2022 WEDDING PACK

SPECTACULAR SPRING WEDDING PACKAGE 2022/2023
At Balbirnie, spring weddings are as fabulous as at any other time of the year. You might have

a crisp sunny day or snow topped hills for photos in the gardens – what a backdrop! Failing
this of course, we have several lovely public rooms with roaring fires for photographs inside

the house itself. Following the initial reception, a candlelit Ballroom awaits, just beautiful.

Valid Dates: Applicable Monday – Sunday, March and April 2022/23 and available to reserve
into following years subject to our annual inflationary price increase.

Package A Price: £81.50 PER GUEST
Starting from £5,705.00 based on 70 adult day guests

Extra Day Guests: Simply add extra guests @ £81.50 per person

Wedding Package includes:
• A welcome reception drink Sparkling wine with seasonal berries - 1 per guest
• Complimentary canapés during the drink’s reception, (choice of 3 different canapes, and
6 per person)
• A superb three course menu from our special selection, served also with coffee, tea and
Scottish tablet
• A glass of House wine with the meal and a top-up
• A glass of Sparkling wine for the post-wedding meal speeches
• Traditional cake-stand and silver wedding knife
• Balbirnie’s Chiavari chairs in elegant Limewash for your day guests.
• Red carpet sweeping down the front steps of Balbirnie
• The Master of Ceremonies
• Complimentary use of our magnificent Ballroom for your wedding meal, with charming
reception rooms available for reception drinks and photography
• Balbirnie’s LED special up-lighters & fairy lights in the Ballroom in your choice of colour
• Balbirnie’s Black Dancefloor, LED underlit
• Personalised table plan, place cards and menus
• Complimentary four poster bridal suite, complete with roll-top bath and of course - a
bottle of chilled House champagne

N.B. Please note the ceremony charge, Saturday facility fee and minimum numbers still apply

ADDITIONAL OPTIONS:

Package B Price: £85.50 PER GUEST
As above A package, plus an extra glass of wine with meal

Package C Price: £92.50 PER GUEST
As above A package, plus additional drink on arrival, plus extra glass of House wine with meal

Package D Price: £98.50 PER GUEST As above A package, plus additional drink on arrival,
plus glass of Prosecco at cake-cutting ceremony, plus extra glass of House wine with meal

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HYGGE WEDDING PACKAGE 2022/2023

Hygge translates into the importance of wellbeing for our guests and why we decided to adopt
it. We liaise from individual to individual, not from business to individual. Balbirnie is more and

more personal, we’re not a hotel group, privately owned and personally run, we’re a place to
relate with and feel close to.

Valid Dates: Applicable Monday – Sunday in October - February 2022/2023, available to
reserve into following years subject to our annual inflationary price increase.

Package A Price: £79.95 PER GUEST
Starting from £5,596.50 based on 70 adult day guests

Extra Day Guests: Simply add extra guests @ £79.95 per person

Wedding Package includes:

• Reception drink, a choice of Sparkling wine & Sparkling Rum & Ginger cocktail OR
Mulled Wine & Mulled Cider - 1 per guest

• Complimentary canapés during the drinks reception, (choice of 3 different canapes, and
6 per person)

• A superb three course menu from our special selection, served also with coffee and
Scottish tablet

• A glass of House wine with the meal and a top-up
• A glass of Sparkling wine for the post-wedding meal speeches
• Evening buffet – Mac & Cheese Pots with various toppings and garlic bread
• Balbirnie’s Chiavari chairs in elegant Limewash for your day guests.
• Red carpet sweeping down the front steps of Balbirnie
• The Master of Ceremonies
• Complimentary use of our magnificent Ballroom for your wedding meal, with charming

reception rooms available for reception drinks and photography
• Silver 5-stack candelabra for your table centres
• Natural warm candle glow throughout Balbirnie’s wedding reception areas.
• Balbirnie’s LED special up-lighters & fairy lights in the Ballroom in your choice of colour
• Balbirnie’s Black Dancefloor, LED underlit
• Traditional cake stand and silver wedding knife
• Personalised table plan, place cards and menus
• Complimentary four poster bridal suite, complete with roll-top bath and of course - a

bottle of chilled House champagne
• All of Balbirnie’s bedrooms (up to 31 rooms if required) at very special

preferential wedding B&B accommodation rates – standard doubles £135.00
per room, and £185.00 per suite/deluxe rooms, all bedrooms subject to
availability.
• Additional Triplex Family Apartment, sleeps 6, @ £370.00 per night
• NEW FOR 2021/22 – our beautiful firepits at the front of the house for
welcoming your guests

Please ask the wedding girls for more ideas if you wish to Hyggify your wedding even more!

N.B. Please note the ceremony charge, Saturday facility fee and minimum numbers still apply

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All package menus are served with a choice of the following canapés during the
drinks reception:

Choose 3 from the options below
Haggis bon bon (NF)

Baked baby potato, ricotta, chive (V, NF NGC)
Chicken Caesar tartlet (NF)

Loch fyne smoked salmon blini, caviar, dill (NF)
Garden pea mousse, feta, mint (V, NF)

Please choose 1 choice per course from the selection below.

