Bartender Questions

I can only answer the first question. We have 2 bartenders for 55 people and a friend had 2 for 110 people. So 2 sounds like it should be fine.

We are basing our quotes on 100 and ours recomended 1 bartender I believe. For a very similar situation.

I have 2 bartenders for 250 people. For my college grad party I had one bartender for 115 people. I would tip them based on the percentage of the bill for their services. We plan tipping each bartender individually, based on what the cost of each bartender is for the allotted time.

On the tip, I am not sure. What I do want to say is....do not let them put out a tip jar.

I have a friend who owns a bartending service. I cringe every time I see photos of a wedding he will do as he always has a tip jar out, Tacky, tacky, tacky! He needs to built the tip in to his fee.

Your bartender may do that. They may have their fee and then a percentage for gratuity.

We have 65 adults, and will have 2 bartenders.

As for tipping, can't help much, we are doing $200 each.

I would do 20% of the labor (since that is what you tip on not the booze part) If that seems wimpy based on the cost (like the cost is super low) I would give $100-200 each.

Also are you going to need them to wash glassware? If so maybe 2 and a bar back, if not, 2 should be fine.

I had one bartender for 70 ish adults, and it was fine.

I am having about 80-100 guest with 1 bartender

We are having 1 bartender for 70 people, we are doing plastic cups for shots and a mason jar that guest will use the whole night and take home with them as there wedding favors and it will have their names decorated on them or they can use a plastic cup too if they want. Tipping for us is included already

It sucks waiting in line for a drink. I know your drinks are easier, but go for 2. Your guests will appreciate the efficiency!

I had 1 bartender for guest of 250 but the beer was serve your self, And I had 2 friends jump in to help so he could take a break. I should have had 3 bartenders but couldn't afford it. would think 1 bartender would be enough but you can have 2. And we gave my bartender 50-75$ tip on top of what he made already. ( my bartender was a close friend and that was part of his gift to us)

We are getting 2 bartenders for about 120 guests. I would go with 2- what if 1 needs to take a break?

To ensure there aren't any crazy waits, you're supposed to have 1 bartender per 50 guests.

Most bartending companies suggest 1 for every 100 guests. I was surprised but it worked out A-OK for us. there were no waits at the bar that I saw. We had about 80-something that were drinking age. The last wedding I went to had about 150 people, 2 bartenders. For 55 people, 1 is absolutely fine. Not everyone is going to refill their drinks at the same time.

I would find out what your liquor license says. In this area for a Special Event License, it dictates how many hours, and how many licensed bartenders per ex. amount of people. If you exceed, you lose your license and it's a huge fine for the venue and you personally.

We are having one bartender. We are also having a security officer present per our wedding venue. I don't know if tip is included or not, but we are supplying our own alcohol

Two and not tip jar. People will tip them, jar or not, and you should too, maybe 50-100 each on top of their salary.

I would also suggest having a pretty table of pre poured wine and mimosas for the beginning so there isn't a traffic jam of thirsty people right after the ceremony.

Celia is on point. I used to bartend for weddings and the venue would allow us to accept discreet tips, but we would not put out a bowl. We just kept it behind the bar and split it amongst staff at the end of the night. Regardless, you should be tipping on top of that. Though, I only remember being personally tipped by a couple one time in four years. Many assumed their service fee went to us, but we only received our salary for weddings.

Side note: If you wanted to be super awesome you could tip and also let them choose a bottle of leftover wine or something. There's nothing better after having your butt kicked for five hours than going home and having a nice glass of wine.

Glad this question has been asked! i was wondering the same thing...
i'm having 120 people and IDK if I should have 1 or 2 bartenders