Do you want to know how much it cost to hire a bartender? If YES, here are 7 factors that determine how much bartenders make or charge for a private party.
For private gatherings such as weddings, cocktail parties, corporate celebrations, and anniversaries, a professional bartender can help organize and package everything. Irrespective of the size of the event, bartending services can be hired to create and enhance the party.
Events ranging from casual backyard get-togethers to more formal occasions can benefit from having a bartender available.
Cost of Hiring a Bartender for a Private Party
Note that every bartender or professional bartending service has their own fee structure. Some bartenders may choose to charge an hourly rate, while others have a fixed fee for a block of time; for example, certain bartending services may have a flat rate for a 4-hour time and may charge extra for additional hours beyond that 4-hour block.
Others may have a minimum number of hours. The highest quality companies create all-inclusive packages which include bartending costs as well as all supplies. It is important to understand the fee terms, time limits, and extra fees before hiring a bartender for events.
There are other factors that can affect the cost of hiring a bartender for a private party, especially in the United States. It goes without saying that the larger the event, the more bartenders will be needed to adequately serve guests.
Small events may require only one or two bartenders, while large corporate gatherings may need the assistance of more bartending professionals, including managers. In general, professional bartending services staff one bartender for every 50 – 75 guests.
Many bartenders also offer additional items needed for the bar such as coolers, tables or portable bars. There may be a fee ranging from $20 – $50 per item.
Bartenders also tend to increase their rates if the host does not allow a tip jar to be out at the event. Note that bartender gratuity is something that is generally agreed upon between the host and the bartender, but is not generally included in the hourly rate.
Some drink menus may affect the number of bartenders needed and the costs associated with bartending service. Complicated cocktails require more labour and time than serving wine or beer; a bartending service can help you plan out your drink menus and offerings to help you get the most out of your event.
How Much Do Bartenders Charge Per Hour?
Nonetheless, the average hourly payment for a bartender at a private party is around $25 – $50 per hour. The average flat rate cost ranges from $150 to $250. And just like it was stated above, some bartenders operate with a time minimum as well as a specific rate for additional hours outside of the contracted time.
For instance, if a bartender served four stipulated hours for a flat fee of $180 with their hourly rate being $50, every extra hour will cost you exactly that hourly fee ($50).
However, if you are going to throw a party on the 25th of December, expect to pay around 30 percent more than on an ordinary day. For instance, a bartender who normally charges $40 dollars per hour may ask for a 15-dollar increment ($55).
Duties of a Hired Bartender
These bartenders are professionals whose primary duty is to prepare and serve alcoholic, mixed, or non-alcoholic beverages to customers or guests. Bartenders are expected to know everything about serving standard alcoholic drinks, which may include vodka, scotch, or different types of wine or beer.
They must also be able to prepare mixed or non-alcoholic drinks. In the United States, bartenders must be 21 years of age or older, although certain states allow 18-year-olds to serve alcohol. Many bartenders finish specialized schools, although it’s not formally required.
Hiring a good and experienced bartender for a private party can help the host decide on what the best choices are in terms of drinks based on individual preferences and those of the guests. Based on their past experience, bartenders can help a party host save money on drinks.
Bartenders hired for a private party always help with setting up and cleaning up. The bartender sets everything up in plenty of time before the arrival of guests and is ready for service. A good bartender also keeps their area tidy during the party so that there are no empty glasses and bottles strewn about.
As guests arrive for a private party, many may head straight to the bar, creating a bit of a line. The bar is more or less the hangout spot at an event. By hiring a good bartender, capable of working with speed, accuracy and is able to manage the line efficiently, it leaves party guests happy and satisfied since their cups are never empty.
An experienced bartender can also spot someone who is having a bit too much alcohol and use that experience and training to quietly cut someone off, saving the host from having to deal with embarrassment or conflict during the event.
These experts can also take care of any issues of serving to minors. They are usually quite good at spotting the young person who is trying to ‘put one over’ on them in order to obtain alcohol.
Conclusion
These are so many factors that go into the cost of having a professional bartending service at your private party or event. Many services are adept at helping you plan the perfect arrangement; speak to a bartending service today to get started on a memorable event.