Top 10 Questions to Ask Your Bartender Before Your Event
As an event planner, I cannot tell you how much a great bartender can impact the flow, the energy, and the overall guest experience at your event. The bar is one of the busiest touch points of the entire night. It is where guests mingle, connect, and get those little moments of magic that make a celebration feel alive.
Hiring the right bartender matters. And asking the right questions can save you from last minute surprises, slow lines, overspending on alcohol, and all the little stressors that most people never even think about.
Here are the top ten questions I always recommend asking your bartender before your event. These will help you breathe easier, feel prepared, and ensure your guests are taken care of from the first pour to the last toast.
What services are included in your package
You want to know exactly what you are paying for. Every bartender or bar service offers something slightly different. Some include mixers, ice, garnishes, and bar tools. Others require you to provide everything on your own.
Clarity here makes all the difference. As an event planner, I love when bartenders are all inclusive because it keeps planning simple and stress free.
Do you help with alcohol shopping and quantity estimates
This is one of the biggest questions I encourage clients to ask. A great bartender will guide you on how much alcohol you actually need based on your guest count, drink menu, event timing, and season.
Nothing feels worse than running out of tequila at nine thirty or overspending on cases of wine that never get opened. Expert guidance prevents all of that.
What does your bar setup look like
You want to know the style, the aesthetic, the size, and the overall vibe. The bar becomes one of the most photographed spaces of the night. It is part decor, part experience.
A polished and intentional setup elevates the entire event. If you already have a Pinterest board vision in your head, make sure your bartender can match the look.
How many bartenders do you recommend for my guest count
This is a major detail. Too few bartenders means long lines, frustrated guests, and a slow flow of service. Too many can be unnecessary.
A professional bartender will know exactly how many people are needed to keep everything smooth and efficient.
Can you create signature cocktails
Signature cocktails are one of my favorite ways to add personality to an event. Ask if your bartender can craft a drink that fits your theme, colors, or story as a couple.
You will immediately see the difference in guest excitement when there is a custom drink on the menu.
Do you provide mocktail options
Not everyone drinks alcohol, and you want all your guests to feel included. A great bartender will be able to create delicious and beautiful mocktails that feel just as special as the real thing.
What time will you arrive for setup
Timing is everything on event day. As an event planner, I am always tracking when each vendor arrives, sets up, and breaks down. You want your bartender arriving early enough to set up without feeling rushed so they are fully ready when guests walk in.
Do you have insurance and proper certifications
This is essential. You want a bartender who is trained, experienced, and properly covered. Responsible service protects both you and your guests and ensures the entire event runs smoothly and safely.
What do you need from me as the host
Some bartenders need a table. Some bring their own. Some need access to power. Some need your help with water or extra storage. Asking this question early prevents last minute scrambling.
How do you handle last minute changes or special requests
Events evolve in real time. Guests show up early. Weather changes. The couple decides to add a champagne toast. You want a bartender who can adapt with ease and support your event rather than stress about adjustments.
A flexible and calm bartender is worth their weight in gold.
Final Thoughts
As an event planner, I want you to feel supported, prepared, and confident going into your event. Asking these questions ensures you choose a bartender who will enhance the experience, match your vision, and help create a night full of meaning, joy, and a little bit of magic for every guest.
If you need help finding the perfect bar team or designing a drink menu that fits your event style, I would love to help guide you. You deserve a celebration that feels seamless, elevated, and unforgettable.
