FAQ.html

SEA GULLS' NEST

Sandy Hook, N. J. (732) 872-0025


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Sea Gulls' Nest

Frequently Asked Questions for Weddings CLICK HERE

Frequently Asked Questions for other types of private parties CLICK HERE

Frequently Asked Questions for company events CLICK HERE

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FOR WEDDINGS

What about parking availability for evening parties on the weekends?
There is never a problem with parking on weekend evenings. Most beach goers leave the park starting around 2 PM, and by the time an evening party begins there are plenty of spaces to park in. The National Park Service does NOT charge for parking in Sandy Hook after 4:00 PM.

How does the new Highlands bridge construction impact parties at Sea Gulls' Nest?
The Highlands bridge is still not completed, and won't be completed until summer season 2011. For daytime parties on weekends in 2010, as long as guests arrive before 10am, they will have no problem finding parking in parking lots D or E. (Sea Gulls' Nest is parking lot D, and next door, a 5 minute walk, is parking lot E). The National Park Service has been limiting access into Sandy Hook after the parking lots are full. However, if Sea Gulls' Nest is having an evening party that begins before 6pm, the rangers stationed at the entrance to Sandy Hook will grant access to guests of the party. We had no problems with this at all in summer 2009. Please advise all your guests that it may take them longer to get into Sandy Hook and to plan an extra 30 minutes travel time. PLEASE NOTE: leaving Sandy Hook at the end of an evening party will NOT be a problem. By the time a party ends, there is no longer any back up from daytime beach goers trying to leave the park.

What about decorations for my party? How does that work and who decorates?
For daytime beach parties, decorations are not necessary. Besides the beauty of the ocean, bay, and surrounding landscape, we have green ferns hanging from our pitched 18 foot high tent.

For a more "upscale" look, we can rent for you tablecloths, buffet skirting, and linen napkins. We also have custom made chair covers in an off-white linen color. Most evening parties will want table linens and our chair covers. Sea Gulls' Nest is happy to rent the linens for you and add the charges to your final bill. (We do NOT charge a fee for this service). Or, you can rent/buy the table coverings yourself, bring them to us ahead of time, and we'll put everything 'out'.

For table centerpieces and decorations, keep in mind that we have sea breezes that may blow out candles, and knock over tall and/or fragile items. Balloons are NOT allowed in Sandy Hook due to the hazard to wildlife.
As for 'who' decorates, we set up tables, put on the chair covers, put on the table cloths, and put your centerpieces on the tables. However, for more elaborate/time consuming decorations, it is your responsibility to either decorate yourself, or hire someone to decorate the tables and deck on the day of your party. (We allow set up to begin 2 hours before the start of your event.) Most all weddings are straight forward and we set up and put out the linens and centerpieces. (It is best for the bride/groom to drop off centerpieces a day or two prior to the wedding day.) It is usually the Bar/Bat Mitzvahs that require more elaborate decorations and thus you will need to hire an outside decorator (and his or her team) to decorate your party.

Can we have our wedding ceremony on the beach?
Yes, you can be married on the beach. The National Park Service will allow private ceremonies on the beach with a permit. You can also be married on our party deck - most couples get married right inside the party deck reception area with the beautiful views of the ocean and bay. Another option is to be married on the Sandy Hook Bay in the Fort Hancock area of Sandy Hook. This location is about a 5-10 minute drive past the Sea Gulls' Nest. There is an open field right on the bay that offers a beautiful view and plenty of space for a wedding ceremony. A permit is required by the National Park Service to use this field on the bay, Many couples rent chairs for this location, and sometimes a tent in case of inclement weather. If you choose this location on the bay for your ceremony, but it happens to rain, you can always relocate the ceremony to Sea Gulls' Nest. Please inquire as to how to obtain a permit from the National Park Service for a ceremony on the beach or the bay location.

Does Sea Gulls' Nest charge extra to have our ceremony on the Sea Gulls' Nest deck?

No! This is free of charge.

