzzis on the Blue Crane Nature

•

Cappuccino Coffee Lounge.

•

8 Room Spa with a dedicated “20”

Reserve.

•

Glass House – Reception Venue with a

room, relaxation cell (opening May

separate Glass Bar and a Chill Lounge.

•

89 on Copper - Wine Cellar &

Chapel – Situated on the lake below the Glass House.

2016).

•

Dedicated Bridal Preparation suite for Hair and Make Up

•

An in-house Décor & Flowers showroom

•

Dedicated secure parking adjacent

shared with a variety of game and

to our venues for guests not staying in

cattle.

house.

•

•

•

Situated on a 50 hectare property and

A team of people who are dedicated

Brahman Hills Café – our main restaurant

to creating life long memories for our

in the Barn.

guests.

WEDDINGS @ BRAHMAN HILLS | 01

BUDGETS & TIPS As the experts in the art of creating the perfect day we are sharing some trade secrets which will help you easily create your perfect day.

•

As a start write down your perfect dream wedding with as much of the specific detail as you can.

•

Download “Your Wedding Calculator” from www.brahmanhills.co.za/tietheknot.

•

This will be the starting point to your planning.

•

Understand what finances will be available and from whom. If your parents are paying for the wedding define what their contribution will be in Rand terms.

•

Understanding your financial commitment for the event is the secret to a stress free journey leading up to your Wedding Day.

Once you have identified the budget and your dream, the fun of finding a venue and suppliers who will deliver your dream then starts.

Disclose your budget openly with each supplier. If you use your pre-established guidelines on “Your Wedding Calculator”, you will know what you have assigned for each service you will require.

WEDDINGS @ BRAHMAN HILLS | 03

Scenario 2 - Our bride has dreamt of her wedding for her whole life and has this clear in her mind. She arrives at the venue and is asked what she has to spend. Her response is that she does not know. She goes on to describe what she wants... Dream = Complete deflation on receipt of the quote.

Scenario 2 - Our bride has dreamt of her wedding for her whole life and has this clear in her mind. She arrives at the venue and is asked what she has to spend. She is able to give a number and goes on to describe what she would like. The venue then interprets her dream as closely as possible, supplying options and applying expertise in terms of suggested savings / ideas on alternatives... Dream = A mix of anticipation, curiosity, excitement, possibility •

Compare like with like.

•

Be clear about exactly what is included in your venue hire and what additional costs will be billed i.e. extended hours charges.

•

Understand that if you bring in your own suppliers you are responsible for their delivery / collection to and from the venue. This may have penalties attached i.e. they arrive late and incur a surcharge which you will be liable for.

•

Staff are critical to the success of your day – make sure you understand if gratuities are included or will be additions.

•

Find a venue that is prepared to assist you with some of the administration i.e. contacting guests directly about accommodation solutions, parking arrangements.

•

Remember on the day simplicity is everything. Be clear about your venue’s on-site versus off-site facilities.

General •

The weather in the Midlands is wonderful and ever changing. Please remember to make sure that when planning your wedding outfits that provision is made for something to keep you warm especially when doing outdoor photographs. Guests are advised to bring both warm and cool attire for their stay, along with walking shoes and sunblock.

•

In the event that overflow accommodation is needed, Brahman Hills has a number of local bed and breakfast establishments that partner with us. Please ask and we will happily provide you a list of our partner venues.

•

Please remember that any outside suppliers will be your responsibility. In the event that they do not comply with the venue’s access regulations you will be held liable for the monetary penalty.

WEDDINGS @ BRAHMAN HILLS | 05

PACKAGES

Understanding that everyone is different and your wedding day is something that you want to create as “uniquely yours”, Brahman Hills have different options to partner with you as your provider, innovator, creator and coordinator. Our privilege will be to deliver the framework for your dream day. With this in mind we have created “All Inclusive Packages” as well as “Build Your Own Packages.”

Build Your Own Package Sit with our events team and brief them on exactly what you want. We will then work through various options to get the best value for your budget and vision, making suggestions. Our focus is to support your dream understanding you ultimately make the final decision. This solution allows you to break down the various costs which will be put together in an itemised quote clearly outlining the cost per item.