Starters
SWEET POTATO, CHILLI & COCONUT SOUP (V, NF, NGC – can be DF, VG)

coriander oil, sour cream
DUCK LIVER PARAIT (NF – can be NGC)
sweet & sour roast plum, plum puree, brioche
PLUM TOMATO, MOZZARELLA & PARMA HAM SALAD (NGC)
rocket pesto, cashew mayo, herb salad

Mains
CHICKEN SUPREME (NF)
creamed potatoes, haggis & leek croquette, cabbage
ROAST LOIN OF OUTDOOR REARED PORK (NGC, NF – can be DF)
caramelised bramley apple, arran mustard crushed potatoes, parsnip, calvados jus
SEARED FILLET OF SEA BREAM (NGC)
basil mash, piperade, pesto, josper roast courgette

Desserts
EATON MESS (V)
pink pepper meringues, biscotti
COCONUT PANACOTTA (NGC, NF)
pineapple & mango salsa, toasted coconut
LEMON & THYME MERINGUE TART (V, NF – can be NGC)
malibu & lime sorbet

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Upgrade to any of the below;
Starter upgrade @ £2.50 per person
Main course upgrade @ £5.00 per person
Dessert upgrade @ £2.50 per person

Starters
BRAISED BRISKET & BONE MARROW BON BONS (NF)

horseradish mayo, blue murder, watercress
SALT COD & PRAWN FISHCAKE (NF)

charred endive, tartare hollandaise, crispy onions
CAULIFLOWER & TRUFFLE VELOUTE (NF, V – can be NGC)

pickled cauliflower, Dunlop cheddar & truffle muffin

Mains
BALBIRNIE ALE BRAISED STEAK PIE (NF)

herb mash, roast vegetables
FILLET OF SCOTTISH SALMON (NGC, NF)
saffron fondant, charred broccoli, carrots, caviar butter sauce

ROAST BREAST OF CHICKEN (NF)
mushroom & truffle mousse, puff pastry, truffled leeks, tarragon mash, red wine jus

Desserts
APPLE CRUMBLE CRÈME BRULEE (NF, V – can be NGC)

cinnamon, blackberry gel
STICKY TOFFEE PUDDING (NF, V – can be NGC)

toffee sauce, vanilla ice cream
CHOCOLATE & HAZELNUT TART (V)

white chocolate sorbet

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THE WORLD LUXURY DAY WEDDING AT BALBIRNIE HOUSE

Valid Dates: Applicable to all available dates, throughout the week, throughout the year!
Available to reserve into following years subject to our annual inflationary price increase.

Package Price: £160.00 PER GUEST

Extra Day Guests: Simply add extra guests @ £160.00 per person

Wedding Package includes:
• Complimentary use of our magnificent Ballroom for your wedding meal, with charming
reception rooms available for reception drinks and photography
• All of Balbirnie’s bedrooms (up to 31 rooms if required) at very special preferential
wedding B&B accommodation rates – standard doubles £125.00 per room, and £145.00
per suite/deluxe rooms, all bedrooms subject to availability.
• Additional Triplex Family Apartment, sleeps 6, @ £370.00 per night
• Balbirnie’s New Chiavari chairs in elegant Limewash for your day guests.
• Silver 5-stack candelabra for your table centres
• Natural warm candle glow throughout Balbirnie’s wedding reception areas.
• Balbirnie’s Black Dancefloor, LED underlit
• Balbirnie’s LED special effect up-lighters in the Ballroom in your choice of colour
• Fairly-lights adorning the floor to ceiling windows in our Ballroom
• Complimentary four poster bridal suite, complete with roll-top bath and of course - a
bottle of chilled House champagne

N.B Normal minimum numbers, facility fees & ceremony fee’s apply

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A CHOICE OF FOUR CANAPES;
Blue murder mousse, apple compote, pickled apple (V, NF)

Hand-picked crab, avocado, caviar (NF)
Fig, goats curd, vinegar gel, wild rice (V, NGC, NF)
Rare beef yorkie, truffle mayo, crispy shallots (NF)

-o0o-
Accompanied by 2 glasses of House Champagne per person

Hand dived Orkney scallops, caramelised celeriac, pickled apple & dill dressing (NGC, NF)
-o0o-

Brandied shellfish bisque, Hand-picked crab, saffron crème fraiche (NGC, NF)
-o0o-

Roast saddle of lamb, black garlic & spinach stuffing, basil Caesar emulsion, warm potato
salad, roast gem lettuce (NF – can be NGC)
-o0o-

70% Valrhona chocolate set custard, hazelnut feuilletine , cherry gel, cherry ripple ice cream
(NF – can be NGC)
-o0o-

Accompanied by half a bottle per person of
BLANC BY TINHOF, Grüner Veltliner & Co or CHÂTEAUNEUF DU PAPE Père Anselme Reserve

Followed by a glass of House Champagne for the celebratory toasts

EVENING BUFFET

HOG ROAST SERVED FROM BALBIRNIE’S OWN SPIT ROAST -
our in house speciality available all year round.

Served in a bap and accompanied by crackling, potato & spring onion salad, coleslaw salad and a
choice of apple or barbecue sauce.