How much are the outside services, such as DJs, etc.?
DJ’s cost approximately $125 per hour. A magician costs approximately $225 for a 1/2-hour show. Caricaturist costs approximately $125 per hour with a 2-hour minimum. Live musicians vary but approximately $250-$500 for 4 hours. For a list of DJs and other forms of entertainment, go to http://www.seagullsnest.info/Services.html
This list is just a 'suggested' list. You are allowed to hire/use anyone of your choosing either from our suggested list or not on our list.

Can we make food substitutions?
In some instances, we can substitute certain foods for others. We do NOT substitute seafood for any non-seafood item on our menus. Please inquire for a specific substitution. Also, keep in mind the ambiance of our restaurant and location. We have found that the menus we offer, plus any additional seafood items, work best for our parties.

Can we eliminate food and reduce our cost per person?
Not for the appetizers or main course. The reason for this is that if we eliminate one particular food item, then the guests will just eat more of another. So, for us, we still supplying the same amount of food. HOWEVER, if you choose to eliminate all the desserts we serve, the dessert table, make your own ice cream sundaes, and fresh fruit, then we can reduce your per person cost. You cannot eliminate just PART of the desserts. If you want to eliminate desserts, then ALL desserts are eliminated. We can just serve your wedding cake as the dessert (no extra charge for serving your cake). Coffee and tea is still offered even if you eliminate desserts.

Can we use the beach if we are having an evening party?
Yes. As per the Park Rules, the public is allowed to use the beach until 10pm. The amount of time you can spend on the beach depends upon the time of your evening party. Some evening parties enjoy being on the beach prior to the actual start time of the party. After 10PM, no one is allowed on the beach by regulation of the National Park Service.

Can we bring our own wedding cake?
Yes! You can certainly bring a special cake to celebrate your wedding. However, our Dessert Table (which comes with the Buffet) offers a wide variety of cakes, pies and cookies. Most weddings bring (or have delivered) a wedding cake in addition to our Dessert Table.

Does Sea Gulls' Nest charge extra for the couple to bring a wedding cake?
No! We do not charge a cutting fee, or any other kind of fee typically associated with a cake brought in from the 'outside'. Nor do we charge extra if you bring a cupcake type of wedding treat for your guests. (Although, this is not necessary since our dessert table has a lot of desserts on it!)

Can we bring our own alcohol to the party?
No. Due to the restrictions we have on our liquor liability insurance, we cannot allow anyone to bring their own alcoholic beverages. If you have a special request type of alcoholic beverage, please inquire.

Can we rent the deck and bring in an outside caterer?
Usually not. Please inquire. If there is a particular food theme you want, or a menu item you'd like we do not have on our menus - just ask us and we will work with you on your menu. Please keep in mind the casual/beachy nature of our restaurant and location when considering food items not on our list.

Do you have any food for vegetarians?
We can have our chef make more elaborate vegetarian dishes for the Nest Plus menu- please inquire (there may be an additional charge). There are non meat items, such as mozzarella sticks, pasta, caesar salad, string beans, and potatoes.

Your parties are 4 hours long. Can we go longer?
Yes. Depending on the menu and alcohol package, we will let you know how much it will cost for additional time. Usually it is a pro rated alcohol per adult over 21 for the additional hour, plus $250 fee to keep the entire staff for an extra hour. If you want a 5 hour party, it is best that your party begin by 5 or 5:30 PM.

What is the maximum number of guests I can have?
For weddings and parties when everyone will be sitting and eating at the same time, the maximum number of guests is 200. Most of the weddings we have catered are between 100 and 150.
For parties where there is more mingling, and a seat for every guest at the same time is not important, the guest list can go as high as 250.

Do you offer a champagne toast?
Yes we do. For $3 a person, we offer a champagne toast with plastic champagne flutes. For $4 a person, we offer a champagne toast with real glass champagne flutes. PLEASE NOTE: many couples will just have their guests use whatever beverage they are drinking to 'toast'. It's a way to save money and put that money towards something else.

How late can our party go?
10 PM is the best end time for a party at Sea Gulls' Nest. Particularly since the views will be 'gone' once the sun goes down. If you need to end later, please inquire. So, for a 4 hour party, you should begin the party at 5, 5:30, or 6pm. If you want to 'purchase' an additional hour for a 5 hour party, the party should begin at 4:30, 5pm or 5:30. When the sun goes down, and it is pitch black outside (except when we have a nice moon that is visible), it often feels later than it actually is. So, as stated, it is best to end parties by 10pm. PLEASE NOTE: Sunday parties tend to begin earlier than Saturday night parties. You may want to consider a Sunday party beginning at 4:30 or 5pm.

