6 Questions To Ask When Picking Bartending Services
*Ask An Expert*
Article written in collaboration with Jennifer Slovacek, Owner of Cocktails 4 U
Question #1 What kind of bar service do you want at your wedding?
Jennifer Slovacek, owner of Cocktails 4 U in College Station, TX shares insight with brides concerning what kind of bar options are available from a full-service beverage and catering service:
Open Bar: An open bar is where the bride and groom or their families pick up the cost of the alcoholic beverages for guests. Guests order their choice of beverage from the selections you have made, and they are served in a safe manner. Bartenders will make sure no one is over served to help prevent anyone from becoming a danger to themselves or anyone else.
Cash Bar: With a cash bar – again – you (the bride and groom) make the choices of what will be offered, however the guest is responsible for the payment of each drink. At Cocktails 4 U, we utilize a state-of-the-art digital cash register system which can keep a tab open throughout the event and be closed out at the end of the event. Cocktails 4 U accepts all cash and all credit cards for payment of the bar tab.
Limited Bar: A limited bar is one way to control your expenses but is equally limited in choices. At Cocktails 4 U, we can add one of our Signature Cocktails to any event. Typically, the amount of Signature Cocktails featured for an event are provided by the bride and groom and are served until they are used up. I encourage couples to set a financial limit to ensure we can deliver the services you desire.
Once you’ve determined what kind of service you want, it is time to reach out to your bartending service. Jennifer shares that at Cocktails 4 U, “We want to get to know you and most importantly we want you to feel comfortable with us and our service.” She reminds brides that, “An email quote is something that is not out of the question, however, we have found that when you know us and we know you, things turn out much better for your event. We customize each proposal to meet your wants, needs, and budget.”
Question #2 Does your wedding venue allow outside vendors, caterers, and bartenders?
Jennifer encourages brides to always ask the venue about their policies regarding vendors. “You will likely find that your venue has a ‘preferred list’ and in some cases that list is an exclusive agreement with a particular vendor.” On the flip side, other venues may allow you to purchase and provide your own alcoholic beverages. However, keep in mind that this kind of service opens the “host” to liability issues should someone leave the reception and cause an accident. Regardless of what choice you make, Jennifer urges the bride and groom to consider the following when selecting a beverage catering service:
“You should always ask your service provider, ‘Do you provide liquor and/or general liability insurance coverage for my event?’ Another important thing to remember when you elect to provide your own beverages is that you will also need to arrange for ice, cups, garnishes, napkins, etc. as well as cleanup following the event. When you select a full-service caterer, those items are all included in your proposal. Remember that this is YOUR special day, you shouldn’t have to worry about who is icing down the beer.”
Question #3 Does the Bartending Service have the proper license(s) to provide service?
If a company is providing alcoholic beverages and then serving them to your guests, they should maintain a Mixed Beverage Permit or a Beer and Wine Permit from the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission. In order to deliver alcoholic beverages to your event, a caterer must also maintain a Cartage Permit which is also obtained from the TABC. Jennifer encourages brides to always ask if the bartending service carries the permits required to legally transport, deliver, and serve alcoholic beverages at their receptions. “When choosing your bartending service, ensure that you are choosing a professional service that is knowledgeable about TABC guidelines, well trained, and committed to providing you with an amazing customer service experience. At Cocktails 4 U, we believe that anyone can serve a drink, but the real question to ask is, ‘Can you deliver it while providing great customer service?’ The Cocktails 4 U staff will always be in uniform and ready to greet you with a smile,” explains Jennifer.
Question #4 Is the liquor provided by the Bartending Company?
This can vary based on the service you are seeking. “Cocktails 4 U is a full-service bartending/catering service, which means we will provide the alcohol, mixers, and everything else needed to serve the products we plan to serve at your event,” shares Jennifer.
Question #5 How many bartenders will you need at your event?
The number of bartenders needed for your event will differ based on the number of guests you are expecting and the types of drinks you will be serving. Jennifer recommends one bartender per 100-125 guests. Cocktails 4 U also provides for a bar back; this person assists the bartender with the handling of all products to be used in the bar, and keeps the products iced down and ready to serve so you never have to wonder if the beer will be cold.
Queston #6 Do you have customizable packages?
The number of bartenders needed for your event will differ based on the number of guests you are expecting and the types of drinks you will be serving. Jennifer recommends one bartender per 100-125 guests. Cocktails 4 U also provides for a bar back; this person assists the bartender with the handling of all products to be used in the bar, and keeps the products iced down and ready to serve so you never have to wonder if the beer will be cold.
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