A full service bar is one where you will be providing everything; including the staff to serve the drinks (you can always get staff from a catering company). The first goal in setting up a bar is making sure it is in the right place. Don’t cause a bottleneck at the bar by placing it too close to the buffet, entrance, exit, guest table, or restroom (unless the bar is permanent and you don’t have a choice). Don’t be afraid to place the bar at the far end of your party space. In fact, it will encourage guests to enter further into the party.
Next is figuring out how much alcohol to provide. The following guide is designed to help you do just that. Estimate by considering what kind of alcohol you are serving and who your crowd is.
Remember the PartyCharlie # 1 rule: Know your guests.
MAKING YOUR BAR WORK:
* A full service bar can get expensive, but by estimating how much alcohol you’ll need you can keep costs to a minimum.
* To find out the trendy drinks in your area contact the local clubs or trendy bars.
* Know your crowd. For instance, if it’s a younger crowd, chances are that they won’t be drinking scotch on the rocks.
* Have a bartender. Your bartender will pour the right quantities, and alcohol won’t get wasted.
* Your washing machine is a great back up for keeping your canned beverages on ice. It has it’s own draining system and is ready to go.
HOSTING A CASH BAR
* It is illegal to sell alcohol without a license even at your own house. There are temporary liquor licenses that are available for a fee. It is best to check with your local city and state ordinances.
* Use drink tickets instead of having a bartender handle cash.
* Make sure you ticket person is VERY visible has lots of change.
* Charge in dollar amounts instead of $3.50 round it to $3.00 or $4.00
BENEFITS OF HAVING A BARTENDER:
* The set up and breakdown of the bar station is taken care of.
* The bar will be maintained and drinks will be kept cold.
* Spills and broken glasses will be taken care of immediately.
* They will have knowledge of different drink recipes for your guests to enjoy.
* Confirm that your Bartender will have a kit that will have all of the tools; shakers, pour tops, wine openers, etc.
* The bartender will be constantly watching out to make sure that the guests aren’t drinking too much. You can have the bartender alert you to any over-intoxication, and then you can handle it discreetly or, if the particular guest has a ride from a designated driver, you can inform the bartender of that.
A REMINDER ABOUT HAVING A BARTENDER
* If you’re party is at home it is up to you as to whether you’ll allow a “tip jar.” If you don’t allow one, find out if the bartender will be adding on a gratuity cost to your bill. Bottom line, though, if you don’t want your guests to feel they have to fork over money tell your bartender not to put a tip cup out. As listed in my Employee manual I don’t permit it!
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Bridezillas is a reality television show that follows the lives of engaged women, and their busy schedules in an emphatic and sometimes humorous fashion. Recently, I had the pleasure to star in a promo for the show. Click on the TV to the left, and see why PartyCharlie's head hurts!