Gluten free rolls and Quorn sausages provided for known dietaries
Tea and Coffee

Platter of cheeses with biscuits, grapes, celery and apples
Tea and Coffee

THE “AFTER SHOW” EVENING BUFFET!
Many of our wedding clients wish to incorporate a 2 phase evening buffet, by introducing a truly
wonderful and unexpected surprise, a real measure of hospitality which is so much appreciated by
departing guests, by serving Haggis Rolls or traditional Scotch Mince Pies to their departing guests soon

after the last Ballroom Dance.
Aftershow Traditional Scotch Mince Pies

Aftershow Haggis Roll

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SMALL AND INTIMATE WEDDINGS AT BALBIRNIE

We are also delighted to cater for small and intimate weddings, subject to date availability
throughout the year. Yours will of course as always be the only wedding taking place in the
house. Please contact us for date availability.
We have a number of lovely rooms suitable for smaller weddings, all with super views over the
gardens, and can offer a choice of:

The Garden Room (up to 16 guests)
~ £300 room hire for wedding breakfast or £400 room hire for ceremony and wedding
breakfast
~ wedding menus from £49.50

The West Room (up to 42 guests)
~ £450 room hire for wedding breakfast or £600 room hire for ceremony and wedding
breakfast
~ wedding menus from £49.50 or our Marvellous Midweek package can be applied for
numbers of 40 adults upwards.

The Orangery Restaurant (up to 70 guests)
~ £1,000 room hire for wedding breakfast
~ £1,100.00 for Long Gallery ceremony if required
~ wedding menus from £49.50 or our Marvellous Midweek package can be applied for
numbers of 40 adults upwards.

Please note that musical entertainment during the wedding breakfast is allowed but that there
is no facility to have evening dancing in these areas. The Ballroom however can be hired for an
evening reception, if proposed numbers are suitable, for an additional £1,400.00.

Please do let us know if this is of interest and we would be thrilled to show you around the hotel.

AND IF YOU LIKE WHAT YOU READ..?
YOUR INITIAL CONSULTATION AT BALBIRNIE
A member of our Wedding team is available to assist you in considering the initial planning
stages of your special day. However, we would appreciate it very much if you would telephone
for an appointment before visiting for a showround. This would enable us to devote our full
attention to your arrangements and would also avoid inconvenience to yourself should you come
when we are already engaged in other business.
Please be advised that we never provide client showrounds when an actual wedding reception
is taking place at Balbirnie.
Appointments can usually be scheduled within one month. We will have set aside an hour or so
to discuss your wedding and to show you around the building.
Please do let us know if you would like us to reserve a table for lunch or dinner following your
showround of the House.

THE TRADITION OF BALBIRNIE
Prospective brides and grooms usually visit Balbirnie with the intention of reserving the special
day during your show round appointment.
If the happy couple are indeed able to successfully secure an intended date, upon receipt of the
required £1,200.00 deposit, the day and venue are of course fully reserved.
A further payment of £2’500.00 is required 6 months prior to the date with the final balance
payable 4 weeks in advance.

MARRIAGE PREPARATION AND PSYCHOLOGICAL RELATIONSHIP COUNSELLING
Most helpfully intended, we mention that there are organisations which specialise in providing a
further measure of contemplation as regards the actual purpose of the wedding, the exchange
of Vows, and the beginning of marriage. This is a matter which can be traditionally discussed
with Ministers in terms of religious weddings, however for civil and humanist services that aspect
may not be contemplated.
If considered relevant, we therefore refer, for example: www.marriagecare.org.uk

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BOOKING ARRANGEMENTS FOR WEDDINGS AT BALBIRNIE

1. In order to secure your date and allow us to make appropriate arrangements, we would ask for a non-
refundable deposit of £1,200.00, which will be deducted from the final account. In turn we will then
issue confirmation, along with an e-letter of agreement, which must be signed and returned to us
within 7 days.

2. In order to correctly ensure that all aspects of our legal paperwork are legally intact, we will only be
able to arrange our paperwork as sending to a denoted address with fixed abode.

3. Approximately 3 months prior to the wedding we would like to discuss final details.
4. 6 months prior to the wedding we will require a further payment of £2’500.00.
5. 6 weeks prior to the wedding, a pro-forma invoice will be forwarded to you for 100% of the estimated

