Harare Wedding Hiring Services: Events-A-Rama

Events-A-Rama is one of the well known Harare corporate gift companies. We got to learn that they also have a vibrant division that handles weddings and function related services. They deal with tents, chairs, cutlery, crockery, glass, vase-hire, ballons, ribbons and jumping castles.

We spoke to a lady called Spiwe who is well willing to do a quote for you for your required items for hire. Should you decide to go there in person, Events-A-Rama is found at number 69 Selous Avenue right in the middle of 7th and 8th streets in Harare. The nearest land mark is Selous Hotel. You may also contact Spiwe as follows;

+263-(0)4-252601/250235

Mobile: +263-(0)23 307856

Email Spiwe

Wedding Wow Exhibition House

The Wedding WoW Exhibition House is a concept were different wedding related suppliers are housed under one roof for easy access by couples who are preparing for their weddings. You will find jewellery suppliers who can make your wedding bands as per required design amongst other hiring companies for gowns, etc.

The Wedding WoW Exhibition House will be holding an Wedding Exhibition at Cresta Hotel in Msasa from the 9th to the 21st of September 2008 so you might consider paying them a visit. In the mean time the Exhibition House can still be visited at 16 Kew Drive Highlands, Harare.

You may contact them as follows;

+263-(0)4-498386

Mobile:+263-(0)912345729/(0)11407055

To Your Special Day!

Your Wedding Catering: Soft Drink Alert

We made visits to a number of outlets in Harare and we thought we should issue a soft drink alert. It looks like soft drinks MIGHT run out in the next few weeks. Other concentrated drinks are already off the shelves in many places and this will put pressure on the soft drinks/fizzy drinks like Coca Cola. So we advise a quick reaction to the situation if your wedding is within range. The situation is made worse by the GENERAL wait-and -see attitude that many suppliers and retailers have adopted since 29th March 2008.

Out of a scale of 10 [10 being worst case scenario] we rank the situation at 6.

To Your Special Day!

UPDATE: 22.04.08 - Most retailers require empty bottles for your soft drinks. They are not charging deposits as usual. In fact most outlets have notices - No Empty No Drink! According to The Herald of today "The group [DELTA] finally got a review on soft drink prices with the retail price for a 300ml bottle increased to $25 million [USD0.25]. Delta was reportedly shutting down production as a result of the sub-economic prices prevailing then".

Harare Wedding Venue: Harare Safari Lodge

above- main entrance to the Lodge's restaurant

Harare Safari Lodge is a frequently used Zimbabwe wedding venue by numerous couples. We took a trip to the Lodge some 30 or so kilometres from Harare CBD along the Harare Bulawayo road. When we got there, being a holiday, the place was completely quite with no visible patronage except what seemed like the lodge's staff taking advantage of the holiday to hold a staff workshop. We sat down with Meverson Chuma, assistant lodge manager, to talk about what the lodge can do for ZimBridal blog users planning to wed.

above - a view through the woods into a favourate spot for tent set-up overlooking Lake Chivero

rverson explained that when you hire the lodge for your wedding currently they charge you Z$3billion [USD40.00] giving you exclusive rights to the lodge on your special day. In other words all other patrons will not access the lodge on your day. You would have secured the whole lodge to yourselves. The lodge will supply all your catering needs in buffet stlye with the current price per person standing at Z$400m [USD5.oo]. This amount excludes drinks which you are free to outsource unlike catering. When you chose to outsource your drinks, the lodge will charge what they call the cocage fee calculated using the number of guests at your wedding. This is simply an amount they use to penalise you for the business their own bar would have lost due to your outsourcing. One more thing on drinks; they will not be able to chill your drinks for you so you will need to make own arrangements for that.

above - the boat that can take up to 14 people. the boat will be avaliable around September '08; it's currently awaiting safety license. Couples use it for photos.

The lodge also does not provide tents, chairs, cutlery and crookery. These you will have to arrange on your own. Their usual hiring company is Rooneys. Merverson advised that Rooneys has got a cheaper hiring option called Budget. It's more like a subsidiary hiring company which was set-up to counter generally exorbitant normal Rooneys hiring rates. So should you at any point get in touch with Rooneys ask them about their Budget facility.

above- complementary rooms for your bridal team

If you are worried about electricty cuts, the good news is that Harare Safari Lodge has got a heavy duty generator to handle your PA system at no extra cost to you. The Lodge will also provide you with two complementary rooms [ pictured above] for your bridal team to use for changing etc. Concerning photos, some couples have previously had photos taken on the lake (Chivero). There are many places that should produce good snaps for you.

