lowcountry tap truck shows how to rent a bartender for an event

Rent a Bartender: How to Choose the Right Company

If you need to rent a bartender or two for your next event, here’s what you need to know in order to choose the right company. Mobile bartending services work for:

  • weddings
  • corporate events
  • private parties
  • festivals
  • …and more.

The bartending service can significantly enhance your guests’ experience, but how do you ensure you’re hiring the right team? Here are the top things to consider, depending on the type of event, as well as some important information to know about bartender services.

Hiring the Right Wedding Bartender

Bride and Groom stand in front of mobile bartending services tap truck

Your wedding day is one of the most important events of your life, and the bartending service plays a crucial role in making it memorable for your guests. When choosing a bartender for your wedding, consider the following:

Experience with Weddings:

  • Bartending at a wedding is different from other types of events. It’s important to choose a company with specific experience in weddings. Ask them about past events they’ve handled and whether they have bartenders who specialize in wedding receptions. This ensures they’re familiar with the unique flow of a wedding, from cocktail hour to dinner service, and finally, the reception.

Customization Abilities

  • Weddings are often more personal, and many couples want a custom drink menu. Choose a company that offers flexibility in designing signature cocktails that reflect your style or the theme of your wedding. A creative bartending team can make your bar a standout feature of the day.

Venue Coordination

  • Many wedding venues have strict guidelines for alcohol service, such as specific times drinks can be served or licensing requirements. Ensure the bartending company is experienced in working with wedding venues and will coordinate directly with the site to ensure everything is in compliance.

Rent a Bartender for Corporate Events: Professional and Efficient Service

rent a bartender setup for a don julio tequila bar

Corporate events require a different style of bartending services. If you need to rent a bartender, the staff you choose needs to match the tone and professionalism of the event. Here’s what to look for:

Professionalism and Attire

  • Corporate events often require a higher level of formality. Choose a bartending company that emphasizes professionalism and can adapt their attire to fit the occasion, whether that’s black-tie formal or business casual. Ask to see photos of their team at past corporate events to get a feel for their presentation.

Staff Experience with Large Crowds

  • Corporate events can range from small networking events to large conferences with hundreds of attendees. Make sure the company you choose has the capacity to handle the size of your guest list. Ask how many bartenders they recommend based on your expected attendance to ensure smooth service with minimal wait times.

Logistical Expertise

  • Corporate events are often more structured, with specific timeframes for cocktail receptions or networking mixers. You need a bartending company that is highly organized and experienced in handling the logistics of large, multi-part events. Confirm that they will be ready to set up, serve, and clean up according to your schedule.

Private Party Bartender for Hire: Fun & Friendly

mobile bar for wedding set up behind a beautiful picnic for bride

Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or backyard bash, the bartending service at your private party can add an extra layer of fun and excitement. Here’s what to keep in mind:

Flexibility and Experience

  • If you’re hosting your party at a private residence or a unique venue, you’ll want to make sure the bartending company can set up their equipment and operate smoothly in non-traditional spaces. Discuss logistics like power needs, bar setup, and clean-up with the company ahead of time.

Friendly, Engaging Staff

  • At a private party, the bartenders often become part of the entertainment. Choose a company known for hiring bartenders who are friendly, personable, and skilled at interacting with guests. A bartender who can chat with guests while keeping the drinks flowing adds to the relaxed and fun atmosphere.

What to Ask Mobile Bartending Companies

No matter what type of event you’re hosting, here are a few things every host should clarify before booking:

  • Licensing and Insurance: One of the most important things to ensure is that both the bartenders and the company are fully licensed to serve alcohol. Additionally, make sure the company carries liability insurance. This protects both you and your guests in case of any accidents or issues that may arise during your event.
  • Bartender-to-Guest Ratio: The number of bartenders you need will depend on the size of your event. A good rule of thumb is one bartender for every 50 guests for beer and wine service, and one bartender for every 25 guests if you’re serving cocktails. Check with the company to ensure they’re recommending the appropriate number of staff for your event size.
  • Service Policies: Every company has its own set of policies when it comes to serving alcohol. Ask about their service policies regarding drink limits and anything else you care about to avoid any surprises during the event. Our company handles clean up and pack up, but not all do. It’s also a good idea to ask about the clean-up process so you’re not left with a mess after the party.

Why Lowcountry Taps is Your Best Choice

Lowcountry Taps stands out as one of the largest and most trusted mobile bartending companies in the Southeast.

With countless five-star reviews and a reputation for excellent customer service, Lowcountry Taps’ owners Pete and Sara are known for their professionalism, creativity, and attention to detail. Of course, Lowcountry Taps is fully licensed and insured, offering peace of mind alongside top-tier service.

peter maresma and sara maresma stand in front of their first tap truck built for their mobile bar services company

What began as a small husband-and-wife business on Hilton Head Island has grown to a large team serving guests south of Savannah, GA and north of Charleston, SC. Their team has handled everything you can imagine, making them experts in creating unforgettable event experiences. From small events to major corporate functions, weddings, festivals, community member events – the list goes on!

If you’re looking for a bartending company that can elevate your event and provide a seamless experience from start to finish, Lowcountry Taps is the best of the best. Let their experience and dedication help make your next event truly unforgettable.