What if it rains? Will our guests get wet?
No! Sea Gulls' Nest has a permanent protective tented roof. Additionally, we have drop down see-thru plastic sides to protect guests from rain.

Does Sea Gulls' Nest have air conditioning?
No we do not. However, with our 2nd level deck location, and being right on the ocean, we have nice sea breezes to keep all guests comfortable. Additionally, we have hidden fans throughout the deck to keep the air moving for added comfort on rare nights with no breeze.

Do we have use of the entire Sea Gulls' Nest restaurant when we book a party?
Our parties use our 'party deck'. We have a very large area of our deck that is used exclusively for parties. The 'outside' deck (no roof, no walls) on the Northeast section of the deck level is for the public and is not available for use for our catered parties. The party deck actually has the best views of both ocean, and bay, and sunsets.

How private is our party?
Very! Our party deck area is separate from the rest of the restaurant. Most party guests have no idea there is a restaurant on the other side of the deck. The public is not allowed into the party deck area.

Will Sea Gulls' Nest have live music for their regular patrons at the same time we are having our party? How does that work?
The party will not hear the live musician on the outside deck of the restaurant. The party deck is on the other side of the restaurant, and, the party's DJ or band will be the only thing the party guests will be hearing. The live musician on the restaurant side is never an issue for the party occurring on the party deck.

Where are the bathrooms for our guests? Do our guests use the same bathrooms on the plaza level as the beach goers?
When the deck level was built by the National Park Service, it was not intended for what is has become - a deck restaurant and catering facility. Thus, bathrooms were never built on the deck level, and there is nowhere to build them. All restaurant patrons and party guests need to use the public bathrooms that are located on the plaza (ground) level. During the hours the party has booked, we have a male and female bathroom attendant keeping the bathrooms thoroughly clean. There is a bit of time during the beginning of the party that party guests will encounter beach goers who are preparing to leave the park after their day at the beach. However,, those beach goers leave, and the rest of the evening the bathrooms are empty except for the restaurant patrons and party guests using them. We do recommend for parties that the host of the party provide a basket in the ladies room that has soaps, napkins, tissues, etc., and perhaps place a few candles around the sinks. The female bathroom attendant will make sure that the basket is 'watched over'. Having a basket in the men's room is usually unnecessary.

Will our guests need to pay the $10 entrance fee to the park?
Parking after 4:00 PM is free every day. So, evening parties are not affected by the parking fee. Daytime parties will need to pay the $10 parking fee, but we have a few ways to handle this situation. Please inquire if you have a daytime party and want information on how to handle the parking fees posed by the National Park Service.

How many hours ahead of our party can we get into the party space and 'decorate'?
Two hours. Unless there are elaborate decorations, we set up the bulk of the party and the host tends to 'fine tune' the details.

How does the timing work with regard to appetizers, main buffet, and dessert?
The first hour is the 'appetizer hour' where we serve the appetizers and the bar is opened. About an hour and fifteen minutes after the start of the party the main buffet is served. Dessert buffet is served an hour BEFORE the end of the party. This is not set in stone, but this is our typical time structure.

Can my guests leave their cars in the parking lot overnight if they have been drinking and cannot drive home?
No. The National Park Service will not allow cars to be left overnight. Your guests need to have a designated driver if they plan on drinking. Or, the host can rent a bus from an outside location and bus their guests to and from the party.

What are the types of things the National Park Service forbids?
No balloons. No throwing of rice at a wedding. No releasing of doves/birds. No tiki torches. No one can be on the beach after 10pm.

What kind of centerpieces do you recommend?
For weddings, flowers in a heavy glass vase (short and square vase perhaps) is simple and nice. Votives can also be nice, but be aware that sea breezes will blow out candles unless their is some glass protection higher than the wick. Electric votives can be used instead. Some people do 'beach themes', such as an arrangement including sea shells, and/or starfish, sometimes sand. Anything tall needs to be heavy or weighted down due to sea breezes. The high top tables do not have a lot of surface room, so keep any table decor small and simple. Sometimes a smaller version of what goes on the larger tables is nice.