The down side to Harare Safari is that it some distance from Harare CDB and in these days of expensive fuel its a factor worthwhile taking into account. In addition, even though much of the road to the Lodge is tarred, there happen to be a 3km final stretch thats totally gravel. This stretch can be rough and requires healthy vehicles.

Our verdict for Harare Safari Lodge - 7.0 out of 10

Should you want more info;

Mobile: +263-(0)11-444325 (Meverson)

+263-(0)4-691114/690660

+263-(0)4-746302/746037

Head Office: 206 Samora Machel Avenue, Harare

Do you have any experience with Harare Safari Lodge? Post in Comments below.

To Your Special Day!

Harare Wedding Venue: Rainbow Towers Hotel

Rainbow Towers [formally Sheraton] is not an obvious great wedding venue. In fact it is one of the excellent wedding venues in Harare. Some couples avoid it because they feel its close to town and there is a lot of traffic. What we discovered is that once you have gone into the confines of the pool area, a special outdoor wedding venue, you and your guests are excluded from the hussle and bussle of the city centre.

The Pool Side can accommodate up to 300 people and Rainbow Towers does not charge for the use of this venue [and all its venues for weddings]. The pool side can be used for an evening wedding or afternoon wedding. The hotel well kept gardens are free for you to use for your photo-shoot [ Rainbow towers does not allow outside weddings to do photo-shoots even at a fee]. The hotel will provide you with 3 menus and you will be required to select one. Currently each meal is between Z$400-500milion [USD25] per person. Drinks are charged separately and the final price is quoted 1 week before your wedding due to inflation.

above - the Pool Side

Rainbow Towers will supply you with tables, chairs, catlery, white table cloths, plates, glasses but you will be required to bring your own decor expert and materials. In addition the hotel has a heavy duty generator on stand-by that will keep your PA system and lighting running.

Greater, the functions coordinator at Rainbow Towers took her time to share with us a wedding they hosted last weekend at the Pool Side. The decor was so nice they had floating candles in the pool. This is a nice idea that you mightwant to discuss with your decor expert in the event that you go with Rainbow Towers.

Rainbow Towers has the following complementary items if you should go with them;

1. Selection of mouth watering hot and cold buffet of your choice
2. Complementary function room
3. Complementary honeymoon suite
4. Complementary ice carving of your choice
5. Variety of fruit in season on the dessert buffet
6. TV room for kids
7. Presence of senior manager to ensure smooth running of wedding
8. Red Carpet on the M1 foyer.

Our verdict for Rainbow Towers - 9.0 out of 10

Is Rainbow Towers for you?

+263-(0)4-772633

Mobile:+263-(0)11-726419 (speak to Greater)

Email Greater

To Your Special Day!

Harare Garden Wedding Venue: Chapman Golf Club

above - main entrance to the admin block from the car park

Chapman Golf Club is one of Harare's leading clubs when it comes to golfing. It has since become one of Harare's leading garden wedding venues that many couples have proundly found satisfying indeed. Aganist this backdrop, we decided to give this renowed club a visit to establish what they really have to offer to our ZimBridal Blog users. Arriving at the club you are greated by order from the security right at the gate right through to parking and reception.

above- a view at the pond. ideal for a great photo shoot

After a chat with Fadzie the lady responsible for weddings/functions we quickly learnt that people started booking for now as early as January 2008 to the extent that the first avaliable date when we arrived is 27 September 2008 with absolutely no gurantee at all that by the time you finish reading this post it will still be avaliable. She also explained that couples have to bring their own hiring i.e tents, chairs, decor etc as the club does not specialise in that. You also need to know right away that the club only provides for evening garden weddings i.e 5pm onwards and can handle an unlimited number of people even more than 500 people. The club does not allow any outside catering so they will be glad to handle your bar and catering without any problems.

above- part of the garden. ideal for your photos

Due to incesant power cuts in Harare, Fadzie emphasised that it is the club's policy that patrons [wedding ones] are required to bring along 20ltrs of liquid petrol in case there is a power cut to power the clubs's generator. If you are fortunate not to have any power cut during your wedding, then you can take your fuel back with you. In fact the club somewhat subsidises patrons when it comes to fuel. She explained that your 20ltrs is enough for 2hours of generator electricity. In all certanity weddings take up to 5 hours until about 9pm or even up to 11pm in the night. Currently Chapman Golf Club charges a deposit of Z$5Billion [USD30] down-payment to secure your booking which must be topped up to meet the going rate on the day of your wedding.