account, this requires to be settled at least 4 weeks prior to the day. If final planning has by any chance
not taken place at the point of 6 weeks prior, then the invoice will be based on contracted and agreed
numbers and information.
Payments made to Balbirnie House can either be made by: (a) debit card (b) credit card (c)
electronic transfer. Our preferred method of accepting payment is via electronic transfer. We
will provide account number and sort code.
We would greatly appreciate if all guests would please assist us by making payment using
cashless means.
As of May 1st 2021, we are unable to accept any cash payments, we are a fully cashless
hotel.
6. Two weeks prior to the wedding, we request proposed final numbers and table plan.
7. Any additional aspects incurred in subsequent planning or on the day itself will be sent to you for
payment following your day. In the event that there is, for example, a late and unexpected drop in
final numbers our Accounts Dept. will process any refund within 14 days.
8. The final numbers attending a wedding should be given two days before the event. This will be the
number charged to the account, unless there is a subsequent increase.
9. Receipt of a deposit constitutes a binding contract between hotel and client, as laid down in hotel policy.
10. Tariffs commence on 1 May each year running for a year. These prices prevail for any event happening
in that particular year. In general terms only a change in government tax (VAT) would affect these,
although we reserve the right to increase with, of course, prior notification. Put into context, this would
be a rare event. Any forthcoming event booked in advance but coming within a particular forthcoming
year should take account of potential increases and the likelihood of these can be indicated at the time
of booking.
11. In the unfortunate event that circumstances arise which necessitate a client cancelling a wedding that
is confirmed to be held at Balbirnie, our cancellation policy is as per our Hotel Policy and as such, initial
deposits are non-refundable. We recommend that wedding insurance be considered for all weddings at
Balbirnie.
12. Balbirnie will not be held responsible for any personal items lost after a wedding, or for any wedding
accessories left at Balbirnie after a wedding, ALL ITEMS MUST BE REMOVED FROM THE PREMISES ON
THE MORNING AFTER THE SPECIAL DAY.
13. We are very happy to offer the facility to sample your chosen menu prior to the wedding itself. The
menu will be charged per person at 4 covers minimum at the actual menu price specified in this pack.
14. Gratuities. On 6th July 2020 Balbirnie House made history, becoming Scotland’s first cashless hotel,
with all payments via digital. For the convenience of wedding clients, and mirroring the generalities of
how hotels and restaurants can now easily process all such digital transactions, we have entirely
removed the tradition of cash gratuities and instead we have applied a standardised 10% optional
discretionary service charge to all wedding accounts. This is invoiced with the main account 3 months
in advance of the special day. For the avoidance of doubt, all such proceeds are divided twice yearly
and equally between all members of Balbirnie’s hotel brigade.
Should any wedding client wish to increase this percentage (or as we have seen on many occasions
over the years, make a direct gratuity to a specific member of the brigade), please let us know and we
can similarly process.
15. Presents. Should you wish to leave a personal gift or memento of the special day, for eg wedding
planner and / or MC, please do feel free (but not at all obliged) to do so.
16. Guests are asked to remember that Balbirnie House is a Grade ‘A’ listed building, and to therefore treat
the house with due consideration. You will be responsible for the orderly conduct of your guests and
shall ensure the house is in no way jeopardised. Balbirnie House reserves the right to withdraw any
bar facility, if necessary.
17. Patrons and Benefactors: our company Fund for protecting and enhancing the very future of Grade A
Listed Balbirnie House. Over and above each main account, all Special Event clients are provided with
the option of making a completely voluntary contribution to maintaining the fabric of the assets of
our nationally treasured Grade A Listed property. We confirm this is absolutely 100% voluntary, and
we will set out options for payment as part of Special Event planning.

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Responsible Drinking Policy

Balbirnie House Responsible Drinking Policy

At Balbirnie we want everyone to really enjoy the time they share with us, whether as guests or
employees. In order to ensure that your guests can all enjoy their visit to Balbirnie, the hotel
operates a responsible drinking policy in conjunction with our legal obligations under licensing
legislation. This document will allow you to understand the objectives of the responsible drinking
policy and also what this means to you and your guests.

Our responsible drinking policy has been put in place to ensure that all of our guests and
employees can enjoy the experience they have at the hotel, the key objectives are to prevent
crime and disorder, prevent public nuisance, protecting public health, securing public safety and
protecting children from harm. In order for us to meet these objectives we have put in place
the following policies and procedures.

Consumption of Alcohol not purchased from Balbirnie

It is strictly prohibited to consume alcohol purchased outside of the hotel within any area of the
hotel including function suites and bedrooms. Any alcohol identified to have not been purchased
within the hotel will be confiscated if found, we respectfully request that our guests do not
attempt to bring any alcohol into Balbirnie.

It is within the rights of our security contractor to search handbags and any items brought in by
guests as required. Should we have reason to believe alcohol purchased off site is being
consumed in bedroom accommodation we will enter and confiscate all alcohol for which proof of
purchase is not available.

Service to Drunks and Prevention of Drunken Behaviour

Any guest who appears to be drunk will not be served any alcohol or admitted to any public area
of the hotel. Should a guest appear to be drunk upon arrival they will not be admitted to either
the function suite or bedroom accommodation should this have been reserved, under these
circumstances no refund will be given. Any guest attempting to purchase alcohol for another
who is drunk will not be served. Any guest who is considered to be acting in a severely drunken
manner will be asked to leave the function suite, should they have accommodation booked they
will be allowed to return to it.

Violent and Aggressive or Illegal Behaviour

Our policy in this regard is strict and uncompromising. Any guest who acts in an aggressive,
violent or threatening manner will be ejected from the hotel immediately and asked not to
return. Under these circumstances the guests will not be allowed to return to bedroom
accommodation and any personal possessions left in the room will be forwarded on at the hotel’s
cost on the next working day and no refunds will be given. Should the guest refuse to leave we
will ask for the police to attend, should any injury to guests or employees or damage be caused
to the hotel we will press charges and urge for prosecution. Should any guest be found to be in
possession of illegal drugs the police will be asked to attend and remove the guest.

Damage to the Building

Should any damage be caused, repair costs are automatically added to main account.

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Room Service and Late Bar
To purchase alcohol after our licensed hours, this is only possible for residents, with payment
upon service with credit/debit card. The operation of the late bar and acceptance of any room
service orders is solely at the discretion of the hotel management.
Protection of Public Health
Over and above the policies outlined above the hotel will offer water without charge, and a range
of soft drinks will be available at a reasonable price.
Protecting Children from Harm
Alcohol will only be served to guests who are over the age of 18. We operate a Challenge 25
policy, if a guest appears to be 25 or under (or someone for whom alcohol is being bought) then
photographic ID will be requested, we only accept the new photo driving license or passport as
proof of age.

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(This document is Copyright Balbirnie House)

Sample Wedding Letter of Agreement to confirm a wedding with us at Balbirnie

Client Details: Date:

Dear ………………………….

