- When is the best time of the year, weather-wise, for a service?
We would recommend a date between January and April. This is the time of the year with the least possibility of rain. At Selva Negra the temperature will be comfortable short sleeve type weather during the day and a light jacket and blanket weather in the evenings.
- What is the recommended time of day for a service?
This entirely depends on the reception time that you would prefer. We had hosted weddings starting at about 11:00am lasting till 6:00pm. We recommend an early afternoon service because you can then enjoy the chapel and its surroundings. It provides for great lighting for the weddings photos after the service.
- What types of services are held at the chapel?
The chapel is multi-denominational. The chapel has been used for weddings ceremonies. Invited your own priest, rabbi or preacher of choice. For usage of the chapel for other ceremonies besides weddings, such as baptisms, and others, please contact us for more information.
- How many weddings and conferences has Selva Negra held?
Selva Negra has hosted dozens of weddings since its introduction of the chapel, built in the early months of 2000. Selva Negra has always been involved in entertaining political and environmental figures during a visit to Nicaragua, hosting conferences, business meetings and coordinating various type of parties and functions. For detailed information on events we have held, please contact us.
- Are references available?
Yes, after a visit to our resort we will be happy to share a list of references with you, with their approval, on previously hosted events at Selva Negra.
- Who is responsible for coordinating special events at Selva Negra?
We have two wonderful ladies who coordinate all special events. They will coordinate your wishes with the catering staff, the decorations and set up the wait and bartender staff. They will handle the flower arrangements and the set up of the chapel. If you need any assistance with international aspects of organizing an event, we have an additional resource in the US. Please contact us for additional information.
- What is the lodging capacity at the resort?
The total capacity of the resort is approximately 159 people, excluding the youth hostel. Refer to the lodging section of the site, for more information on accommodations at the resort.
- How far in advance would it be recommended to make definitive arrangements for a special event?
Due mostly to the planning that is required for the flowers we would greatly appreciate a much as an advance notice as possible. As we could grow the flowers that you would like to use in your floral arrangements. If many of your guests will be traveling from international locations, it would be beneficial to you to plan 6 months in advance in order to receive good group packages.
Yet, we can prepare for your event with a 4-month anticipation. Be aware though that the certain types of flowers may not be available. The sooner you coordinate with us the better we can meet your wishes in the perfect event.
- What is the capacity in the chapel?
The approximate sitting capacity of the chapel is 120 people. Yet, there was a couple at Selva Negra where 400 people attended. Not all attended the service, there were approximately 200 people at the service. Various were standing outside looking through the windows. It was an amazing event, and the chapel easily accommodates these crowds because of the oversized windows.
- How many rooms do you have that would be more comfortable for elder guests? For example I wouldn't want my grandparents walking through some of the trails to the cottages. I know there are some larger Chalets that have paved sidewalks.
Bungalow A-6 - A-6 is also known as Lindau. A-6 is a two-bedroom bungalow located adjacent to the restaurant, and is an easy walk to the restaurant, parking facilities and the paved walk to the reception hall. Although the walk is at a bit of an incline, it is paved. This would be the most convenient to the restaurant.
Bungalow B-2 and B-3 - These are four bedroom bungalows both located on the paved drive to the cul-de-sac leading to the chapel. Both of these offer an easy and quick walk to the reception hall. (One is located directly opposite the reception hall, and if the party will last a long time, you may not want to accommodate elder relatives who may want to turn in early in these bungalows).
Chalet Alsacia - A three-bedroom chalet, located furthest from the reception hall, and also the noise. Alsacia is located near the coffee facilities, and is very interesting choice to the coffee enthusiast. The coffee harvesting season ends in late February, this is a two-edge sword. It is wonderful to visit during the harvest because you get the opportunity to see the harvest, a marvelous experience, but if staying at the Alsacia chalet, you will be awakened earlier in the morning since they will run the mill to process the day's coffee.
Chalet Viejo Otto - The Viejo Otto chalet is a large chalet, which will accommodate approximately 12 guests. It is a two-story building with 4 bedrooms upstairs and one downstairs. It is the best chalet to accommodate a large young group since it has a large living room where they can socialize until the wee hours of the morning. Viejo Otto is located around the lake from the restaurant, with a paved driveway leading up to it.
Chalet Bosche- This is the original farm house of the estate. It is a wonderful place for the family, located on the paved roadway. It has five bedrooms with one being a large open rooms with four beds. One room has bunk beds and another with two twin beds the other two rooms have queen size beds. It has a nice living rooms, dining room and a small kitchenette. The special feature of this chalet is its enclosed deck hanging over the small lake where the chalet is located. From this chalet, vehicle transportation would be highly recommended for the elder guests to reach the restaurant and reception facilities.
Although all of these cabins offer easy access, and would be good accommodations for your elder guests, our recommendation would be the A-6 (Lindau) or the Bosche chalet.
- Just to get an idea on pricing. What would a really rough estimate be for 100, 200, etc person dinner, with a standard menu, as well as open bar?
Refer to our package pricing page for information on prices. The prices are dependent on the event and the head count. Use these numbers as an estimate only, and for a personalized quote please contact us.
- Can we bring in our own services for example catering, decorations, flowers, band and others?
Catering - No, you must use Selva Negra's catering when hosting an event in one of our conference halls. We offer such great deals, we are assured this is a benefit to our guests.
Decorations - Yes, you may bring in your own decorations. If you have something special for the event, we will help you decorate and hang signs, etc.
Flowers - No, you must use Selva Negra's flowers for any floral arrangements. Selva Negra has their own flower business, so we encourage our guests to take advantage of this service.
Band - Yes, you may bring your own band or DJ. We have a reference list as well if you need assistance with one and we also offer a professional DJ service that we use with many years of experience.
- Are linens, silverware included in the buffet services?
Yes, when renting out a conference hall, it's a packaged deal. You may not bring your own catering and must use our services. For the receptions, we offer the conference hall with the set up of tables, chairs, linens, (table cloths, table cloth coverings, balances, curtains, etc) and crystal (glasses, wine goblets, pitchers, ice buckets, ash trays, plates, silverware, etc). We provide a wishing well-shaped gift collector, arranged table for the guestbook, special location for the wedding cake decorated in the style of your wedding.
- What would the difference in cost between a buffet and a sit-down dinner?
Buffet service is a little more expensive because we offer a broader variety of foods, three types of meats with several side options and a complete salad bar with farm grown vegetables.
- What is the approximate cost for seasonal flower arrangements? What flowers does Selva Negra offer, colors, during which seasons?
Costs range from US$20 to US$50 for center pieces and US$5 to US$15 boutineers, US$10 to US$20 for arches. For off seasonal flowers expect higher prices.
All year round we offer a wide selection of mums in a variety of colors. Seasonal gerberas, carnations, roses, gladiolas, baby's breathe, agapantus, hydraneums, etc. Please refer to the flower section for more details information.
