You might be asking yourself, do we really need to hire professional bartenders for our wedding? Doesn’t my venue or catering already include bar staff? While some venues include bartending in their packages, others do not. If you need to look at sourcing beverage service there are a few key things you should look for including how you can be benefitted by hiring professional bartenders at your event or wedding.
Here we go..
They are knowledgeable! Not only will a good bartender know how to make what your guests are asking for, but they can also assist you in ordering and delivery. Often they will have recommendations as to which suppliers will be able to give discounts or take back any unopened product, which can save you huge money. They will have knowledge about liquor licensing and event insurance and can help in the process of acquiring the related legal documents you will need. They also can be key in guest safety, helping monitor consumption, and making recommendations to your guests should they feel the need to offer a mocktail, for example.
Bar management is very important! Someone has to oversee all of those bar details. Ice storage, how much mix, set-up, tear down, and making sure there’s no shortage of clean glasses are all important aspects. What about bar waste? Your cousin and his best friend might be cheap to hire, but giving your bar’s responsibility to someone with little knowledge or experience serving cocktails will eventually lead to a huge waste of alcohol. Considering that budgets can often run over on weddings, alcohol waste is an unnecessary costly mistake.
Guest experience! Professional bartenders are just that – PROS! They are efficient, which means your guests won’t wait in line very long for drinks. Not only are they well versed in the creation of cocktails, but they are artists in their field and can be an attraction in and of themselves. Watching a mixologist is captivating and guests will enjoy the experience of observing a professional in action.
Signature drinks! Choosing a bartender that can suggest signature drinks can both add value to your guest experience and keep your budget intact. Signature drinks are a great way to bring some customization to your bar and keep costs down… there’s no need to supply every kind of alcohol when you have a specialized menu available.
While a specialized menu with signature drinks can help keep your bottom line in check, if you are looking for a bit more adventure and your budget allows for it, mobile bartending units are becoming more and more popular. Red Deer’s Roadpop is a full service bartending company with an amazing mobile unit for outdoor celebrations of every kind. For local Central AB couples looking to duplicate these beautiful creations at their event, signature cocktails can be added to Roadpop’s packages for just $1 per guest/per cocktail, and come included in some of their packages. Packages with their vintage mobile bar start at $1399, but for the budget conscious couple, packages without the mobile unit start at just $10.99/guest and include 2 signature cocktails! What an amazing way to personalize your wedding AND keep within budget!
Hopefully, I’ve helped break down WHY hiring a bartender is an important element of planning your biggest day, and also shared a few ways on how you can keep your budget in check. Don’t forget, your wedding planner will have access to amazing vendors but feel free to check out Roadpop’s website and all of the amazing vendors that participated in this Rock On! Styled shoot in the meantime!
Cheers!
Vendor Team for this styled shoot:
- Lead Photography: www.bucklandimagery.com
- Rentals and Concept Design: http://www.themabystudio.com
- Mixologist: www.ontheroadpop.com
- Behind the Scenes Photography: The SnapHappy Photographer
- Planning & Coordination: Vesta Weddings
- Venue: 52 North Venue http://www.52northvenue.com
- Invitations & Stationery: http://www.ajscraftcreations.com
- Florals: Stems Flowers & Cafe: www.stemsfloral.ca
- Cake/Cupcakes: http://www.youhadmeatcupcake.com
- Bridal Couture: Your Wedding Place
- Men’s Attire: Rob Rae Clothiers
- Videography: Flying Goose Media
- Makeup Artistry: Maici LeFevre Makeup Co
- Hair: Michelle Doupe: https://www.facebook.com/CENTRALALBERTAHAIRSTYLIST/
- Models: Jay & Tiara Adams
