5 Value Oriented Tips For Hiring a Quality Wedding Bartender

1. Check With the Venue 

If you’ve reserved a venue, the first thing you should do is confirm that they allow you to hire bartender for wedding services. Many venues have their own preferred bartenders or may require you to use their in-house staff. Additionally, some locations may only permit bartenders who are licensed or insured, so it’s essential to clarify these details upfront.

Comparing On-Site vs Custom Services

For a gathering like a wedding reception, the venue might already have a bartender available, or they might allow you to bring in your own alcohol. If they do permit you to hire bartender for wedding events, you’ll have more flexibility to choose a professional who matches your style and can craft your signature drinks.

If your venue has no restrictions, or if you’re hosting the wedding at home or outdoors, then hiring a bartender is a fantastic decision. An experienced bartender will elevate the experience, keep the drinks flowing smoothly, and ensure everyone is well taken care of.

2. Know How Many Bartenders You Need

Nothing slows down the celebration like a long line at the bar. To avoid this, it’s crucial to determine how many bartenders you need when you hire bartender for wedding events. A good rule of thumb is to have one bartender for every 75-100 guests. This ratio ensures that the bar is staffed appropriately, so no one has to wait long for a drink.

We offer a helpful resource to help you figure out the exact number of bartenders you’ll need based on your guest count and the type of drinks being served. Keep in mind that the more bartenders you have, the faster the service, and the more enjoyable the experience for everyone.

If you’re wondering how to hire a bartender for wedding events, remember that choosing reliable, professional bartenders is key. Look for a reputable staffing agency, like Premier Staff, to ensure your bar is managed by skilled experts. Whether you need a wedding bartender for a small, intimate gathering or multiple bartenders for a larger celebration, we have the perfect team to keep your guests happy and the drinks flowing.

3. Make Sure Your Bartenders Are Insured 

Before you hire bartender for wedding celebrations, whether from a staffing agency or someone you know personally, make sure they carry liquor liability insurance. You might ask yourself, “why should I find a bartender for wedding near me who’s insured?” Well, insuring a wedding bartender allows them legal permission to refuse service to guests who may have had too much to drink, helping to keep everyone safe and the atmosphere enjoyable.

Ensuring your bartender is covered is especially important when you’re celebrating with close friends and family. An insured bartender looks out for the well-being of all guests, so you can relax and enjoy your special day. Without liability insurance, any incident could leave you, your spouse, or your venue facing legal consequences. Protect your peace of mind by verifying that any bartender you hire has the proper coverage.

Agency Options for Comprehensive Plans

If you’re unsure how to hire bartender for wedding events with the right insurance, consider partnering with a trusted staffing agency like Premier Staff. We provide professional bartenders who are fully insured and experienced in managing weddings of all sizes, ensuring a worry-free experience for you and your guests.

4. Hire Bartender For Wedding That’s CA Responsible Beverage Service Certified 

If you need to hire a wedding bartender in California, make sure they are CA Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) Certified. This certification, required by the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, ensures that all LA wedding bartenders are trained to responsibly serve drinks and minimize alcohol-related risks.

With RBS certification, professional bartenders are equipped to identify guests who may be overly intoxicated and handle these situations appropriately. This helps to reduce issues like underage drinking and excessive alcohol consumption, keeping your celebration safe and enjoyable for everyone.

5. Have a Conversation With the Bartender 

It’s a good idea to evaluate a bartender’s knowledge, experience, and charisma before hiring them to see if they’re a good match. A great way to do this is by requesting a phone call with them so you can really get to know them. On this call, you can discuss specialty cocktails you want to serve or create a specific cocktail to match the personality of the Bride and Groom. 

Analyzing the Drink Variety a Wedding Bartender Brings

The bartending team should be able to make any drink you want, whether it’s a simple vodka soda or a sophisticated Moscow Mule. Gauge their experience and expertise for everything from private bartending to more large scale events. 

Identifying Red Flags

If they indicate they can mix up multiple complicated drinks for 200+ guests with only 1 bartender on staff, that throws a red flag. Additionally, you want to ensure that they are personable and friendly and will add an extra level of fun and entertainment to your special day.

Hiring Wedding Bartenders Made Easy

Wedding planning is pretty tough , especially when you’re managing all the teams  without any professional event staffing help. The process of hiring a bartender for a wedding doesn’t have to be difficult. Premier Staff provides superior bartending services in LA and NYC that are truly unmatched. Let our bartenders handle your special day and create a one-of-a-kind cocktail for your wedding!