What is the capacity?
River café can accommodate up to 100 guests for a seated lunch, brunch or dinner event, up to 150 guests for a standing cocktail reception and 250 guests for an open house style cocktail reception.

What time can my wedding take place?
Daytime: 10:00am - 3:00pm
Evenings: 5:00pm - 1:00am

You have access to River Café for set up 2 hours prior to the event start time. Event duration can be extended for an additional fee.

What kind of audio-visual (A/V) does River Café have?
We have a wireless microphone and podium for speeches and a house sound system which can provide background music during your event. We are equipped for you to connect a personal audio device to the system. These items can be used at no additional cost. There is no sound system on the patio or on the lawn. We can have a projector screen set up at an additional cost.

Can I bring in my own band, DJ or A/V vendor?
Yes. All entertainment arrangements must be discussed with the events manager. The amount of space available for entertainment may be restricted depending on the number of guests and your specific floorplan.

Can you arrange florals/entertainment/officiant/décor/photographer? What other vendors should I consider?
Although we do not arrange the above, we are happy to provide referrals through our preferred vendors & suppliers list and make arrangements for delivery.

What services and décor are included?
All services and décor that the restaurant already has is complimentary for you to use. This includes:

• White linen napkins (table clothes are an additional charge)

• Service staff

• All existing tables and chairs

• Standard table flatware and glassware

• Coat check

• Podium & microphone

• SOCAN & RE:SOUND legislated music fees

• On-Site Ceremony

• Dance Floor

• AGLC license

Who is my contact on the day of the event?
The Events Manager will be your contact throughout the process and work with you to coordinate several aspects of your wedding. They will ensure day-of set up and execution goes according to plan. There will also be a restaurant manager and closing server to assist in the process on the day of the event.

Do I need to arrange for take down and set up of décor?
Before the date, you will sit down to discuss all logistics, set up and take down details for the big day. You and the Events Manager will talk about set up in detail.

Décor can be dropped on the day of the wedding. The restaurant will take care of all food, beverage, service, and floorplan set up. We recommend having a dedicated organizer, family, or friend, oversee décor and set up. 

For take down, you will let the Events Manager know how things need to be taken down. The River Café team will take care of taking down all décor items and packing it up. Couples just need to arrange, usually for a family or friend, to pick up décor and gifts the night of or the following morning between 9:00am - 10:00am. Florals can be composted on-site.

Do I have to get guest meal selections ahead of time? Do I need to put this on my invitation?
No, we do not require notice of meal selection prior. Our servers will ask guests for their meal choices at the table on the day of the event. It is helpful if you are able to collect a list of allergies & dietary restrictions in advance.

How are menus created for my function?
All menus for private functions are pre-set menus. The menus are based on our current selection - keeping in mind we go through seasonal and monthly changes. We are happy to work with each couple to customize their set menu.

Can you accommodate allergies & dietary restrictions?
We can accommodate all allergies and dietary restrictions. There will always be silent vegetarian and vegan options. We can make modifications to other dishes to accommodate any other restrictions such as gluten free, dairy free, etc. If you are aware of any restrictions prior to arriving, please let us know so we can best accommodate the guest.

Are kids allowed? Are they included in my guest count limit? Do you have different menu options for kids?
Yes, kids are welcome and are considered part of your guest count if they require a spot at the table. We highchairs and booster seats. We can customize a menu that is more suiting for kids - prices will be adjusted accordingly. 

Can we do a tasting before the wedding date?
Since the set menus are based on current a la carte selections, couples are welcome to come in and dine at the restaurant on their own time to try menu items of your choosing (menus subject to change). We cannot do menu tastings for canapé items and wedding cakes, as these items are produced in mass quantities specifically for events.

Is parking available?
River Café enjoys a unique privilege to operate our restaurant in the middle of a public park. There is no parking directly next to the restaurant. There is surface level, underground, and street parking available at Eau Claire Market. Flat rates are available on evenings and weekends. Special authorized permission from the City of Calgary can be obtained for guests that need to drive onto the island (vendors, guests with mobility issues, set up, take down). Once authorization has been obtained, guests will be sent driving instructions.

Can I plan designated seating? What does the floor plan look like?
If you wish to arrange designated seating, please supply your own place cards and seating plan based on the floorplan agreed upon with the Events Manager. Floor plans and table arrangements will be customized for each individual wedding. Sample floor plans can be found on the following pages.

Is it possible to cover the patio?
The patio is equipped with market umbrellas offering some shelter from sun and rain. The patio can be tented. We work with an external vendor that can do the set up and take down. Rental fees and other associated costs would be passed onto the couple. The restaurant also has patio heaters and blankets which offer warmth to extend cooler evenings.

Can space be cleared for a dance floor?
Yes! For a seated dinner, 5 tables will be cleared to make room for a dance floor.

What are key dates to consider?
Signed contract & first deposit due upon booking, formal planning meeting with your Events Manager will be 1-2 months in advance at River Café, final food & beverage selections are due 2 weeks in advance, and final guest count & floor plan are due 3 business days in advance.

Do I have to choose cocktail-style or seated reception when I book my event?
No. If you are struggling between deciding on a cocktail or seated event, or your guest list is at the in-between number of the two event types, we can wait until you have a better idea of what the guest count will look like to decide.

How are payments and deposits arranged?
Upon your decision to book, a contract will be drafted which will outline your individual payment schedule. Your signed contract and a first deposit of 30% of the minimum spend requirement is required to secure the date and space.

What is your cancellation policy?
Wedding deposit and payments are non-refundable if written notice of cancellation is received less than 6 months prior to the event date.

Are vendor meals available? Do I need to include them in my guest count?
Yes, we can provide the vendor with the full coursed menu for the set menu price or simply offer a choice of entrée for $50.

No, you do not need to include them in your guest count. Vendors typically sit at our main bar or at a designated table in the back of the restaurant, depending on your final floor plan.

What else should I consider?
Be sure to consider the following items for your ‘day of’ agenda. Our Event Manager can help with any questions you may have.

• Cocktails/canapés – where? How long?

• Seating

• Formal introductions, first toasts, welcome speech

• Order taking – approximately 15 minutes needed

• Speeches – for best flow, we recommend having speeches between courses

Say hello to our Events Manager to start planning your wedding!

events@river-cafe.com