All Inclusive Package This option gives the bridal party and their guests exclusivity of the hotel property, the staff and the resources in creating an intimate event where you and your guests arrive on the afternoon of day one, departing on the morning of day 3 and you leave the rest up to us. It includes: •

Arrival night dinner for 70 guests

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Accommodation for 2 nights – 30 hotel rooms / 60 guests

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Self catering 1 bedroom cottage for 3 nights / 2 guests

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Self catering 4 bedroom cottage for 2 nights / 8 guests

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Full breakfast buffet on morning 2 and 3 for 70 guests

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Lakehouse Chapel

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Glass House inclusive of: Chill Lounge, Glass Bar, Round Tables / Banquet Tables,Main Table, a choice of Wooden or Tiffany Chairs (White / Gold / Clear) , Crockery, Cutlery, Glassware, Standard Cream / White table linen,

•

Your wedding team including Management, Co-ordination, Waitrons and Bar, Staff Gratuities

•

Wedding Menu and 23h00 Cheeseboard

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Décor & Flower Allowance with Kerry Dinkelman

•

Bridal preparation room situated in The Spa WEDDINGS @ BRAHMAN HILLS | 07

V E N U E S The Barn hosts the main Reception, the two restaurants – Brahman Hills Café and 89 on Copper, Cappuccino our coffee lounge, Copper our 50-seater underground bar, 89 on Copper our wine cellar and the public toilets that service all these areas. With open and closed deck space leading off all the upstairs rooms it is the hub of the hotel. We also use these spaces to support the two external venues on the property – The Glass House and The Chapel.

Hovering over the lake at the bottom of the gardens, the Chapel (also known as The Lake House) comfortably seats 150 people. It is essentially a glass structure with magnificent views of the lake beyond the alter, that encompass the hills of the Kwazulu Natal Midlands as far as the eye can see.

The Chapel has dedicated road access for the bridal party, dedicated toilets, underfloor heating, a built in sound system - the aesthetic has been designed to flawlessly transition into the landscape. It is the perfect place to share your vows as well as being the perfect destination for more intimate receptions.

The Glass House is our purpose built wedding venue, seating between 100 and 400 people (dependant on setup) in the main hall. With floor to ceiling glass doors the magnificent views make the most of the rolling KZN hills which set the tone.

With a built in sound, audio visual and lighting system The Glass House has a permanent installation of fairy lights along the beams, neutral lighting throughout the venue and neutral curtains to create a polished background for a wide range of decor. Voile privacy curtains allow the team to open up the space for larger numbers or create a more intimate space for smaller numbers.

The Glass House is complimented by the Glass Bar, which sits adjacent in the main hall. With a dedicated kitchen, an enclosed Chill Lounge and ensuite toilets, the venue is multi-dimensional.

WEDDINGS @ BRAHMAN HILLS | 09

BAR & MENU

The food that is served at your Wedding is a critical component of your special day. The challenge around creating the perfect menu for all your guests is determined by taste, budget, religion, dietary considerations such as allergies or lifestyle choices and most importantly what the bridal couple actually like to eat. A critical consideration is the decision around preference of service i.e. Plated service, Buffet, Family Feast Brahman Hills has a fully equipped kitchen that can cater for up to 400 people. This is complimented with a dedicated Pastry kitchen and a Halaal kitchen for guest convenience and flexibility. Vegetarian and vegan options as well as healthy (ie. diabetic / cholesterol / low fat ) options are all available.

Brahman Hills has created a range of Wedding Reception Menus that cater to a range of different dietary requirements, as well as a range of budgets.

Taking everything into consideration the team is also very aware that some of our bridal couples might want to build their own Menu. Our team will gladly consult with the Bridal party and create a tailor made menu. Once your menu is finalised, a “tasting” is arranged to agree the choices, giving the couple the opportunity to make their final decisions or any changes necessary.

Make sure you are in agreement prior to your meeting with your service provider.

If there are 2 different points of view – get agreement and present just the two requests. It is very stressful for everyone if there is disagreement during the meeting, as the venue is normally “stuck in the middle” with no real clarity on what to create, which could affect your quote.

Brahman Hills is fully licenced. With fully stocked bar’s including single malts as well as a variety packed wine cellar, the range of choice accommodates all budgets. The eventing team are skilled in suggesting appropriate wine pairings with the meal if this is required and have expertise and knowledge to assist you in utilising your budget in the most economically favourable way.

Do not feel under pressure to provide an open bar to your guests. Set the limit based on what you have budgeted. Ask for a bar menu from your service provider and always understand that prices are never guaranteed as the venue has no control over pricing fluctuations.

WEDDINGS @ BRAHMAN HILLS | 11

ACCOMMODATION HOTEL ROOMS Brahman Hills can accommodate 120 people on site between the hotel and our self catering cottages. The 30 hotel rooms are situated around the Barn and the Glass House making them easily accessible by walking to both the Chapel and the Reception Venue.

•

30 Rooms

•

Situated in the hotel grounds around the Barn

•

King size beds with percale linen

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En-suite bathroom (shower, basin and toilet)with Charlotte Rhys toiletries

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Hair dryer, in room safe, umbrellas

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TV and DSTV

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Heating – Wall and heated blankets

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In room bar fridge (stocked on demand) with in room tea / coffee station.