Do most weddings have place cards?
Half and half. It depends on the number of guests and the feeling you want your party to have. For a larger number of guests, place cards are recommended. Sometimes there are no place cards, but a few tables are 'reserved' for the bride/groom/wedding party, and perhaps a table or two for the parents and close relatives of the bride/groom. Sometimes the wedding couple want just a 'table for two' reserved just for them. Please keep in mind that for most parties the high top tables will be needed for seating and not just used for casual mingling. Those high top tables seat 4 or 5. The 'regular' tables seat 10 maximum. We can go over the number of tables you will need - depends on the number of guests that will attend.

How do we figure out the number of tables we will need?
Sea Gulls' Nest has 17 'high top' tables that seat 4 or 5 each. So, right there we have an automatic 85 seats. The rest of the seating will be generated from our larger rectangular tables that seat 10 maximum. So, if you have a party of 150 people, there will need to be an additional 7 to 8larger tables of 10 seated at each. This may sound complicated, but once you see the space, you'll understand!

What color linens do you have and/or recommend?
Sea Gulls' Nest does NOT have table linens. We can rent them for you and add the charge to your final bill. We do NOT charge a service fee for doing this. We do have our own custom made chair covers in an off white linen color. This looks nice with most all linen colors except white. If you want that kind of look, then getting an off white table linen matches perfectly with our off white chair covers. We have had many different linen colors used over the years - butter (pale yellow), Turquoise, royal blue, sage, 'nantucket' blue, chocolate brown, black, to name a few. Keep in mind that you can have more than one color: for example, the buffet skirting can be a different color than the tale covers. Even the top of the buffet can be a different color than the buffet skirting. Some interesting combinations of late are: chocolate brown and light blue, chocolate brown and sage, nantucket blue and ivory, black and red.

How does it work if we want the ceremony to take place on the deck of the Sea Gulls' Nest?
Many couples choose to be married on our deck. We do not have a separate room or area for the ceremony. The couple stands in the middle of the open space/dance area and are surrounded by their guests. The officiant uses the microphone and speakers provided by the DJ. It is a very nice setting - on one side is the ocean views, and the other side the bay views. There is no charge at all to have your ceremony on the deck.

Is there an aisle for the bride and wedding party to walk down?
Yes, we actually have a nice aisle/walkway for the traditional 'walk'.

Do you have direction cards to include in our invitations?
No, we do not. However, feel free to use/copy and paste directions from our Web site: http://www.seagullsnest.info/directions.html

Where can my guests stay if staying overnight in the area?
We have a good list on our web site: http://www.seagullsnest.info/Accomodations.html

Where can I get a cake for my party? Will they deliver?
If you scroll down this page of our Web site, there is a list of local bakeries that make nice cakes and deliver: http://www.seagullsnest.info/Services.html

Do you have a private place for the bride and bridesmaids to get dressed?
We often use our beach shop, which has a private dressing 'room' and mirrors. We also let the bride use our staff private restroom.

If we don't want to hire a DJ or band, can we bring an ipod and play music that way?
We do not have a separate speaker system for parties. DJs and bands bring their own equipment and speakers. If you want to use an ipod, you will also need to bring your own speakers. Our party deck area is equipped with 'house speakers', but it plays what is playing in the restaurant. These speakers are small, and not capable of providing the kind of volume needed for a party. When we do have a party going on, we turn off our house speakers so the sound does not interfere with your DJ or band.

Do you have electrical outlets for the DJ or band we hire?
Yes, and plenty of them!

Do you have an elevator?
Yes, we do! It can be used by the DJ/band, and of course by any guests who cannot or prefer not to use the stairs.

Can I see Sea Gulls' Nest even though you are not open now? (This question gets asked during the off season)
Yes, even though the deck is empty, you can still get a tour of the deck and a full explanation of 'how things work'.

Do you have a dance floor?
Not in the usual sense. However, we do create a large 'dance area' on our deck for dancing and mingling. Plenty of open space. Very safe flooring.