[INSERT SURNAME] and [INSERT SURNAME] Wedding – [INSERT DATE]

Thank you for choosing Balbirnie House as the venue for your wedding. This letter sets out the
terms and conditions under which we will plan and host your wedding. Please read the
following information thoroughly and if you have any questions please do feel free to contact
us.

1. Reservation

1.1 We have provisionally reserved [INSERT DATE] for your wedding.

1.2 To fully confirm your reservation we must be in receipt of your non-refundable deposit
of £1,200.00 (your deposit will be deducted from the total cost of your wedding) and
we ask that you sign and return a copy of this letter no later than [INSERT DATE]. The
amount of this deposit is based on the number of guests that you advise us you
anticipate will attend your wedding, in the event that your wedding is likely to have a
low number of guests, we may reduce the amount of this deposit at our discretion.

1.3 A further payment of £2’500.00 will be required 6 months prior to your wedding.

1.4 If we do not receive either your deposit or your signed letter (for the avoidance of
doubt, any letter signed electronically will be deemed to have been received by us) by
the date stated in clause 1.2 above then we will contact you to notify you that if we do
not receive a response from you within 7 days of us contacting you then your
provisional reservation will be cancelled without further notice from us.

2. Ceremony and Reception

2.1 Your wedding ceremony will take place in The Long Gallery or The Orangery with
2.1.1 associated room hire charge of £1,100.00 or £1,200.00 respectively.
2.2 The meal and evening reception will be held in the Millennium Ballroom.
The areas of the hotel to be used for the drinks reception, cake cutting and
2.3 photographs will be agreed between us at our final planning meeting (please see clause
5 below).
It is anticipated that your wedding reception will finish in the Millennium Ballroom at
12.00am on the day following your wedding. The Library bar will remain open
thereafter for all residential hotel guests until 2am. Due to restrictions in our licence to
sell alcohol, Purchases made at the bar after 12.00am may only be made by guests
who are staying overnight at Balbirnie. All purchases made at the bar after 12.00am
must also be paid for at the point of sale and we will not allow the purchase to be
added to a guest’s room account. The bar may remain open past 2.00am, but only if
this has been agreed in advance of the wedding. We reserve the right to close the bar
earlier if, in our sole discretion, acting reasonably, we consider it necessary to do so for
reasons such as health and safety.

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3. Guests

3.1 You anticipate that [INSERT NUMBER] adults and [INSERT NUMBER] children will attend

your wedding ceremony (daytime guests) with an additional TBC guests attending the
evening reception (evening guests). Please note that the maximum number of daytime
guests is 216.

3.2 Your table plan for the meal should be provided to us no later than two weeks before

your wedding day.

3.3 The final number of daytime and evening guests attending must be confirmed as soon

as possible and in any event no later than two days before your Wedding Day. If this
results in adjustment to your table plan please let us know when you are confirming
your final number of guests.

3.4 Our prices per guest are based on a minimum number of adult daytime guests

attending your wedding day. The minimum number of adult daytime guests required
are:

Friday Saturdays Sunday Monday-Thursday
40 adult guests
All year round 80 adult guests 100 adult guests 70 adult guests

3.5 The number of guests used to calculate the total cost of your wedding will be the final

number as confirmed to us in accordance with point 3.3 above, unless:

3.5.1 the number of guests that attend your wedding day is more than the final number
3.5.2 provided to us, in which case the increased number of guests will be used, or
the final number of adult daytime guests that attend your wedding day is less than the
minimum number required (as set out in clause 3.4 above), in which case you will be
charged £60.00 for each adult guest under the minimum number required.

3.6 As your wedding day will be attended by both adults and children, we may when
serving guests at the bar – as advised by the relevant authorities to do so- ask them
to provide identification confirming that they are 18 years or older. You will use
reasonable efforts to assist us to ensure that all guests attending your wedding abide
by their legal responsibly not to supply alcohol to any guest under the legal age
permitted to drink alcohol, and you acknowledge that we will request photographic
identification from any individual who looks under the age of 25.

4. Accommodation

4.1 For all weddings throughout the year there is a minimum requirement for clients to fill

at least 10 standard bedrooms, for 1 night only.

4.2 x Bedrooms = comprising TBC four poster suites, TBC deluxe double/twin rooms, TBC
standard double/twin rooms, TBC standard single rooms have been reserved for the
night before and the night of your wedding.

In addition, x Bedrooms = comprising TBC four poster suites, TBC deluxe double/twin
rooms, TBC standard double/twin rooms, TBC standard single rooms have been
reserved for the for the night of your wedding only.

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4.3 The current one night room rates (inclusive of VAT) for the night of your wedding only
(including a full Scottish breakfast) are:

Room Type Rate
Bridal Four Poster Suite £270.00 (including champagne!)
Pearl Suite £240.00
Triplex Apartment £370.00 for the entire apartment
Deluxe Double/Twin Room £200.00 per room
Standard Double/Twin Room £160.00 per room
Single Room £99.50 per room
Extra beds in rooms £20.00 per bed per night for kids aged 5-
(including breakfast) 15
£40.00 per bed per night for adults
Cots Complimentary

4.4 Our rates increase annually on the 1st May, we will advise you prior to your wedding of
any such increase. In the event that these rates have increased by more than 7.5%,
you may cancel your room reservations, and you will not be charged for this

4.5 Any additional rooms reserved will be charged at our normal room rates which apply at
the date of reservation of your wedding.

