To all of our nearest and dearest,

With just less than a month to go until our big day, please see the information below. We hope that we have managed to include everything that you need to know.

Timings & location:

Both the ceremony and the reception will take place at Dargle Forest Lodge wedding venue. The venue is well signposted. When you get to the venue please make your way to the Chapel. The ceremony will begin at 3.30pm, the reception will begin at 6.30pm after canapes and photos. The venue will close at 12pm.

Dress:

The dress code is ‘the smarter side of casual’. The groomsmen will be looking dashing in chinos, collared shirts, and smart shoes, if this helps at all. The ceremony and reception will both be indoors, but canapes and cake will be outdoors. With it being summer in the mountains, the weather may be a bit of a gamble and evening thunderstorms (my favourite) are common, so without putting that out there too much, please come prepared (just in case).

Gifts:

We are fortunate to have all that we need and travelling back to the UK in January, space will be limited. We also know that this trip as been a massive ask for so many of you so we are not expecting any gifts, as your presence is presents enough.

If you really are adamant and would like to contribute towards our honeymoon/travels, then please see the options on our wedding website.

Roads:

The roads in KZN can be a bit here and there, they are tarmacked but there are potholes. Please just drive slowly and carefully: avoid the taxis (white minibuses) and trucks and you will be absolutely fine. Both roads to the venue (coming from JHB/Nottingham Road or from Pietermaritzburg) are tarmacked for the majority of the way. When you plan your trip to the venue, please stick to the main motorways/free-ways for as long as possible (check the route the nav is sending you on). As you get within 30 minutes of the venue you can expect well-graded gravel roads. These roads are okay for all cars, smaller and lower cars will just need slow down a bit and go carefully. Once you get to the cattle gate turning off the main road into the venue, please make sure you close this gate behind you. Otherwise, the farmer will not be happy. If, it has rained overnight before Saturday, this road may be slippery, unless you are driving a 4X4 please do not move to the side for other cars, to avoid anyone getting stuck. We will have some 4X4’s on hand (thanks to Keagan Cox!), but of course, are not going to need them.

Transport to the venue:

For those of you who have asked for transport to and from the venue, the WhatsApp group, with Siya, has been made. He will be in touch about timings and plan for the afternoon. If your plans have changed since your RSVP and you would like to be added to this group. Please let one of us know and we will pop you onto it. This cost will need to be paid by you, per person.

Food & drinks:

We are doing food, SA style with a big spit braai. The vegan’s, vegetarians, gluten and lactose free-ers who RSVP’d with these details are catered for. If you are not 100% sure if you have sent this info through to us, please do soon, as it is a sin in SA to send guests home hungry!

There will be a limited amount of champagne, gin, wine, and beer available on us to say thank you for being there to celebrate this day. There will also be a well-stocked cash bar available for whatever else tickles your fancy.

Communications:

Mainly for the international visitors, we have made a WhatsApp group, and if at any point during your time in SA, you need guidance or anything, please just pop a message on there and one of the SA crew (bridal party – love you lot!) will be able to help. This includes but is not limited to, checking routes, directions, if you get stuck in the mud, or looking for recommendations on activities and food. I know a group are already looking at plans in Cape Town together, before the wedding weekend. Whoop whoop!

Again, we are beyond excited for this day and to have so many of our special people in the same place to celebrate. 27 days to go! Any questions or help needed, please don’t hesitate to pop either of us a message. We can’t wait for you to experience a place that is so special to us and we hope that you have a lekker time!!

All our love,

B & O x