Wondering what to expect from a wedding bartender? This post will answer that question, in detail, speaking for 2 Peoples Bartending wedding bartenders.
Imagine your dream wedding reception: great music, stunning decorations, and happy guests enjoying themselves. But then, there’s a long line at the drink table, or worse, the most popular cocktail runs out halfway through the night. That’s where a private wedding bartender steps in—like a superhero for your drinks.
So, what exactly does a wedding bartender do? A wedding bartender will ensure your wedding’s bar and beverage service flows smoothly and stylishly. Let’s dive in!
Planning with Your Wedding Bartender
Planning with your wedding bartender often (not always) happens long before the big day. Your bartender will gather information, like your drink preferences, and turn your vision into a reality. As an example, below is just some of the information that 2 Peoples Bartending wedding bartenders will gather from the client.
First Meeting with a Wedding Bartender
This is where the fun begins! Your first meet with your bartender may be via email correspondence or a phone call. Your bartender will take the time to understand your wedding theme, drink preferences, if any additional services are needed, and other important details.
Guest Profile:
We ask about more than your guest count—are they craft cocktail enthusiasts, wine lovers, or beer aficionados? Are the majority of your guests heavy, moderate, or light drinkers? We also ask about any known allergies and dietary restrictions to consider as to ensure everyone feels included. If you are purchasing your own alcohol, and would like suggested shopping quantities, then this information will help with accuracy.
What’s on the Wedding Bar Menu?
If you’re still deciding on what to serve on your wedding bar menu, then our bartenders collaborate with you to craft the perfect menu. Whether you’re envisioning a full bar with signature cocktails or a simple beer and wine bar, we’ll help you design a drink selection that complements your wedding theme, satisfies your taste preferences, and stays within your budget.
Final Planning with a Wedding Bartender:
Once your bar and beverage planning is complete, our bartenders provide you with everything you need for a seamless experience: a detailed full-bar estimate, a customized shopping list with recommended quantities for those who prefer to purchase items themselves, and information on additional services tailored to your unique needs.
Wedding Day-of Prep
On your wedding day, your bartender will spring into action, ensuring everything is ready to serve your guests when service begins.
Set-Up: 2 Peoples Bartending wedding bartenders arrive two hours before service starts. We clean and set the bar area and surrounding space. We also identify key locations like the bathrooms and venue trash areas—common questions your guests might ask their bartender—so we’re fully prepared to assist.
Chill!
Upon arrival, it’s time to get the drinks on ice. Champagne, wine, beer, fresh-squeezed juices, and certain spirits all need ample time to chill. At the same time, we prepare fresh garnishes to ensure every drink is served perfectly.
Drink Prep
If serving signature cocktails, we begin to hand-shake them in small batches right before service starts. This ensures that we are prepared for a rush at the bar while keeping the drinks fresh and delicious. To keep things flowing smoothly, we like to stay a few drinks ahead of the crowd. We also handle additional preparations, such as setting up a water station or other requested services.
Wedding Bartenders During Service
During service, your wedding bartender goes beyond simply mixing drinks. Managing the flow of beverages is as much about maintaining safety and organization as it is about creating a fun and enjoyable experience. Here’s some of the few things your bartender does to keep everything running seamlessly:
Short wait time: Your wedding bartender will anticipate popular drink orders and prep accordingly, so your guests won’t have to wait, and the bar stays stocked.
Safe Celebrations: They’ll keep an eye on alcohol consumption, offering water and non-alcoholic options to keep everyone hydrated and happy.
Handling the Unexpected: From rowdy guests to last-minute changes, wedding bartenders are trained to handle challenges discreetly, keeping the spotlight on your wedding.
A good wedding bartender is a secret ingredient to a great and memorable wedding reception. They take care of everything—from creating a perfect drink menu to keeping the party vibe alive—so you can focus on what truly matters: celebrating your love with family and friends.
In conclusion, by hiring a wedding bartender, you’re not just adding drinks to your party; you’re adding an experience that your guests will last long after your wedding. Cheers to an amazing wedding day!