4.6 If you do not require any of the rooms that have been booked under clause 4.2 above
please let us know as soon as possible and in any event no later than 3 calendar

months
before your wedding. In the event that you cancel such a booking after this time and

we
are unable to rent the room(s) to another person(s), you may still be charged. This

clause
only applies should your wedding proceed. If you cancel your wedding then clause 7.3
will apply.

4.7 Check-in time for you and your guests is from 2.00pm onwards. If you or your guests
are
intending to get ready in the hotel on the morning of your wedding then to guarantee
access to your room prior to 2.00pm the room must be reserved the night before your
wedding.

4.8 Check-out time for you and your guests is 11.00am.

4.9 You and your guests staying in the hotel will be responsible for your respective room
bills.

4.10 You acknowledge that we are obliged to comply with certain statutory and common law
obligations, including but not limited to, the smoking ban, liquor licensing, fire
regulations and health and safety regulations. You will use reasonable efforts to assist

us
to ensure that all guests attending your wedding comply with any requirements

necessary
in terms of such legal obligations as indicated on notices and as may be directed by our
staff.

5 Planning Meeting

We will arrange to meet with you approximately 3 months before your wedding to
discuss the final arrangements. After this meeting we will write to you to confirm these
arrangements, and if there is anything that you would like to subsequently change,
adapt, remove or enhance, or if it is in any way incorrect you must inform us as soon
as possible.

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6 Payment

6.1 We will require a further deposit of £2,500.00 six months prior to your wedding day. We
will send you an invoice for 100% of the Anticipated Total Cost of your wedding 6 weeks
prior to your wedding. This invoice must be paid at least 4 weeks prior to your wedding.

6.2 If relevant (as a result of, for example, an increase in the number of guests which occurs
after we have issued the invoice described in Clause 6.1 above) - a further invoice in respect
of the outstanding balance due will be sent to you within 7 days of your wedding. This invoice
must be paid within 21 days of the date of the invoice.

6.3 VAT is incorporated within our prices at the current rate. In the event of a change in the
rate of VAT we reserve the right to amend our prices accordingly.

6.4 If you do not pay any invoice due on time we will, without limiting any other rights that we
may have, be entitled to charge you interest at 2% per year above the Base Lending Rate
of the Royal Bank of Scotland plc every day on the amount outstanding.

6.5 Gratuities. On 6th July 2020 Balbirnie House made history, becoming Scotland’s first cashless
hotel, with all payments via digital. For the convenience of wedding clients, and mirroring
the generalities of how hotels and restaurants can now easily process all such digital
transactions, we have entirely removed the tradition of cash gratuities and instead we have
applied a standardised 10% optional discretionary service charge to all wedding accounts.
This is invoiced with the main account 3 months in advance of the special day. For the
avoidance of doubt, all such proceeds are divided twice yearly and equally between all
members of Balbirnie’s hotel brigade.

Should any wedding client wish to increase this percentage (or as we have seen on many
occasions over the years, make a direct gratuity to a specific member of the brigade), please
let us know and we can similarly process.

Presents. Should you wish to leave a personal gift or memento of the special day, for eg
wedding planner and / or MC, please do feel free (but not at all obliged) to do so.

7 Cancellation / Postponement by You

7.1 If you decide to cancel your reservation you must notify us as soon as possible in writing
marked for the attention of the General Manager, Balbirnie House, Balbirnie Park, Markinch
Village by Glenrothes, Fife KY7 6NE.

7.2 If you cancel your reservation the following cancellation charges (the “Cancellation
Charges”) will apply. These Cancellation Charges are additional to the loss of the original
non-refundable deposit and are proportionate to the anticipated loss that we expect to
incur as a result of the cancellation of your wedding. If your cancellation notice is received

7.2.1 more than 12 calendar months before your wedding, You will be charged 10% of the
Anticipated Total Cost. This amount reflects the cost of the resources that we allocate
to the consultation process involved in booking your wedding and the associated
administrative costs;

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7.2.2 within 9-12 calendar months of your wedding, You will be charged 25% of the
7.2.3 Anticipated Total Cost. This amount reflects the costs of the resources that we allocate
7.2.4 to the consultation process and associated administrative costs and also the time we
spend on the ongoing planning of your wedding;
7.2.5 within 6-9 calendar months of your wedding, You will be charged 50% of the
Anticipated Total Cost. This amount reflects the costs of the resources that we allocate
to the consultation process and associated administrative costs and the considerable
amount of time that we will have invested in the ongoing planning of your wedding;
and
within 3-6 calendar months of your wedding, You will be charged 75% of the
Anticipated Total Cost. This amount reflects the costs of the resources that we allocate
to the consultation process and associated administrative costs, the considerable
amount of time that we will have invested in the ongoing planning of your wedding and
also the high unlikelihood of us being able to book another wedding or event of a
similar value on the day that you reserved for your wedding; and
within 3 calendar months of your wedding, You will be charged 100% of the Anticipated
Total Cost. This amount reflects the costs of the resources that we allocate to the
consultation process and associated administrative costs, our full investment in the
ongoing planning of your wedding and also the fact that we will be unable to book
another wedding or event of similar value on the day that you reserved for your
wedding.
This may mean that in some cases the Cancellation Charges will be greater than the
amount that you have paid and you will have to pay us the difference.

