Hiring Friend as Bartender

Is your friend a licensed bartender? If not, you could face liability issues if she over serves anyone. Also, is this a close enough friend that she would mind being asked to work your wedding but not invited? In these situations it's usually best to hire a professional.

You should check with your venue about their licensing and their rules. Ours has a liquor license but we will be providing the alcohol. They will also provide a bartender who we will pay. They might make you hire a security guard too. Our is.

In this situation I would hire a professional. Licensed/bonded/insured professionals have the right certifications to serve at events, and I think have their own insurance.

BUT, I would check with your venue on what kind of insurance from a bartender they would require, and be prepared to ask your bartender for proof of insurance and ServSafe certification.

I'm never sure what people mean by a "licensed bartender". I worked with (not for) an events company and bartended a few events. I was TIPS and TABC certified in two states (never lived in a ServSafe state). I never had a business license. I always fell under someone elses liability.
I'm much more concerned by hiring rather than inviting a friend. Hire a stranger! It's easy enough. (Also, almost unrelated, get insurance. It's cheap. Progressive does an online quote without even requiring an email address.)

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I agree. Hire a stranger. Let your friend celebrate with you!

We are having our recption at a fire hall. We are allowed to bring in our own liquor . only thing that the hall requires that you use their bartenders due to liquor lisc and insurance.