What is the minimum number of people we can have and still have a party?
Our minimums are not based on number of people, rather, on a dollar minimum. $5000 for Saturday nights, and $3000 for all other times. The minimums DO include tax and gratuity, but NOT table cloths or the plate/utensil upgrade. If you cannot meet the minimum, we can discuss ways to bring your price 'up' so you can have your wedding at Sea Gulls' Nest.

What months are you open to have weddings?
Mid May thru early October.

Is it cheaper if we have our party on a Friday or Sunday rather than on a Saturday?
No. However, our minimums are less on a Friday and Sunday. So, if you have a small number of guests, perhaps choosing a Friday or Sunday would be best.

What is the process of booking a party at Sea Gulls' Nest?
Usually, the host inquires about open dates. A courtesy hold is placed (no charge) and we email the host a form to be filled out which helps us prepare a proposal and contract. Once the host has agreed to the proposed menu and details, the host signs the contract and sends in the initial deposit (typically $500). As we get closer to the party date, we are in touch wit the host to go over details and make sure everything is 'on schedule'. The Monday before the party we will need the 'final head count' to order the correct amount of food. That final head count is 'final' and that is what the host will be charged. Final payment for private parties is due the day of the party. Usually the host pays for the party right after the party has ended and most of the guests have left. We accept cash, check, credit cards for both deposits and final payments. PLEASE NOTE: The proposal that is generated is not 'set in stone'. It is not the final cost of the party. It is just based on the initial information we gather from the form the host fills out. Over time, the host gets a better idea of how many guest will finally attend, and also there may be changes made to the menu, and outside rentals. By signing the contract, the host is not obligated to the proposed head count or menu. However, the host is obligated to have the party, and the deposit guarantees the party and is non refundable. The contract does state the minimums that we set (which depends on whether the party is on a Saturday night or another day of the week.)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FOR PRIVATE PARTIES

What if I don't want to spend a lot, can I still have a party ?
If you have 30 or less people, you can reserve a section on our deck and order from our regular Deck Menu.
http://www.seagullsnest.info/restaurant.html
This is called "Off The Menu", because you are ordering "off of our regular deck menu". We can even create a limited menu from our regular deck menu and your wait staff can hand out the printed menu to your guests. For example, we can call it "Bob's Birthday Beach Bash" and list some select starters and entrees (without prices) for your guests to choose from. Keep in mind that an "Off The Menu" party is basically reserving a section of the deck and having waiter service. It is NOT like the catered buffet party in which you have a private section of the deck for 4 hours with a bar, DJ, dancing, etc. To reserve an “Off The Menu” party, we require a $100 deposit.
Another alternative is to have what we call a "Burger n' Dog " party on our deck.
http://www.seagullsnest.info/NestPrivateParties.html#PPnestburgerndog
This is best suited for parties with young people, such as a Sweet 16. A 'Burger n' Dog' party is in our private deck area, for 4 hours, for about $25 a person. The menu for this type of party is hamburgers, hot dogs, fries, nachos, make your own ice cream sundaes, watermelon, soda and water. That's it! No other menu options are available for this type of party (which is why it is best for a party with young people.) PLEASE NOTE: Burger n' Dog parties are NOT available on Saturday nights, and during the height of our season, we usually limit the Burger N' Dog party to Mondays thru Thursdays. Please inquire.

What is the difference between a daytime and an evening party?
A DAYTIME PARTY is a “day at the beach" (and on our party deck). Your guests can arrive as early as 9am (10 am on weekdays) and enjoy a continental breakfast on the deck (extra charge per person) then head off to the beach and get their FREE beach umbrellas and chairs. Soda and water are also provided in coolers that are brought to the beach. The actual buffet luncheon and alcohol (if you have an alcohol package) spans 4 hours (typically Noon to 4 pm). After the official party is over, your guests can still enjoy the beach and free rentals until 5pm (that is the time our rentals unit closes - if you want to stay longer, that can be arranged.)
AN EVENING PARTY spans 4 hours and usually begins between 5pm and 6pm. (You can add an extra hour for an additional charge but the party needs to end by 10 PM.) Typically, evening parties are used for Graduation parties, Birthday parties, Weddings, and other similar events. When thinking about what time you'd like to begin your party, take into consideration the time of day the sun sets and plan how much of your party you want in daylight and how much at night. (For Sunset information, go to the websitewww.sunrisesunset.com)

