How many bartenders do I really need?

Written By Emily Pinner

I will begin with this - you need as many bartenders as your budget allows. That said, qualified (licensed/insured) bartenders can be expensive. But, it is well worth the expense. DO NOT try and skimp or cheat the system. It can and will backfire on you in devastating ways.

KNOW YOUR STATE/CITY/TOWNSHIP/COUNTY/VENUE LAWS

Your planner, caterer and venue should have this knowledge, but it would not hurt to educate yourself.

Ok! So after all my personal experience as a bartender, restaurant/service manager, fine wine &  spirits manager, and have now started my own business as a niche beverage planner, I will give you my thoughts…

Just as I preach against alcohol “formulas”, there is no real bartender to guest to ratio formula either…really depends on WHAT/WHEN/WHERE/WHO you are serving. Below are some examples.

  • 50 guest count at a private home serving beer/wine = 1 bartender.

  • 50 guest count at a private home with a full bar = 1 bartender. A bar back would be helpful.

  • 100 guest count at an open house = 1 bartender + server

  • 100 guest count serving bottled/canned beer and easy pour wine only = 2 bartenders.

  • 75-100 guest count serving beer/wine/mixed drinks = 2 bartenders

  • 300 guest count holiday office party… 3-4 bartenders + bar back

ACTUALLY, none of the above will necessarily work perfectly for the party you are wanting to throw. So, the formula is… There is no formula. Every party is unique and has so many different variables for trying to find the right ratio.

Let’s discuss the entire event and then decide how many bartenders make sense for YOUR party!

Emily Pinner
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Where is My Favorite Beer?