How many bartenders should I have?

For that amount of guests, I would have 2-3 bartenders minimum. Maybe more if possible to ensure that guests don't have to wait in line for too long.

I think what I heard was at least one bartender for every 75 guests so definitely two.

What does your caterer recommend?

My venue recommended 1 for every 50 people, but I think it also depends on the setup.

At LEAST three, with additional service at the beginning; pre poured displays of wine/sparkling water, every waiter in the place passing drinks. Once the initial crush is over, three will be able to manage it.

You don't want your wedding to start out with everyone on line for a drink. What does your venue say?

At LEAST 2. That's a LOT of people for one person to manage

Geez... I'm having two bartenders for 73 guests (who are over 21) so I'd definitely say 3 bartenders. Nothing makes people more annoyed than waiting for a drink which they will likely do MULTIPLE times in the night.

Def 1 for every 50... you need 4

I'm having 2 for 80 guests. Smart to keep the alcohol flowing!

At least 3.

Two!

I would say two, depending on the size of the actual bar. While it may sound like a good idea to have three for that many people if the bartenders don't have adequate space to work having more people will only slow them down.

As a former bartender you need a minimum of three/four if you are having a full open bar. Beer and wine you MIGHT get away with two but like others have mentioned with that many people you will have a line if you don't have enough bartenders

A bit of a clarification;

If all of your guests are going to be breaking from the ceremony and arriving at the bar en masse, you need to discuss how to handle that first crush. Three BT's can handle most of the night, but that first drink is crucial.

I'm thinking of one of my favorite venues here; they meet the people breaking from the ceremony/entering the reception with trays of sig drinks, long tables of pre-poured champagne, wine and seltzer. The goal is to intercept most people en route to the bar and get something in their hand ASAP. There is vitually never a line at their bar, even with 300 guests, and that's the goal.

After that first drink, 3 BT's should be fine, ideally not in the same place. Two bars would be better.

Our venue provided 1 bartender per 50 guests. They would have only given us 4 for 225 guests so we asked that they add/we hire 2 more. There were 2 large bars, so they had room for 8, at least.

As people were entering the cocktail hour room, there was staff who served white and red wine, to cut-down on the back up that always occurs at the bar, during the cocktail hour.

I'm only inviting 100 people and we plan to have 2 bartenders. Our venue recommends 1 bartender per 75 guests - so I would think you need 3 maybe even 4 bartenders

2

I'd get three. That still allows for two bartenders working while one takes a break.

Geez I had four bartenders for 65 people and a modified open bar...1 or 2 is far too few. I'd say five or six. We had one bartender throughout the night acting as a bar back which helped with flow. I highly recommend that so you don't have a back up/long line or no glasses...

I had 2 bartenders for 80 guests.

I'd have 3-4 for tgat amount.