Terms & Conditions

1Bookings & Deposits

• All bookings must be made at least 30 (thirty) days before the event date. Bookings requested within 30 days of an event will only be accepted at the Business's discretion, subject to availability.
• A booking is only confirmed once a deposit has been paid and a written confirmation (email or WhatsApp) has been issued by the Business.
• Verbal or informal enquiries do not constitute a confirmed booking or a reserved date.
• The client is responsible for providing accurate event details, including date, venue, guest numbers and access arrangements, in good time before the event.

2No-Refund Deposit Policy

• The deposit secures your date, holds stock and equipment, and compensates the Business for planning time already committed to your event.
• If an event is cancelled, the deposit is forfeited and does not carry over to a future booking, except entirely at the Business's discretion.
• If an event is postponed and a new date is available within the Business's calendar, the Business may, at its sole discretion, transfer a deposit to the new date. This is not guaranteed.

3Payment Terms

• The remaining balance of any invoice is due in full no later than 7 (seven) days before the event date, unless otherwise agreed in writing.
• Services, setup or delivery may be withheld where full payment has not been received by the agreed date.
• Any additions, extra hire items or changes requested after an invoice has been issued may incur additional costs, to be confirmed in writing before being actioned.
• Prices quoted are valid for the specific event and date quoted and may change for postponed events, particularly where more than 3 months have passed.

4Cancellations & Rescheduling

• Cancellations must be submitted in writing (email or WhatsApp) as soon as possible.
• As set out above, deposits are non-refundable in all cancellation circumstances.
• Where a balance has already been paid in full and a cancellation is made more than 14 days before the event, the Business may, at its discretion, refund amounts paid above the deposit, less any costs already incurred (e.g. hired-in stock, ordered florals, third-party bookings).
• Cancellations made within 14 days of the event will generally not be eligible for any refund, as resources will already be committed.
• Rescheduling is subject to availability and may attract a rescheduling fee to cover re-planning and re-booking of suppliers.

5Equipment Hire Terms

• All hired items remain the property of Mbilu and Soul Celebrations at all times.
• The client is responsible for hired equipment from the time of delivery/collection until it is returned to or collected by the Business, unless the Business's staff remain on site to supervise.
• A refundable breakage/damage deposit may be required for certain equipment hires, separate from the non-refundable booking deposit. This will be communicated and agreed in writing before the event.
• Lost, stolen or damaged items beyond fair wear and tear will be charged to the client at replacement or repair value.
• Hired equipment may not be used for purposes other than those agreed, nor moved off-site without prior written consent.

6Styling, Decoration & Planning Service Terms

• Design concepts, mood boards and quotes are prepared based on information provided by the client and are subject to change until final sign-off.
• The Business will make every reasonable effort to match agreed colour palettes, florals and decor concepts, but natural variation in flowers, materials and venue conditions may result in minor differences from mood boards or references.
• Access to the venue at an agreed time is the client's responsibility. Delays caused by venue access, load-in restrictions or third parties may affect setup and are not the responsibility of the Business.
• For full event planning services, the Business coordinates agreed vendors but is not liable for the independent acts, omissions or performance of third-party suppliers (e.g. caterers, venues, entertainers) unless directly contracted and controlled by the Business.

7Liability & Indemnity

• The Business carries out all services with reasonable skill and care, in line with industry standards for event styling, hire and planning.
• To the extent permitted by law, the Business's total liability for any claim arising from a booking is limited to the amount paid by the client for that specific booking.
• The Business is not liable for indirect or consequential loss, including loss of enjoyment, disappointment, or losses arising from circumstances outside its reasonable control.
• Clients are responsible for ensuring venues carry appropriate insurance; the Business recommends clients consider their own event insurance for high-value occasions.
• Nothing in these terms limits any liability that cannot lawfully be limited or excluded under South African law, including the Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008.

8Force Majeure

The Business will not be held liable for delay, failure to perform, or cancellation of services caused by events beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to extreme weather, load shedding, civil unrest, strikes, government restrictions, illness, or venue closure. Where reasonably possible, the Business will work with the client to reschedule affected services; the non-refundable deposit policy above still applies.

9Photography & Media Use

Mbilu and Soul Celebrations may photograph its styling and decor setups for portfolio, social media and marketing purposes. Clients who prefer their event not be featured must advise the Business in writing before the event date, and this request will be respected.

10Consumer Rights & Governing Law

• These terms are governed by the laws of the Republic of South Africa, including the Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008 and the common law of contract, and are subject to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the South African courts.
• Nothing in these terms is intended to limit any right a consumer has under the Consumer Protection Act that cannot lawfully be excluded.
• Where a dispute arises, both parties agree to first attempt to resolve the matter directly and in good faith before pursuing formal legal action.

This page is provided as a general guide to our service terms and does not constitute formal legal advice. We recommend all clients read these terms carefully, and the Business recommends periodic review of these terms by a qualified attorney to ensure ongoing compliance with South African law.

11Changes to These Terms

The Business may update these terms from time to time to reflect changes in its services or the law. The terms in force at the time a deposit is paid will apply to that specific booking.

12Contact

Questions about these terms can be directed to us via WhatsApp on 063 716 3488, by phone on 065 913 9343, or by email at mbilu.soul.celebrations@gmail.com.