As a foot note; since weddings start at 5pm, you will have to start with a photo shoot on arrival before the sun goes down.

Our verdict for Chapman Golf Club - 8.5 out of 10

You may contact Fadzie as follows;

Tel:+263-(0)4-747487/747328/746258/746594

Tel:+263-(0)4-2931353

Email Fadzie

To Your Special Day!

Harare Wedding Venue: Royal Harare Golf Club

Royal Harare Golf Club is an upcoming wedding venue that many couples are increasingly finding suitable for weddings of a maximum 250 people. It's located along 5th Street extension in Harare within the State House vicinity. We had a chance for a long chat with Geeta White the current Executive Chef of SERVCOR who are the in-house caterers at the club; they are also responsible for managing weddings at the venue. Unfortunately, despite its excellent gardens and well kept grass used by golfers no garden weddings are allowed. Even more; no photos in the garden! If you host your wedding there you will have to go to the Botanic Gardens for photo shoots or elsewhere suitable as the club executive resolved not to allow garden weddings and photo shoots.

The club has a fairly huge room that accommodates 250 people at most spilling into the veranda overlooking the nice well kept golf course. Venue hire costs USD70.00 and is paid directly to the club. As we write the earliest avaliable date for a wedding booking [ which can only be on saturdays] is 13 September 2008. The club has 170 chairs and a limited number of tables meaning that you have to bring your own from outside if you have more than 170 guests. Also the club is sensitive to loud noises such that partying is only allowed after 4pm on your wedding day. Loud announcements as found at many weddings is not really appreciated due to the strict noise control regime the club employs.

No outside catering is permitted at Royal Harare Sports Club. SERVCOR is in charge of catering and can provide an excellent service at USD15-20 per person which should be paid in Z$. On menus, the caterers prefer that the couple informs them of what they prefer and they will work out how much it will cost. Decor and PA systems are up to the wedding couple to organise. The club offers no decor services.

Our verdict for Royal Harare Sport Club - 7.5 out of 10

Get in touch with them as follows;

Tel:+263-(0)4-702927/9 or 790965/7

Mobile (Geeta):+263-(0)912-213307

Email Geeta

To Your Special Day!

Harare Weddings: Avondale Photo Shoot

The City of Harare operates a number of gardens/parks around the city which are suitable for your wedding photo shoot. Some of the gardens are nolonger suitable for photos due to heavy human traffic and refuse/dirt/abuse for example the Harare Gardens even though many couples [but somewhat less now] still use it for photos. One of these gardens is the little known garden along Oxford Road in Avondale. The garden is houses a park that is pretty much serene. We paid the garden a visit and found workers busy prunning the shrubs and watering the grass. This photo shot venue is recommended if your wedding is being held close by.

The City last Friday hiked rates across the board and now it costs Z$2billion [USD40.00] to hire a venue for photos within its own gardens in Harare. The booking is done at an office [City Council Office] within the Harare Gardens opposite Makombe Building along Leopold Takawira Road in Harare. After your booking and payment, you hold the price down until your wedding at a later date.

Our verdict for this Oxford Road Garden - 6.0 out of 10

To Your Special Day!

Harare Wedding Venue: The Gables Lodge Is Closed

Harare has just lost one of its wedding venues The Gables. We have confirmed with the lodge that the property has been sold. We understand the company is looking for new premises. The Gables was located in Borrowdale.

We hope they will be back sooner than later.

To Your Special Day!

Harare Weddings: Bridal Wear Hire

You may wish to try out these guys who specialise in Bridal wear hire. We have not personally used them before but are worth trying out;

- White wedding gowns

- Classic Ivory wedding gowns by Alfred Angelo

- Timeless Silk wedding gowns by Alfred Angelo

- Flawless bride's maids dresses in various colors

- Beautiful Pearl Tiara's by Trudy Lee

- Regal Gold and Silver encrusted crowns

- Neat dolly bags by Trudy Lee

-Elegant men's suits (incl. waistcoats and cravats)

68 Stable Close

(off Hunt Road after Namibian Embassy)

Borrowdale, Harare

+263-(0)4-912 357 774

To Your Special Day!

Harare Wedding Venue: Wildgeese

Wildgeese recently upped their rates in USD terms. Avaliable here for download is their info packs in word. Please note that the links are valid for 5 days from today.

