Hiring a professional bartender is a key step in creating a seamless and enjoyable experience for your guests. Whether you’re hosting a wedding, birthday party, or corporate gathering, the right bartender will keep the drinks flowing and ensure everyone has a great time. But how do you choose the best one for your event?
At Bottoms Up Bartending, we believe informed clients are happy clients. Here are the top questions you should ask before hiring a bartender to ensure you’re making the right choice.
1. Are You Licensed and Insured?
This is one of the most important questions to ask. A professional bartending service should have liability insurance and certifications like TIPS or ServeSafe to ensure responsible alcohol service. At Bottoms Up Bartending, we’re fully certified and insured, giving you peace of mind for your event.
2. What Services Do You Offer?
Not all bartending services are the same. Ask what’s included in their packages—do they provide bartenders only, or can they assist with mixers, garnishes, and setup? We offer customizable packages, including consumables, mixers, portable bar rentals, and even specialty services like hydration stations and frozen drink packages.
3. Do You Provide Alcohol?
Some bartenders supply alcohol, while others, like us, operate as BYOB (Bring Your Own Beverage) services. With Bottoms Up Bartending, we help you create a detailed shopping list based on your drink menu and guest count, so you can purchase exactly what you need—no markups, and you keep the leftovers!
4. How Many Bartenders Will I Need?
The number of bartenders you need depends on your guest count. A good rule of thumb is one bartender for every 75 guests. For larger events, we’ll make sure you have the right number of bartenders to ensure efficient service without long lines.
5. Can You Help Create a Custom Drink Menu?
Signature cocktails are a great way to personalize your event. Ask if the bartender can help you craft a custom drink menu to fit your theme or preferences. We specialize in creating signature drinks and can even rename them to reflect your event’s vibe.
6. Do You Offer Mocktail Options?
Inclusive drink options are a must for today’s events. At Bottoms Up Bartending, we’re happy to create a variety of mocktails so everyone can enjoy a delicious drink, whether they’re abstaining from alcohol or simply want a lighter option.
7. How Do You Handle Setup and Cleanup?
A professional bartending service should handle the setup and cleanup of the bar area. We take care of everything, from setting up the bar to ensuring it’s spotless at the end of the night—though we don’t remove garbage or haul it away.
8. What Are Your Payment and Cancellation Policies?
Make sure you understand the payment structure, deposit requirements, and cancellation terms. We require a 50% non-refundable deposit to secure your date, with the remaining balance due 30 days before the event. In the case of a natural disaster, we’ll extend a one-year credit.
9. Do You Have Experience with Events Like Mine?
Whether it’s a wedding, corporate event, or backyard bash, your bartender should be experienced with the type of event you’re hosting. At Bottoms Up Bartending, we’ve worked with a variety of celebrations and know how to tailor our services to your needs.
10. How Do You Handle Alcohol Safety?
A professional bartender should prioritize responsible alcohol service. We reserve the right to ID any guest appearing under 30 and will not serve anyone underage or visibly intoxicated. Your safety and that of your guests is always our top priority.
Why Bottoms Up Bartending is the Right Choice
When you hire Bottoms Up Bartending, you’re not just hiring a service—you’re partnering with a team that’s dedicated to making your event seamless, stress-free, and unforgettable. From our flexible packages to our top-notch service, we’re here to help bring your vision to life.
Ready to start planning your event?
Contact us today to learn more about our services, or book your date now to ensure your spot on our calendar.
