Hiring a mobile bartender for an event will help in the provision of professional drink services, interacting with guests, and a smooth handling of drink services. In need of a mobile bartender for a wedding, a business meeting, a birthday party, or any other occasion, selecting the right professional is one of the biggest determinants of the feeling set and experienced by the guests.
Decision makers are therefore encouraged to consider the factors detailed below while employing a mobile bartender. Starting from the experience and ending with licensing, starting with customization, and ending up with the price – all the angles are considered in this article.
Understanding Your Event’s Needs
It is always useful to define beforehand the details of the event you are looking for. It will assist you in getting the right mobile bartender who will suit you.
Guest Count
The number of people expected at the function is one of the most important factors that can influence the number of bartenders that will be hired. A general rule of thumb is:
- One bartender is needed for every fifty clients in case the type of drinks being served is beer and wine only.
- One bartender would be sufficient to serve thirty-five guests if they are serving alcoholic beverages such as mixed drinks and cocktails.
- 2 or more bartenders for large events with a complex drink menu.
Venue Considerations
- Indoor vs. Outdoor: Depending on the company, there may be a specific area set up for the bartender, or some companies may bring their equipment and a mobile bar.
- Permits: There might be some requirements as to which permits a bartender should have, depending on the venue.
- Lighting and Water: Depending on the type of products the bartender requires to prepare and blend beers and cocktails, it is necessary to ensure that the venue has the necessary outlets for blenders, ice makers, or water sources.
Drink Menu Preferences
- Simple Bar: Beer, wine, and basic spirits.
- Full-Service Bar: A wide range of liquors, mixers, garnishes, and cocktails.
- Specific Cocktail: Cocktails made according to the event or guest preferences.
The type of bar service you want will determine the bartender you want to hire. Some of the qualities include the following: If you want the best of the cocktail, the bartender must have a mastery of mixology.
Prioritize Experience and Professionalism
A great event mobile bartender is not only an able and fascinating drink mixer but also an excellent entertainer. These are the high guest turnovers that experienced bartenders must balance with regard to the quantity of drinks and presentation.
Select those bartenders who have worked on occasions similar to what you have planned for. One who is excellent at catering for weddings may not necessarily be the best one for serving in a corporate, fast-paced style. Enquire where they are from and how they operate during busy periods.
Customer service is essential. A bartender should make new friends, and that is why he should be friendly or approachable and have a positive attitude towards guests. Another important aspect is handling their guests, especially those who are drunk, and ensuring that their bar area is clean. Some of the reasons could be established by reviewing former reviews and testimonials made by those they have worked with before.
Ensure Licensing, Certification, and Insurance
A professional mobile bartender for event requirement should be able to have the certification and insurance.
- Liquor liability insurance covers any harm that might happen in relation to alcohol consumption.
- Professional bartenders possess some certifications that ensure that they have undergone responsible alcohol service training.
- The licenses are legal for the operations, especially for independent mobile bartending services.
- Food permits may be needed if they prepare garnishing or any form of cocktail mixtures.
It is always wise to check on such details to avert infringement of the law.
Confirm Bar Setup and Equipment
To some extent, some mobile bartenders can bring everything to the party, while others expect the client to provide some items. What are they required to bring, and what is expected to be arranged by one?
A professional bartender is likely to bring along a bar, glasses, shakers, strainers, and mixers. Some bring ice, garnishments, and ingredients for the drink, and some expect the host to provide all these. This means that each party needs to agree on matters such as the size of the consignment, the duration of the agreement, as well as the frequency, among others, all of which are important issues that need to be discussed in advance and not at the last minute.
If you are having a themed event, discuss such aspects as the Mobile Bartender for event, the drink lists, or thematic cocktails that will match the theme of your event.
Customization for a Unique Experience
Hiring a professional mobile bartender for your event would mean experiencing a customized touch on your occasion. Apart from beverages, many provide special cocktails that are tailor-made for that particular event to enhance the drink and food menu.
Customization extends to presentation. Another kind of glass used by some bartenders is specialty glassware with logoed cocktail napkins or artistic glass garnishes. If you have any orders for a particular drink, you should agree on the expectations in order to get what you want from the bartender.
For the luxury touch, prepare some fun elements like cocktail preparation or whiskey tasting as a live performance for the guests.
Understand Pricing and Packages
Due to the nature of mobile bartending, the prices for hiring a mobile bartender vary depending on their experience, services, and the occasion’s size. There are also differences in prices, for some of them work according to the number of hours, while some can be paid under special packages.
Factors influencing cost include:
- Event size: More guests mean more bartenders and higher costs.
- Drink complexity: A simple beer-and-wine service is cheaper than a full cocktail bar.
- Service duration: Longer events require higher fees.
- Inclusions: Some bartenders provide all supplies, while others charge extra for alcohol, mixers, or glassware.
It is recommended that you ask for a breakdown of the quotation to know what is actually included to avoid any additional charges. Also, the policies concerning tipping should be specified, as some bartenders demand tips from the guests while others add them to the total bill.
Book Early to Secure Availability
Mobile bartenders listed in high ranks when it comes to event services tend to get busy quickly, especially during the wedding season or holiday season. To eliminate last-minute stress, it is advisable to hire your bartender 3-6 months prior to the event if you are organizing a large party, while for a small one, booking 1-2 months prior is advisable.
It would also be wise to discuss specificities like time of arrival, necessary equipment or settings, and expected cleaning before and after work. This is helpful, especially when the event is actually taking place, as there are no hitches.
Read Reviews and Get Recommendations
One of the methods that can be used to determine the efficiency of the bartender is to read some of the reviews that customers post online. Other sources of information include the Internet, especially from Google and Yelp or any other social sites. Find out points of obedience and focus on those aspects such as punctuality, quality of drinks served, and great interaction with guests.
When consulting with an event planner, caterer, or venue, it is always appropriate to ask for suggestions. You only need to approach an industry professional who has always recommended bartenders to work with in cases like this.
Final Thoughts
Using the right event mobile bartender is one of the ways to transform an event into a unique occasion. These could be defined as a qualified bartender in terms of their work organization, quality of alcohol, and entertainment level.
Through the experience, licensing, bar setup, price, and customization aspects, the user can make a good decision. A good approach to avoid such cases is to start early, read testimonials, and ensure you explain your requirements to the service provider to get the best specialist. When it comes to your choice of bar services, your guests will be treated to a great and professionally made drink, as well as a great bar experience that will make your occasion special.