•

Sliding doors into private courtyard garden, with own hammock – leading into communal garden.

•

Secure Parking

COTTAGES The self catering cottages situated in the adjoining Blue Crane Nature Reserve are a 5 minute drive to the venues. With an abundance of game and bird life complimented by herds of cattle that roam freely, guests are able to walk outdoors safely.

•

12 in total (1,2,3 & 4 Bedroom Options)

•

Situated on the Blue Crane Nature Reserve

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King size beds with percale linen

•

En-suite and shared bathroom (bath, showers, basin and toilet) with Charlotte Rhys toiletries

•

Hair dryer, in room safe, umbrellas

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TV and DSTV

•

Heating – Wall and heated blankets, fireplaces in lounge

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Fully fitted kitchen including oven, hob, extractor, microwave, fridge, freezer, iron, ironing board and granite tops

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Sliding doors onto private deck with own Jacuzzi overlooking the nature reserve.

•

Serviced daily

WEDDINGS @ BRAHMAN HILLS | 13

C H E C K L I S T The Brahman Hills the team is passionate about making our guests feel at home. We have certain guidelines introduced to ensure that we are always ready to welcome you and your guests. An insight into these are: Your Accommodation •

Check in time for stay over guests is from 14h00. We do request that any late arrivals check in with Reception on +27 (0)33 266 6965 or email reservations@brahmanhills.co.za so that we always have someone here to welcome them.

•

Check out time for stay over guests is 10h00. In the event that a guest would like a late departure – the request will be confirmed by our Reception team strictly on an availability basis, to ensure that we are prepared for our new arrivals checking in from 14h00.

•

If a rooming list is prepared with the Bride and Groom the rooms will be allocated strictly to the plan.

•

Reception will liaise with your guests if they have any queries.

Your Venue •

In the event that you will be using an overhead presentation during the Wedding Reception, please make sure that this has been communicated and confirmed with the Events team. Some tips for the presentation to be easily seen by everyone:

• •

A minimum font size of 16 must be used.

Your presentation / music track that is going to be played must be supplied to Brahman Hills at least 48 Hours prior to the event so that it can loaded onto the sound system in the venue.

•

Brahman Hills does not allow nails / hooks / hanging mechanisms to be drilled / hammered / knocked into the walls anywhere on the property. In the event that you would like something to be hung, please discuss this with the your Event Co-ordinator.

•

Brahman Hills has an overflow parking facility that is accessed from a gate that is accessed through a separate entrance off the main road. All guests that are not staying over will be requested to utilise this facility in order to give in house guests privacy.

WEDDINGS @ BRAHMAN HILLS | 15

THE PAPER TRAIL Your Quote All quotes generated by the team at Brahman Hills indicate the start of the relationship between the couple and Brahman Hills. At the time of quoting, no reservations will be made for either accommodation, the venue or any other facilities on the property.

Provisional Conrmation Once you and your fiancé have decided that you are getting married at Brahman Hills, your Co-ordinator will make bookings for the venue and accommodation as discussed. This will be provisionally confirmed in writing and this booking held for a period of seven (7) days. In the event that another couple decides on the same period and there is a booking conflict, your Co-ordinator will contact you to advise you. Payment of the non-refundable deposit is the key to switching the booking status from ‘provisional’ to ‘confirmed’.

Conrmation of Your Wedding Booking Please note that the confirmation of your wedding is only in place once you have received a written confirmation which must reflect the deposit of the funds that have cleared into the Brahman Hills bank account. The confirmation will clearly outline everything discussed to that point, to ensure that our team can start the process of supporting the bridal couple.

The Finer Details of the Wedding We take the responsibility of this special day extremely seriously. To be able to deliver this, the pace of communication will increase about six to ten weeks prior to your wedding as we confirm detail. If you can share as much information with the team prior to the time, your day will be solely about celebration, allowing us to plan, deliver and co-ordinate to make sure that we deliver on the day. We will be well briefed and prepared understanding your requirements and expectations.

One of the most important people at your Reception is your MC (Master of Ceremonies). The team will work closely with him/her make sure timing is smooth. A tip – don’t choose someone that parties quickly and hard – Trying to work with an ‘happy drunk’ MC does not end well.

WEDDINGS @ BRAHMAN HILLS | 17

C O N T R A C T Your wedding contract is the document that is designed to clarify your financial commitments, as well as clarity on exactly what the expectations are with regards to what is included in the price and what is not.