7.3 The Anticipated Total Cost includes:
7.3.1 ceremony and room hire charges;
7.3.2 facility fees;
7.3.3 70% of the cost of all daytime and evening guests (see points 7.4 and 7.5 below);
7.3.4 the cost of all accommodation booked by you (including, for the avoidance of doubt,

the rooms set out in clause 4.2); and
any special arrangements made by Balbirnie at your request.

7.4 If the final cost per guest has not been agreed, the cost used to calculate the Cancellation
Charge will be:

7.4.1 £60 per person for daytime guests (this figure already includes the 30% discount); and
7.4.2 £14 per person for the evening guests (this figure already includes the 30% discount).

7.5 If the final cost per guest has been agreed meaning that, prior to cancelling your
reservation you have selected the drinks and menu package for your wedding, the cost
used to calculate the Cancellation Charge will be 70% of the cost of the package selected.

7.6 Please note that extreme fluctuations can occur in the price of certain ingredients which
may be components of some menu options that we offer. In the event that there is an
increase in the price of any ingredient that you have selected which is higher than 30% of
the original forecasted cost of that ingredient, we may be in touch with you to notify you of
the increased cost, and will give you the option to either choose an alternative menu option
or to proceed with the original ingredient at the increased cost.

7.7 If the number of guests attending has not been finalised you will be charged for the
anticipated estimated number of daytime guests as set out in clause 3.1 or such other
number of guests as you may have notified us of following the date of this letter.

7.8 We will issue an invoice to you for the Cancellation Charges as soon as reasonably
practicable following our receipt of your cancellation notification. Cancellation Charges
must be paid by you within 14 days of the date of our invoice.

7.9 For the avoidance of doubt, the Cancellation Charges detailed above are applicable
throughout the year, and are not affected by any ‘special packages’ or promotions that we
may offer.

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8 Cancellation / Postponement by Us
8.1 We may cancel your reservation in the event that you fail to pay our invoice for the

Anticipated Total Costs issued under clause 6.1 above, no later than 7 days prior to your
wedding. In such circumstances, you will remain liable for 100% of the Anticipated Total
Costs.

8.2 If we require to cancel your reservation we will notify you in writing at your home
address. We will refund all monies paid by you. Please note that we will only cancel
your reservation in very extreme circumstances, such as, in the event of a fire or flood
which renders Balbirnie House unsuitable for public access or we are directed to close
by UK/Scottish Government to close due to unforeseen events (eg pandemic).

9 Your Liability

You acknowledge that Balbirnie House is a Grade A listed National treasure that dates
back to 1777 and has significant historical importance. As such, except in respect of
rooms, for which individual guests who have reserved such rooms will remain liable,
should you or any of your guests cause damage to the hotel, including damaging the
buildings, furniture and fittings and equipment, you will be responsible for settling any
amount required to repair the damage caused or any cleaning charges which are
considered out with our ordinary housekeeping remit.

10 Our Liability

10.1 Our liability for any loss, damage or harm suffered by you as a result of our breach of
these terms is:
10.1.1 unlimited in the event of death or personal injury;
10.1.2 subject to clause 10.1.1, limited to the Anticipated Total Cost.

In addition, subject to 10.1.1, if we are in breach of the arrangements under these terms and
conditions, we will not be responsible for any losses that you suffer as a result, unless the
losses are a foreseeable consequence of the breach. Loss or damage is foreseeable if either it
is obvious that it will happen or where it could be contemplated by you and us at the time you
booked your wedding.

11 Wedding Insurance

We strongly recommend that you consider taking out wedding insurance. For the
avoidance of any doubt if for some reason you cancel your wedding or something
happens that is not covered by the terms of your insurance you will still be liable for
the Cancellation Charges set out in clause 7.2 above.

12 Our Staff

Our staff have the right to work in a safe environment. We will take any incidents of
violent or abusive behaviour towards our staff very seriously and will where necessary
involve the relevant authorities. You will use all reasonable effortsto ensure that all
guests attending your wedding act in a courteous manner towards our staff.

13 Personal Belongings

You acknowledge that Balbirnie has very limited storage facilities. We are unable to
store any of your, or any third party you employ’s (for example, florists or musicians),
property or any other item (including, for example wedding presents ) after 12 noon on
the day following your wedding. If you or any of the third parties you have employed
leave any property or other items at Balbirnie after a wedding, we are not responsible
for any damage to or loss of such personal items unless such damage or loss is due to
our negligence.

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Once again, we are delighted that you have chosen Balbirnie House as the venue for your
wedding day and we look forward to meeting with you over the coming months.
With kind regards,

Name
Wedding Co-ordinator

I have read and understood this letter (in particular points 3.4 (Minimum number of guests),
3.5(Minimum number of guests), 4.1 (Requirement to fill bedrooms), 4.5 (Increase in room
rates), 6 (Payment), 7 (Cancellation by you), 9 (Your liability) and 10(Our liability)), and
understand that by signing and returning this letter a legally binding contract will be created
between myself and Balbirnie House Hotel Limited. You may wish to seek legal advice if you
are unsure about whether to accept any of the terms set out in this letter.

………………………………………………..............................................
Date of signature ……………………………
(to be signed by the person(s) settling the invoices)

………………………………………………...........................................................................................
.......
Full Name(s)
…………………..…………………………...........................................................................................
........ Address
………………………………………………...........................................................................................
....... Address
………………………………………………...........................................................................................
....... Address
…………….………………………………………………...............................................................................
....

