How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Bartender?

Whether you’re organising an at-home soiree or a corporate party, the key to a successful event is that all the moving parts run smoothly. The presence of a private bartender will not only take ‘drinks duty’ off your list but will take your event to the next level and give you time to spend time with your guests! Sure to add a touch of sophistication and create a memorable experience, the burning question remains: How much does it cost to hire a bartender?

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Why Consider Hiring a Bartender?

Adding a professional bartender to your event, whether it’s corporate or at home, is guaranteed to wow your attendees. Create a sophisticated bar set-up and let your bartender take the reigns as they craft your guests some signature drinks and cocktails as you focus on hosting and spending time with your guests. A fun feature to add to any event, hiring a bartender will build a great atmosphere and ensure everyone has a fantastic time.

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Factors Influencing the Cost of a Bartender

The cost of hiring a bartender is influenced by various factors. These include:

The Type of Event

The type of event you are hosting can influence the cost of hiring a bartender, due to impacting the type of drinks services required. For example, a cocktail party will require the creation of more elaborate drinks compared to a corporate networking event whereby only a few drink options are available.

The Number of Guests

The number of guests to your event will impact the overall cost of hiring a bartender. The more guests you have, the more resources, time and expertise required from the bartender, especially if you are planning on having a complex or large menu of drinks available. For large-scale events, you may also need more than one bartender to meet the demands of your guests, which will of course influence the overall costs.

The Duration of the Event

The majority of private bartenders charge based on the number of hours they are required to work. A longer event will therefore incur higher costs than one that lasts a couple of hours.

Expertise & Experience

Many bartenders and mixologists have trained hard to hone their craft. More highly skilled and experienced bartenders may therefore charge more for their services. However, their advanced expertise can contribute to the success of your event, ensuring a seamless bar service and delicious drinks.

The Location of the Event

The location of your event could impact the cost of hiring a bartender. Firstly, you may find that cities and urban areas may have higher general service fees compared to more rural locations, which could cause your costs to be higher. Secondly, if your bartender is required to travel a long way for your event, they may charge an additional fee to cover their travel costs. We recommend you hire a local private bartender to eliminate additional travel costs.

Customisation & Special Requests

If you have specific drink requests or want a personalised cocktail for your event, this may incur an additional cost. When choosing a private bartender to hire, make sure to discuss any additional requests and their costs before making the booking.

Average Costs of Hiring a Bartender in London

While the costs can vary, the average cost of hiring a bartender in London ranges from £200 to £400 per bartender, for a four-hour event. Many private bartenders will charge per hour, however, some may charge per guest, with nearly all requiring a minimum spend for the event. Make sure to check these costs with your bartender when obtaining quotes as well as confirming what is included in the costs in addition to their expertise.

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What’s Included in the Costs?

What is included with the cost of hiring a private bartender for your event will vary with each expert. With some, their fee may just cover their expertise and you will be expected to provide the alcohol, ice and any garnishes, with others they will provide this themselves. With nearly all private bartenders, you will need to provide the glassware and an area for them to bartend from. Always enquire to see what’s included in the price before booking and know what you need to provide.

How to Hire a Private Bartender for Your Event

Finding a private bartender for your event can seem like looking for a needle in a haystack, with a simple Google search bringing up hundreds of options. Unless you have a word-of-mouth recommendation, how do you know who will help make your event a success?

At HOMETAINMENT, we have the very best little black book of contacts, filled with handpicked bartenders who offer an exceptional experience every time. We make hiring a private bartender easy. Simply browse our selection of private bartenders, chat with the ones that look like a good fit for your event and budget, and get a quote and book them with a click of a button.

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Invest in a Memorable Experience with HOMETAINMENT

Hiring a bartender can be a great investment for any event, no matter how big or small. The right professional will bring the expertise, efficiency and a touch of entertainment to your bar service that your guests will love. With the help of HOMETAINMENT, invest in a memorable experience that you won’t regret.

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