FAQs
Q: How/ when can I make a reservation?
A: Making reservations are simple. Call the Banquet Sales Director at Cavanaugh's River Deck with your requested date, time, guest count and intended menu. The Banquet Sales Director will put together a contract for the event. Once the contract is signed and returned with the requested initial deposit, your event will be booked. In order to ensure the date, time and room of your preference is available, contact us as soon as possible. Some events are reserving dates as early as three years in advance!
Q: Do I need to guarantee a head count?
A: Yes. Your contract will list an estimated guest count when you book the event. For all events, a minimum guaranteed head count is listed on the contract. If your head count is growing larger than expected, please notify Cavanaugh's River Deck as soon as possible to make sure that your group will fit in the designated room or to upgrade to a larger room. Seven days before the event you must call in your RSVP head count to guarantee appropriate food, beverage and staffing.
Q: Can I bring my own Food or Drink?
A: No, Sorry. To ensure that all drinks and food (including cakes) are served to Cavanaugh's River Deck standards, we simply cannot allow outside food or beverages to be served.
Q: Is tax and gratuity included?
A: No. NJ Sales tax and gratuity in the amount of 20% is additional to all provided food and beverage. Certain service items such as DJ, room fees, etc. will not have tax or gratuity added.
Q: Can we decorate?
A: Most events are provided with one-hour setup time prior to the scheduled start time. You can provide any decoration as long as it is not construed as food or beverage. No open flame candles are allowed either. (Votives or candles in vases are acceptable). Cavanaugh's River Deck provides linen for the tables. Ask the Banquet Sales Director.
Q: Do you recommend or provide any entertainment, photographers or lodging?
A: Yes, the Banquet Sales Director will provide you with a list of preferred vendors who can accommodate your needs. We have a wealth of contacts for virtually any need. Don’t hesitate to ask!
Q: Are minors allowed?
A: Absolutely! Minors are welcome. Of course all laws regarding underage drinking are strictly enforced.
Q: How long is the food served?
A: Most events are two to five hours in length. Most buffets have food replenished for an hour. Most buffets will then remain available for an additional half hour before being cleared. We do this to ensure that all food is fresh and we can stay on schedule for upcoming meal courses.