If we have a weekend daytime beach party, what do we do about parking on a busy weekend?
The Sea Gulls’ Nest Parking lot (Area D) often closes by 9:30 - 10am on busy weekends in the summer. Party guests should arrive early to get a spot. If, however, a guest arrives after Lot D is closed off, they can park in the next lot, Beach Lot E, and just take a 5-minute walk back to Area D. Since the entire park will often be full by 10:30 - 11am on busy weekends, all guests need to arrive early (by 9:30 am). The National Park Service does NOT allow us to reserve spots for any beach visitor and will NOT allow anyone into the park after it is full.

How does the rain date work?
Rain dates are only offered for daytime beach parties. We only offer a rain date with the understanding that the rain date you choose will need to be changed if another party books your rain date as their primary party date.
As we get closer to the date of your event, we make a determination if a rain date might be used. Due to the unpredictable nature of weather forecasting, it is best to have a system in place to inform all your guests that the rain date will be used. Please note: A rainy day is NOT a day where there is a threat of thundershowers at some point (typical summer weather).

What about parking and parking fees?
There is a parking fee ($10 per car) charged by the National Park Service between Memorial Day and Labor Day. However, after 4 pm parking is free, so evening parties need not be concerned.
For daytime parties, you have three choices with regard to paying the National Park Service parking fees:

a) You can have each of your guests pay their own parking fee as they enter the park. It costs $10 per car, regardless of how many people are in the car.

b) We can provide you with a parking pass template that you copy and distribute to all your guests via mail/fax/email. Your guests will hand in 1/2 of the pass to the toll collectors as they enter the park and put the other 1/2 on their dashboard. The National Park Service bills us (Sea Gulls' Nest) $10 for each pass handed in, and we then add the charges to your final invoice.

c) You can bring your guests to Sandy Hook on a bus. The parking fee is $25 per bus. If the bus just drops off and picks up, there is no charge for parking.

How does payment work?
After a party proposal is generated, in order to secure your party we require a deposit.
We require final payment the day of your event (usually at the end of the party). We accept cash, checks and major credit cards.

Can we eliminate food and reduce our cost per person?
Not for the appetizers or main course. The reason for this is that if we eliminate one particular food item, then the guests will just eat more of another. So, for us, we still supplying the same amount of food. HOWEVER, if you choose to eliminate all the desserts we serve, the dessert table, make your own ice cream sundaes, and fresh fruit, then we can reduce your per person cost. You cannot eliminate just PART of the desserts. If you want to eliminate desserts, then ALL desserts are eliminated. We can just serve your celebratory cake as the dessert (no extra charge for serving your cake). Coffee and tea is still offered even if you eliminate desserts.

Do you offer less expensive parties?
We have a minimum charge of $5000 on Saturday nights. Other days of the week, for the Nest BBQ and Nest Plus menu we have a $3000 minimum. These minimums DO include tax and gratuity, but do NOT include table cloths or other items you have us rent for your party. If you have less than 40 people, you may want to inquire about an "Off The Menu" party rather than a full buffet party. We also offer a 'Burger n' Dog' type of menu, which is about $25 per person all inclusive, limited menu, and not offered on Saturday nights. For an explanation of our menus, minimums, and pricing, please go to this web page: http://www.seagullsnest.info/NestPrivateParties.html

Can I get a party with ONLY alcohol and NO food?

Possibly. The price will depend on the number of guests and liquor package that you select. Saturday nights carry a $5000 minimum, regardless of the type of party.

Can we bring beverages to the beach during our daytime party?
For your beach party, we provide you with coolers filled with water & soda on the beach. All alcohol is served on the party deck, but guests can bring their individual alcoholic beverage to the beach.

Can we bring our own celebratory cake?
Yes! You can certainly bring a special cake to celebrate your event. However, our Dessert Table (which comes with the Buffet) offers a wide variety of cakes, pies and cookies. Most 'event' parties, such as a birthday, graduation, wedding, etc, bring (or have delivered) a celebratory cake in addition to our Dessert Table.

