This will most definitely differ based on certain critical factors; however, according to industry reports, a bartender will likely charge around $25 – $300 on an hourly basis based on experience.
With an average cost of $30- $35 hourly, and a good number of complete packages can increase the rate to around $200 – $250 (4 hours’ sessions) with hourly pay afterward. Nevertheless, just as it was stated earlier, it fluctuates depending on the state as well as on the bartender’s experience.
Truth be told, alcohol has become the mainstay of day-to-day life in almost every state in the US. Owing to that, when making plans for an event, party, or wedding, people already know that it isn’t complete without alcohol.
Owing to that, most folks are willing to pay bartenders to serve drinks to their guests. As a bartender at a wedding, the service you are meant to render isn’t just serving drinks. Remember that you will also be tasked with ensuring that the wedding stays trouble-free and that guests don’t over-consume alcohol.
As a bartender, you can charge around $25-300 on an hourly basis; however, note that the exact costs will depend on the factors noted below.
Factors That Determine How Much a Bartender Charges for a Wedding
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Guests and Hours
Bartenders are known to offer a package, but if the client intends to exceed that limit (usually 4 hours), the charge or rate will have to be 1.5 times the original cost.
Aside from that, the number of guests the couple is expecting will also factor in when determining how much a bartender will charge. Note that the higher the number, the more stressful it will be, and so the higher the cost.
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The Variety of Drinks to be Served
You also have to understand that this factor will influence everything from service duration to the accumulated stress of doing the job. As such, the greater the variety of drinks the client wants the bartender to serve at the wedding, the higher the charge.
Owing to that, when couples are looking to cut back on the cost, they are advised to limit the number of glasses a guest can take or the price of bottles under a specific value, e.g., $15 -$20.
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Season and Location
This particular factor is vital as rates tend to increase during the wedding season owing to the high demand for bartenders. Due to the abundance of jobs, bartenders can expect to charge about twice as much.
Aside from that, certain bartenders offer packages that increase the collective amount they will receive by $30-50 extra compared to off-seasons. The location is yet another valid factor especially when you take into consideration state laws. You might notice that in some states, bartenders charge more due to the high cost of living.
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Duration of Service
Most often, weddings tend to last around 5 – 6 hours, but not all the time will the services of a bartender be needed. And in this modern age, bartenders charge by the hour.
Keep in mind that couples looking to cut costs can choose to pay for just the time they will be needing the service of the bartender – meal time and refreshments. Owing to that, a good number of bartending services in the United States have what is known as four-hour bartending services in their packages.
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Barbacks and Equipment
Barbacks are what support bartenders by helping with restocking, cleaning, and even serving. A good number of bartending services inculcate the fee of these helpers into what they charge clients.
It is also possible to let the clients make the hire; the primary thing is to have help to ensure that the bartender can continue to provide continuous service. These helps cost less than the bartender (usually $10-15 less hourly wage than your bartender) but are the backbone for maintaining the flow.
In addition, a bartender contacted to handle a wedding might be expected to also provide glasses, tables, garnishes, and alcohol, and owing to that, the charge or rate will also increase.
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Tip Jar
While most people won’t consider this, it has become valid in this modern age. Most people won’t allow tip jars in their wedding ceremonies, and this causes bartenders to ask for more fees. Note that by allowing the tip jar, it means that wedding guests can tip the bartenders and this will mean a lower hourly rate for the wedding event.
Conclusion
Just as was noted above, bartenders in the United States will likely charge around $35 an hour to offer their services at a wedding. Howbeit, you have to understand that this will be determined by a whole lot of factors, some of which are noted above.
Aside from the factors noted above, it is imperative to reiterate that different bartending services will have different fee structures. Also note that by understanding the average hourly rate of other bartenders and how much they charge for the package they offer, you can know how to negotiate your own terms.
With the above factors and requirements in mind, bartenders can charge around $25-45/hour on average for a wedding.