Skip to main content

Post content has been hidden

To unblock this content, please click here

Maggie N
Master August 2013

Bartender contract needed!

Maggie N, on April 6, 2013 at 8:45 AM Posted in Planning 0 12

Has anyone hired a bartender for their reception and created a contract to sign with them? Does anyone have one they can send me? Our bartender doesn't have one, and we don't need a really thorough one, but we do want something basic saying "We won't screw you, and you won't screw us." Any help would be greatly appreciated!

12 Comments

Latest activity by Celia Milton, on April 6, 2013 at 1:10 PM
  • Mrs. S™
    Master October 2011
    Mrs. S™ ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content

    I'm sorry I don't, but I was just wondering if that's the way he/she usually does it? How do they ensure they get paid?

    • Reply
  • Maggie N
    Master August 2013
    Maggie N ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content

    We are getting married in a tiny town in the Georgia mountains and we made friends with the bartender at one of the restaurants there and asked him to bartend the wedding. We've been in communication about it and he's been SO professional and great, but he's not technically a professional Smiley smile So he doesn't have a contract he uses. I am SURE we're fine with a handshake type deal, but FH and I agreed that we should do something in writing just to make sure and cover our butts.

    • Reply
  • Mrs. S™
    Master October 2011
    Mrs. S™ ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content

    Sure, makes sense. How about customizing something like this, it seems to me it covers everything you would need:

    http://www.docstoc.com/docs/16075350/EVENT-BARTENDER-CONTRACT

    • Reply
  • Maggie N
    Master August 2013
    Maggie N ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content

    That is great! Thank you!

    • Reply
  • Celia Milton
    Celia Milton ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content

    There is just one problem with this; there is no mention of liability, which as we all know can be a million dollar problem.

    I don't know the ins and outs of every state, but I think you should look into this aspect of things. In NJ, last time I looked, the bartender can personally be held responsible for a drunk person going out and doing damage to themselves or others. Next in line to sue? You.

    I don't want to be the voice of doom, but it's truly something to investigate and have in that contract, which is essentially a good one.

    The other thing, regarding tipping; at every wedding I've ever been to, tip cup or not, there are tips being thrown on the bar. I don't think a two tiered system is necessary unless you feel strongly about them not accepting even the most discreet tip. This is my preference, but it's very hard to enforce.

    • Reply
  • Mrs. S™
    Master October 2011
    Mrs. S™ ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content

    Good call Celia, liability should definitely be added!

    • Reply
  • Nancy Taussig
    Nancy Taussig ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content

    Is the bartender licensed to bartend outside of his place of employment?

    Who will provide the liquor/beer/wine?

    • Reply
  • Tammy Johnson
    Tammy Johnson ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content

    Hi Maggie,

    Although you are definently on the right path to hiring a professional bartender, you might want to consider looking for a catering company that has bartenders. There are several reasons for this:

    1. Just because someone is a "professional bartender" doesn't mean they know how to work a wedding. Weddings are a different ballgame from working in a bar. You have to keep the pace of the party, watch out for minors drinking, bus tables, etc. You also have to be able to handle any issues tactfully and discretely.

    2. Like Celia said, a bartender you are hiring for the night doesn't come with any insurance or licensing. At bare minimum you should purchase special event insurance that covers alcohol safety. Keep in mind that since you are providing the alcohol, YOU are held responsible for ANYTHING that happens. If your bartender serves a minor, you would get the ticket. If they overserve someone and they get into an accident, you could be help liable both in cival

    • Reply
  • Tammy Johnson
    Tammy Johnson ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content

    And criminal courts. I own a bartending company and we don't let the clients provide the alcohol for this reason.

    3. If you go this route, make sure your contract outlines if he will have a tip jar and what kind of equipment he is providing and what you are providing. Think about coolers, ice, shakers, fruit garnishes, glassware, etc.

    I know it seems safer to have someone than no one, but try to look for a legitimate company if you can. Trust me, it's worth the extra money for that piece of mind!

    • Reply
  • Maggie N
    Master August 2013
    Maggie N ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content

    Thanks for the advice! I do know that it would be worth the money to hire a bartending company, but unfortunately we do not have that luxury. The bartender has bartended weddings, so I'm not concerned about a lot of this, but I will definitely add it in the contract just in case. We'll be providing alcohol and we've already discussed what they'll provide versus what we'll provide so we'll add that too.

    • Reply
  • Maggie N
    Master August 2013
    Maggie N ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content

    Yes, but their portion of it is just too expensive for us. Trust me, we explored all of our options and this was the one we could afford Smiley smile

    • Reply
  • Celia Milton
    Celia Milton ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content

    Let's just say this. You won't be concerned about it until it's too late. We all hope that you (or anyone else) doesn't have to find that out, but liquor liability is a very, very slippery slope.

    • Reply

You voted for . Add a comment 👇

×


WeddingWire celebrates love ...and so does everyone on our site! Learn more

Rockstars

  • D
    Getting married in 07/03/2025

Groups

WeddingWire article topics