Can we bring our own alcohol to the party?
No. Due to the restrictions we have on our liquor liability insurance, we cannot allow anyone to bring their own alcoholic beverages. Please inquire if you have a special alcohol request.

Do you have any food for vegetarians?
For the Nest BBQ, we'd be happy to prepare some vegetarian burgers for those guests who do not eat meat. Many of our salads are vegetarian, as well as our pasta dish. We can have our chef make more elaborate vegetarian dishes for the Nest Plus menu- please inquire (there may be an additional charge)

How late can our party go?

10 PM is the best end time for a party at Sea Gulls' Nest. Particularly since the views will be 'gone' once the sun goes down. If you need to end later, please inquire. So, for a 4 hour party, you should begin the party at 5, 5:30, or 6pm. If you want to 'purchase' an additional hour for a 5 hour party, the party should begin at 4:30, 5pm or 5:30. When the sun goes down, and it is pitch black outside (except when we have a nice moon that is visible), it often feels later than it actually is. So, as stated, it is best to end parties by 10pm. PLEASE NOTE: Sunday parties tend to begin earlier than Saturday night parties. You may want to consider a Sunday party beginning at 4:30 or 5pm.

What if it rains? Will our guests get wet?
No! Sea Gulls' Nest has a permanent protective tented roof. Additionally, we have drop down see-thru plastic sides to protect guests from rain.

How does the timing work with regard to appetizers, main buffet, and dessert?
For evening parties, the first hour is the 'appetizer hour' where we serve the appetizers and the bar is opened. About an hour and fifteen minutes after the start of the party the main buffet is served. Dessert buffet is served an hour BEFORE the end of the party. This is not set in stone, but this is our typical time structure. For daytime parties, we tend to put out the appetizers and main buffet at the start of the party since guests tend to want to spend a lot of time at the beach. Desserts are usually put out an hour before the end of the party.

What are the types of things the National Park Service forbids?
No balloons. No throwing of rice at a wedding. No releasing of doves/birds. No tiki torches. No one can be on the beach after 10pm.

What kind of centerpieces do you recommend?
For weddings, flowers in a heavy glass vase (short and square vase perhaps) is simple and nice. Votives can also be nice, but be aware that sea breezes will blow out candles unless their is some glass protection higher than the wick. Some people do 'beach themes', such as an arrangement including sea shells, and/or starfish, sometimes sand. Anything tall needs to be heavy or weighted down due to sea breezes. The high top tables do not have a lot of surface room, so keep any table decor small and simple. Sometimes a smaller version of what goes on the larger tables is nice.

How do we figure out the number of tables we will need?

Sea Gulls' Nest has 17 'high top' tables that seat 4 or 5 each. So, right there we have an automatic 85 seats. The rest of the seating will be generated from our larger rectangular tables that seat 10 maximum. So, if you have a party of 150 people, there will need to be an additional 7 to 8larger tables of 10 seated at each. This may sound complicated, but once you see the space, you'll understand!

Do you have direction cards to include in our invitations?
No, we do not. However, feel free to copy and paste directions from our Web site: http://www.seagullsnest.info/directions.html

Where can my guests stay if staying overnight in the area?
We have a good list on our web site: http://www.seagullsnest.info/Accomodations.html

Do you have electrical outlets for the DJ or band we hire?
Yes, and plenty of them!

Do you have an elevator?
Yes, we do! It can be used by the DJ/band, and of course by any guests who cannot or prefer not to use the stairs.

Can I see Sea Gulls' Nest even though you are not open now? (This question gets asked during the off season)

Yes, even though the deck is empty, you can still get a tour of the deck and a full explanation of 'how things work'.

Do you have a dance floor?
Not in the usual sense. However, we do create a large 'dance area' on our deck for dancing and mingling. Plenty of open space.

What is the minimum number of people we can have and still have a party?
Our minimums are not based on number of people, rather, on a dollar minimum. $5000 for Saturday nights, and $3000 for all other times. (We do offer weekday evening limited menu parties, best suited for a sweet 16 that only has a $1500 minimum.) Our minimums DO include tax and gratuity, but do NOT include the table cloths or other items you need us to rent for you.