Download Package 1

Download Package 2

Please use these details to contact Wildgeese

+263-(0)4-2917977-9

+263-(0)4-2930379

Email Info

Email Events

Email Conferences

To Your Special Day!

Honeymoon overnighting: Crown Plaza Monomutapa

When we had our wedding after a tiring day we soon disappeared to our overnight hotel before jumping on a flight out of Harare the following morning. To add to the fun, not so many people knew where we would spend the night at, only a couple of friends knew. If you are wedding in Harare, Crown Plaza Monomutapa is a great overnight stop before your final honeymoon destination. The hotel is a popular icon in Harare with magnificent views of the park and the city lights at night. all in all its got 203 rooms, 1 presidential suite, 1 paraplegic room, 9 luxurious suites, 37 king leisure rooms and 156 standard rooms.

If you should go by this approach you my even consider a honeymoon suite which is currently Z$2.3billion[USD40.00] and Z$350million [USD7.00]/person for breakfast. The ordinary room double rate is currently Z$1.2billion [USD20.00] and breakfast is the same as the honeymoon suite package.

our verdict for Crown Plaza for honeymoon overnighting - 9.5 out of 10

You may contact Crown Plaza

+263-(0)4-704501 (hunting line)

crownplaza@crownep.zimsun.co.zw

Got something to share about this location? Post Comments below

Harare Wedding Venue: Premier Belgravia Sports Club

Premier Belgravia Sports Club is owned and operated by Premier Bank. Its located in Belgravia Harare. The sports club is also frequently used for weddings; especially out-door weddings. It's got a small hall which we estimate takes up to about 150 people at most. Most couples who wed here utilise the grounds by setting up tents in the soccer/rugby field adjucent to the buildings [pictured].

above- the building housing the 150pax venue; also in view is a fixed brick braai stand

above- a view from the hall out to the field where people usually set-up tent.

above- the fields from a different angle. further out is second street shops where you have OK supermarket and stabic bank etc.

Premier Sports Club has its own catering team that runs a restaurant on site for club members. However, you are welcome to bring along your own catering team. The venue charge is Z$7.5billion [USD130.00] until April 2008 when another review comes.

our verdict for Premier Sports Club - 6.5 out of 10

You may contact them as folows;

+263-(0)912-273495

+263-(0)4-733596

+263-(0)4252704 (line unrealiable at times)

Got anything to share with this community about Premier Sports Club? Post in Comments.

Harare Wedding Venue: Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Sports & Social Club

The RBZ runs and mantains excellent facilities around the country. One of them is it's sports club in Malbereign/Haig Park in Harare. This sports club has been used so many times previously for weddings. Unfortunately we have just learnt that for the rest of 2008 the club will not be avaliable for hire as the main auditorium is currently going through some rennovations. This also applies to the fields for out-door weddings.

To Your Special Day!

Hi,

thank you for the helpful website...

Dudu [South Africa]

Harare Wedding Photo Shoot Venue: Botanic Gardens

The Botanic Gardens in Harare in the Alexandra Park area have long been used by many couples for wedding photos. The gardens are secure with a car park that can accommodate as many cars as those used for an average wedding. What has attracted many couples in the past about this phot shoot venue has been the well kept grass and shrubs all around the Garden. Our visit there just yesterday revealed that things have since deteriorated at the once wonderful Gardens. Much of the grass is overgrown. The authorities told us they have not been getting adequate desiel to fire their engines for the work. They have now tended only to manicure the grass is certain places that wedding couples use. The once refreshing pond with clear water is now over-grown with weeds and all sorts! Amazingly, many couples continue to flock to the Gardens for photos.

over-grown grass- this spot used to be one of the most excellent spots

maybe this spot might just work

our final verdict for Botanic Gardens - 5 out of 10

Should you still want to go there, no booking is needed in advance. You pay Z$100million [USD2] at the gate for 1 hour and an additional Z$25million [USD0.25] per car (regardless of how many occupants). By the way Botanic Gardens falls under one of the government departments.

Harare Garden Wedding Venue: Paradise Gardens

We paid Paradise Gardens in Hatfield Harare a visit. Along with it we took some photos to give you an insight into these popular gardens. We say popular because the place is fully booked most of the weekends until about September 2008 with two weddings every weekend. Our impression is that the property itself housing the gardens has been kept fairly up to standard despite the general economic deterioration in Zimbabwe.