We regard it as our “marriage contact� between Brahman Hills and our Bridal Couple. The contract can only be signed once the non-refundable deposit has been paid to Brahman Hills. The non refundable portion of the deposit is designed to ensure that the availability of the venue is guaranteed to the bride and groom. Short term cancellations therefore have a direct impact on the venue, as all other business has been declined and turned away.

The cancellation policy is included into the wedding contract and is linked to the non refundable deposit.

Payment terms are also clearly laid out in the Wedding Contract. We request payment to be made either by Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) or Credit Card. Brahman Hills does not accept cash deposits for large events on property and request all cash payments are processed as a direct deposit into the Brahman Hills bank account. The hotel does not have a facility to process cheques or to extend credit arrangements.

Changes in final numbers are required three weeks prior to the date of the function. However, should your numbers increase on the day of the function, charges will be levied accordingly.

Please note that this is for catering purposes. In the event of numbers increasing where an additional room (or rooms) is required this is subject to room availability at the time of the request.

WEDDINGS @ BRAHMAN HILLS | 19

YOUR ECO PARTNER Brahman Hills has undergone an extensive

Our dry garden cuttings (grass, branches) are

refurbishment to the property since July 2015.

added to our compost heaps. The compost

A core focus driving decisions on the work

is used across our gardens to ensure we

done was to legitimately establish our Green

have enough nutrient rich soil for the leaner

Footprint.

drier months. Our gardeners replace missing

Our water is from our boreholes and is of exceptional quality. The target is to get rid of plastic bottled water by the end of 2016.

Our hot water is driven through solar energy geysers ensuring our contribution towards power management is maximised.

Our water used in gardens and to fill our dams is the result of “roof harvesting”. We capture the rainfall off the roofs around the property and these are fed into a) an underground drainage system that feeds the dams in front of the Lake House and Spa, b) underground

nutrients ie. by adding offcuts of roof sheets we replace iron.

Our organic kitchen waste (meat, dairy, eggs) are processed through our Bokashi recycling compost system ensuring that our organic waste is transformed into soil food.

Our vegetable offcuts keep our Porcupine Restaurant supplied, which according to our webcam has at least 20 regular guests. This is an initiative in conjunction with “Free Me” in Howick to allow the study and rehabilitation of Porcupines in the region.

storage tanks and c) above ground storage

Our glass, plastic, tins, cardboard and paper

tanks.

for collection by Wildlands Conservation trust -

Our electricity usage is being managed with the installation of “step up / step down”

a non-profit organisation ensuring sustainable environmental breakdown of waste.

technology. This is combined with a solar

Our oil is bucketed and collected by a

harvest field will minimise our electricity in the

business in Hawick and in turn is recycled into

short term and long term take us completely

Bio Diesel.

off the grid.

Our extensive lavender beds have been planted

to

encourage

bee

pollination,

supply our housekeeping department with a natural way to control moths in rooms and the laundry, as well as providing fragrance.

Our vegetable and herb gardens are currently being built and planted. Whilst the target is for our vegetable and herb gardens to make Brahman Hills 100% self- sustainable, a key focus is to share skills with the local community allowing our staff to train on.

Our staff housing has evolved through the transformation of shipping containers into eco-friendly housing known as Cloud Village.

Brahman Hills is the first property in this Municipality to develop in this way.

Our outdoors team follows an active plan to ensure we clear all forms of invasive/alien species to ensure the long term sustainability of the Nature Reserve.

Our room toiletries have been migrated (97%) from solid form to liquid form in all rooms to an eco friendly product to ensure no waste.

WEDDINGS @ BRAHMAN HILLS | 21

THE GLASS HOUSE

ROOM 201 - 210

THE BARN The Barn 1. Reception 2. Braman Café 3. Cappuccino 4. Copper 5. 89 in Copper

PRIVATE

ROOM 301 - 310

ROOM 101 - 110

THE LAKE HOUSE

BRAHMAN HILLS

PROPERTY PLAN

GATE HOUSE

THE SPA

THE COTTAGE

7

8

9 5

10

THE STABLES & AGILITY HUB

6

4

3 2

1

The Cottages 1.Fish Eagle Cottage 2.Impala Cottage 3.Caracul Cottage 4.Bushbuck Cottage 5.Zebra Cottage 6.Otter Cottage 7.Chameleon Cottage 8.Serval Cottage 9.Eland Cottage 10.Wildebeest Cottage 11.Duiker Cottage 12.Oribi Cottage

11

12

WEDDINGS @ BRAHMAN HILLS | 23

P.O. Box 169, Nottingham Road, 3275 +27 (0)33 2666 965 weddings@brahmanhills.co.za www.brahmanhills.co.za