How Many Bartenders Do I Need At My Wedding Reception?

Have you ever been to a wedding reception where the line to the bar was two miles long?  It's disconcerting, isn't it?

Your guests should be mingling and laughing it up.  Instead, they are waiting in a very long line -- thirsty -- annoyed.

I promise you, you don't want this to happen at your wedding.  Wedding guests talk.

So, here is the deal --

1. The industry standard is one bartender for every 75 wedding guests.  To be perfectly honest, I only recommend this number for beer and wine bars.

2. If you are planning to have a full, open bar, consider one bartender for every 50 wedding guests.

3. If you know that your wedding guests are big drinkers (and you will know if you are inviting drinkers to your wedding), definitely go with one bartender for every 50 wedding guests.  Another idea -- have a wait staff butler pass champagne, wine and sparkling water. 

4. If you can only manage one bartender for every 75 wedding guests, consider hiring an assistant (aka Bar Back or Bar Hand) to help the bartender maintain the stemware, bar condiments, and mixes.

Cheers!

Love and Soul Always, Kay

(Photo: BigStock Photo)

Comments

[Dina]

Great information that every bride should know!