Paradise Gardens is essentially made up of two garden wedding venues (with option for tent set-up) both of which can be used for the ceremony, photos and reception. Of the two gardens, there is one for Z$50billion [USD1000.00] which has excellent facilities including a pool side [pictured above] ceremony space and another one for Z$45billion [USD900.00] also with great facilities. Our recommendation is the first one for Z$50billion. The gardens can accommodate up to 500 people each which makes perfect for a Zimbabwean wedding.

Paradise Gardens offers only the gardens for your wedding (and other obvious facilities like ablutions etc). This excludes tents, chairs and catering which you need to organise for yourself. The downside to Paradise Gardens currently is that they have not had electricity for the last 2 months. So all the weddings that have been taking place there have been relying on own generators (an additional cost for you in terms of fuel). This lack of electricity also affects other water features like fountains which use electricity. When running, these features makes the place much much nicer. Cross your fingers, should you settle for them, that on your day electricity will be in abundance.

Their payment terms for the above mentioned figures; a 50% deposit and the balance a month before your special day. Payment can be done via RTGS/ bank transfer or cash. The good thing; if you pay today, your wedding in September or next week will not be affected by any price changes. By the way the gardens are available to you and your guests for the whole day on your special day. Also available is a huge secure car park that can handle your guests and other extras.

Our final verdict for Paradise Gardens: 8.0 out of 10

Are they for you?
+263-(0)4-2922300
Mobile: +263-(0)912-707620

P/S We have secured a booking for 13 September 2008 for anyone who wants it as a freebie. Email us now (offer valid until one month before)

Hi guys,

...thank you so much for your bridal advice, it was quite handy. my wedding was [in] March 2008, and it went on beyond expectations, it was unbelievable, awesome.....i just thank the Lord for blessing that day.

thank you for your support & be blessed...

Rona [Harare]

Honeymoon Destination: Caribbea Bay

Caribbea Bay in Kariba is a fairly good honeymoon destination if you are keen on fun-filled holidays in the sun, boat rides and fishing. The hotel is located in Kariba Zimbabwe and is situated on the lake shore overlooking lake Kariba. The hotel can arrange a sunset cruise for you to your pleasure in addition to dam wall and crocodile farm tours. Caribbea Bay has 83 rooms, 2 Executive Suites, 2 casitas Suites, 10 King Leisure rooms amongst other specially prepared rooms. This honeymoon destination might just be that chocolate topping on your excellent Zimbabwe Wedding.

Is Caribbea Bay for you?

Tel:+263-61-2453/7

reservations@cbs.zimsun.co.zw

To Your Special Day!

Hi There,

I would firstly like to congradulate you on your speed with the upgrade of your site. You have no idea the number of times I have had to turn to it for reference whilst planning for my wedding in December...

B [New Zealand]

Harare Garden Wedding Venue: Borrowdale Brooke

We paid Borrowdale Brooke Golf and Country Club a visit recently and we are happy to say this is one of the excellent garden wedding venues in Zimbabwe. The venue is an up-market one and is used by people from all walks of life and from all cultures and races. Their current venue hire fee is Z$6billion [USD150.00] an amount that does not change once settled in Zimbabwe dollar even if you plan to wed in December. Their three course buffet meal currently costs Z$200million [USD5.00] per person. The Brooke provides cutlery for a fee for use during meals etc. No outside catering is allowed but you are allowed to bring in supplementary food if you so wish that is prepared off the venue.

Due to security reasons, once you have booked and paid for the venue you will be required in due course to supply the Brooke with your guest list for security reasons. The Brooke is set-up in a compound format with a central entrance which has high level of security. For you and your guests to enter into the compound [which also houses the rich and famous in Zimbabwe] on wedding day the security there requires a full individual list of names of you and your guests [no Mr & Mrs but individual names only e.g. James Muti, Dorothy Muti etc]

The Brooke also got excellent locations for your photo shoot; really excellent! These consist of the golf courses and other special locations. By the way, they have the golf carts available for hire to carry the bridal team [these you can also get for free at their own discretion]. This is an excellent idea. Romantic too! Now the team at the Brooke often invites you and other couples with upcoming weddings once you have settled for them to other earlier weddings so that you can discuss how best you want your own wedding. They will hold some sort of debriefing session with you after a particular wedding to make the best of your own wedding when it comes.

We have absolutely no hesitation in recommending Borrowdale Brooke. If you should wish to go with them;

Jealous Chivanga
Functions & Banqueting Manager
banqueting@borrowdalebrookegolf.co.zw
Mobile: +263-(0)0912-238 577
Tel: +263-4-861317/861270/861110