Telephone number(s)…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

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A FEW FURTHER THOUGHTS FROM BALBIRNIE, ON THE GREAT INSTITUTION OF MARRIAGE

I am a great believer in this- 'Positivity projected into the great ether always goes full circle'.
With that in mind, here are a few very personal thoughts, for anyone thinking of getting
married. I say these things specifically in the context of seeing a few weddings cancelling
every year, which is most unfortunate, disastrous actually, and depending upon lead time,
potentially very expensive indeed - all obviously for nothing.

If what I am about to say therefore makes anything easier for any single individual in any
regard, then something positive has been accomplished. This information has been listed in
our wedding literature for many years, and we’ve never had one single client ever in history,
question the logic of what we’re about to say!

Any couple getting married in a church will have access and spiritual guidance from a Minister.
For humanist and civil ceremonies, that may not be the case, which is why we highlight
referral to relevant Counselling, advance contemplation and preparation, contained elsewhere
within our literature.

Over and above:

We've all seen the Hollywood wedding movies, haven't we! What I have myself also seen first-
hand (and whoever is reading this has perhaps not), is absolute real life disaster on a wedding
day. Fortunately such circumstances are however very rare indeed.

Before we start any year, there will possibly also always be a proportion of marriages at
Balbirnie, which will unfortunately not endure the eventual test of time. That is simply an
unfortunate fact of life. In my third decade of talking to couples every week about their
intended wedding plans, it sometimes strikes me very much at outset, that some couples may
have decided to literally rush into marriage, without actually contemplating what really does lie
ahead, without realising what will be required to enable The Great Institution of Marriage … to
actually work.

A wedding is of course not just a day of celebration; it is also furthermore the very beginnings
of the Institution of Marriage itself.

Additionally, and stating the obvious - a simple search online of 'healthy marriage tips' is a
really great place to start contemplating the very aim of what lies ahead, all with a view to an
intended lifetime of happiness. I wish you happy reading …

I like to think of it like this, - Picture you and your beloved walking in romantic Balbirnie Park
in the future, when you are in your eighties!!! (Or nineties!!!) Hand in hand. Very much in love
with each other. (Having visited Balbirnie many times over the years for Anniversary
occasions!) Fulfilled with a lifetime of wonder and special Memories. Work everything in a
timewarp backwards, now then - how and why was your marriage so successful that you have
ended up so happy together in your eighties? I know this much, - setting aside a humorous
suggestion that husbands do very well to pay attention and follow a wife’s instructions - there
is no single particular secret.

Here’s my own tuppence. Marriage is about compassion, understanding, and patience. It is
certainly not an on-going competition between two individuals. It is about trust, shared mutual
regard and mutual respect, and shared common purpose, with jointly made decisions. It is
about a sense of togetherness on a shared journey. It is about looking after each other
always, with a feeling of absolute togetherness, and an absolute sense too that your life
partner has your feelings always completely to the fore. A sense of humour will also assist you
both very much!

Anyone thinking of getting married? Ask yourself one simple question. 'Do I really hand-on-
heart want to spend the whole of the rest of my life, with the person to whom I intend getting
married?' Until death do us part. If the answer is 'yes', then let us please proceed with your

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special day. If 'unsure', (or even ‘maybe’) then I suggest that in currently contemplating
getting married, you are perhaps wasting your time, and that also of your current beloved and
intended.
We have lost count of the number of times we have most unfortunately had to issue
cancellation invoices, only to be told (by either bride or groom) – ‘We both kind of knew we
were never the one for each other’. And we always reply, ‘we are so sorry to hear that is the
case, but as a form of positive, if you both concluded that you knew, then in no longer going
ahead, you have absolutely made the correct decision’.
I love marriage’s stability and a sense of real purpose every day, thanking my lucky stars for
own very lovely wife, our children and extended families and all the joy we have seen as a
result of our marriage together.
I wish one and all every happiness in making your important lifetime decisions. Deciding who
you marry is in my opinion, the biggest decision you will ever make in your life.
And for those of you who already just somehow intuitively know that you are making the
correct decision to get married. Well then, when you know, then you really know … !

All the best to you and yours, and wishing every happiness.

Nicholas Russell / MD Balbirnie x
1992 – today

OH, AND ONE MORE THING. WHAT DAY TO GET MARRIED ON?
Especially for the dreamers.
And those who believe in magic, destiny, and coincidence.
What day should you get married on. What number of day?
For example, bride born on the 1st, groom on the 8th – make it the 18th!
And so on. What day did you meet? What would you like to be YOUR number? Make the stars
align for you!

Spiritual meaning of numbers:
http://www.whats-your-sign.com/spiritual-meaning-of-numbers.html

Mystical numbers:
https://mysticalnumbers.com

ONE FOR THE ROAD:
SAVE THE DATE! When you send out your save the date information to your guests. Take the
opportunity to add a paragraph from you both, talking about what sort of occasion you would
like it to be.
Speak from the heart, in these contexts it always works.

A FINAL ONE FOR THE ROAD
‘The more relaxed and radiant the bride the more relaxed and radiant the day’

A FINAL FINAL ONE FOR THE ROAD
‘Its amazing how quickly a wedding day can pass in amongst all the emotion and excitement.
If you are a bride or groom please do integrate within your personal planning the ability to
make sure that you have time to speak with every single wedding guest’

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