What months are you open to have parties?
Mid May thru early October.

What is the process of booking a party at Sea Gulls' Nest?
Usually, the host inquires about open dates. A courtesy hold is placed (no charge) and we email the host a form to be filled out which helps us prepare a proposal and contract. Once the host has agreed to the proposed menu and details, the host signs the contract and sends in the initial deposit (typically $500 to $1000, depending on the size of the party). As we get closer to the party date, we are in touch wit the host to go over details and make sure everything is 'on schedule'. The Monday before the party we will need the 'final head count' to order the correct amount of food. That final head count is 'final' and that is what the host will be charged. Final payment for private parties is due the day of the party. Usually the host pays for the party right after the party has ended and most of the guests have left. We accept cash, check, credit cards for both deposits and final payments. PLEASE NOTE: The proposal that is generated is not 'set in stone'. It is not the final cost of the party. It is just based on the initial information we gather from the form the host fills out. Over time, the host gets a better idea of how many guest will finally attend, and also there may be changes made to the menu, and outside rentals. By signing the contract, the host is not obligated to the proposed head count or menu. However, the host is obligated to have the party, and the deposit guarantees the party and is non refundable. The contract does state the minimums that we set (which depend on whether the party is on a Saturday night or another day of the week.)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FOR COMPANY EVENTS

a) You can have each of your guests pay their own parking fee as they enter the park. It costs $10 per car, regardless of how many people are in the car.

c) You can bring your guests to Sandy Hook on a bus. The parking fee is $25 per bus. If the bus just drops off and picks up, there is no charge for parking.

How does payment work?
After a party proposal is generated, in order to secure your party we require a deposit.
For company parties, we can bill the final invoice on 30-day terms.

Do you offer less expensive parties?
We have a minimum charge of $5000 on Saturday nights. Saturday daytime and other days of the week, for the Nest BBQ and Nest Plus menu we have a $3000 minimum. These minimums DO include tax and gratuity. If you have less than 40 people, you may want to inquire about an "Off The Menu" party rather than a full buffet party. We also offer a 'Burger n' Dog' type of menu, which is about $25 per person all inclusive, limited menu, and not offered on Saturday nights. For an explanation of our menus, minimums, and pricing, please go to this web page: http://www.seagullsnest.info/NestPrivateParties.html

Can I get a party with ONLY alcohol and NO food?

Possibly. The price will depend on the number of guests and liquor package that you select. Saturday nights carry a $5000 minimum, regardless of the type of party.

Can we bring our own alcohol to the party?
No. Due to the restrictions we have on our liquor liability insurance, we cannot allow anyone to bring their own alcoholic beverages.

Your parties are 4 hours long. Can we go longer?
Yes. Depending on the menu and alcohol package, we will let you know how much it will cost for additional time.

What is the maximum number of guests I can have?
For parties where there is more mingling, and a seat for every guest at the same time is not important, the guest list can go as high as 250.

How late can our party go?
Until 10pm. So, for a 4 hour party, you can begin the party at 5, 5:30, or 6pm. If you want to 'purchase' an additional hour for a 5 hour party, the party needs to begin no later than 5pm. PLEASE NOTE: Sunday parties tend to begin earlier than Saturday night parties. You may want to consider a Sunday party beginning at 4:30 or 5pm.

What if it rains? Will our guests get wet?
No! Sea Gulls' Nest has a permanent protective tented roof. Additionally, we have drop down see-thru plastic sides to protect guests from rain. For daytime beach parties, a rain date is suggested.

What are the types of things the National Park Service forbids?
No balloons. No tiki torches. No one can be on the beach after 10pm.

Do you have an elevator?
Yes, we do! It can be used by the DJ/band, and of course by any guests who cannot or prefer not to use the stairs.

What is the minimum number of people we can have and still have a party?
Our minimums are not based on number of people, rather, on a dollar minimum. $5000 for Saturday nights, and $3000 for all other times. (We do offer weekday evening limited menu parties, best suited for a sweet 16 that only has a $1500 minimum.) Minimums DO include taxes and gratuity.

What months are you open to have parties?
Mid May thru early October.