Bartending A Wedding: Tips And Tricks To Make More

Bartending at a wedding can be a fun and lucrative experience. To maximise your tips, it's important to be well-prepared, skilled, and efficient. Knowing what to expect and how to handle different scenarios can make all the difference. From setting up the bar to managing guest consumption levels, a wedding bartender plays a crucial role in ensuring the event is a success. In addition to bartending skills, a friendly and positive attitude can enhance the experience for both guests and the happy couple.

Identify the key players and their preferences

Identifying the key players at a wedding and understanding their preferences is crucial for a bartender to provide excellent service and ensure the event's success. Here are some tips to help you identify these individuals and cater to their needs:

The Bride and Groom

The happy couple is naturally at the top of the priority list. It is essential to ensure they are satisfied with the bar service and have a memorable experience. Before the wedding, communicate with them to understand their preferences, including any signature cocktails they want, non-alcoholic options, and the types of alcohol they prefer. During the event, be attentive to their needs and be prepared to craft their favourite drinks or offer suggestions that align with their tastes.

Parents of the Bride and Groom

The parents of the newlyweds are also important guests who deserve special attention. Engage with them, offer personalised recommendations, and ensure their glasses are never empty. By keeping the parents happy, you contribute to the overall satisfaction of the wedding party and create a positive, festive atmosphere.

Open Bar Host

If the wedding has an open bar, identify who is footing the bill. This person, whether it is the bride's or groom's parents, or someone else, will have a significant influence on the reception's perceived success. Ensure they are pleased with the service and that their expectations are met.

Other Wedding Party Members

Besides the bride and groom, there may be other key players in the wedding party, such as the maid of honour, best man, bridesmaids, and groomsmen. These individuals are likely to be close friends or family of the couple, so keeping them happy will reflect well on your service. Learn their names, engage in friendly conversation, and be attentive to their drink preferences.

Special Guests

Keep an eye out for notable guests, such as grandparents, aunts, uncles, or close friends of the couple. These guests may have unique preferences or require assistance with their drink selections. By catering to their needs and making them feel valued, you contribute to their enjoyment of the celebration.

Remember, while these individuals are the key players, it is also important to maintain a positive and friendly attitude towards all guests. Excellent service and a cheerful demeanour will enhance the festive atmosphere and may result in more generous tips.

Be careful with your pouring, especially with hard liquor

When bartending a wedding, it's important to be careful with your pouring, especially when it comes to hard liquor. Here are some detailed tips to help you in this area:

Firstly, it's crucial to remember that hard liquor can have a much stronger effect on guests than wine or beer. A single shot of liquor contains significantly more alcohol than a standard serving of wine or beer, and its effects can be felt more quickly and intensely. Therefore, it's important to be mindful of how much liquor you're pouring into each drink and to avoid over-serving your guests. A good rule of thumb is to stick to standard drink measurements and avoid heavy pours, especially if the wedding has an open bar.

Another thing to keep in mind is that different types of liquor have different alcohol percentages and can affect people in various ways. Some liquors, like vodka or tequila, tend to have higher alcohol content and can be more potent. Be familiar with the liquor you're pouring and be cautious when mixing drinks that contain multiple types of liquor, as the combined effects can be stronger than expected. It's also a good idea to keep an eye on guests' consumption levels and pace their drinking if necessary. This is especially important before any speeches or toasts, as you don't want intoxicated guests ruining these special moments.

In addition to monitoring the amount you're pouring, it's also a good idea to be mindful of the timing and frequency of your pours. If you notice a guest is becoming intoxicated, it's best to slow down or stop serving them alcohol altogether. Offer them a glass of water or suggest some food to help slow the absorption of alcohol into their bloodstream. Remember, as a bartender, you have the right to refuse service to anyone, and it's your responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of your guests.

To help you with accurate pouring, it's a good idea to use measured pouring spouts on your liquor bottles. These spouts can help you control the amount of liquor dispensed with each pour, ensuring that you're not accidentally over-serving. Measured pouring spouts also help improve efficiency, as you can pour drinks more quickly and accurately, especially during busy periods.

Finally, communication is key when it comes to pouring hard liquor. Before the wedding, discuss with the organisers or the couple any specific instructions or concerns they may have regarding alcohol service. Some couples may prefer to limit the number of cocktails served or specify a cut-off point for certain types of drinks. It's also a good idea to communicate with other bartenders or barbacks you're working with to ensure a consistent approach to pouring and serving liquor.

Dress to impress

When it comes to bartending at a wedding, it's important to dress to impress. This means looking sharp, smart, and formal. While you don't need to look like James Bond, your appearance is a reflection of your personal style and an important aspect of your professionalism. Here are some tips to help you dress to impress when bartending at a wedding:

Choose a high-quality shirt: Opt for a freshly washed and ironed (or steamed) white shirt. A white shirt is traditional and gives a suave style. However, if the couple getting married or the catering company you're working for specifies a different colour, such as black, which is great for hiding any spills, go with their preference.

Keep your shirt tucked in: To keep your shirt neatly tucked in while mixing cocktails, use shirt stays. These are clips that are worn beneath your trousers and attach to the bottom of your shirt and your socks.

Add sleeve garters and braces: For an old-school, sophisticated look, add sleeve garters and braces to your outfit. Braces are worn around the shoulders over your shirt and keep your trousers up, while sleeve garters are worn over your sleeves, allowing you to customise their length.

Decide between a waistcoat or just a shirt and braces: A waistcoat provides a classy look and some protection against spills, while a shirt and braces have a more rugged, retro feel. Try both and see what suits you and the aesthetic of the wedding.

Wear tailored black trousers: Jeans, chinos, and khakis are not suitable for bartending. Instead, opt for a pair of tailored black suit trousers that fit you well.

Accessorise: Wear an apron to protect your clothing and store essential tools. You can also add a touch of sophistication with belts or ties that complement your outfit and adhere to any dress code requirements.

Choose the right footwear: As a bartender, you'll be on your feet for long hours, so comfort is crucial. Invest in high-quality, non-slip, water-resistant shoes to reduce the risk of accidents and provide support for your feet.

Remember, while you want to dress to impress, you also need to be practical and functional. Choose breathable, comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely behind the bar and don't forget to bring an extra set of nice clothes to change into after the setup, as bartending at a wedding can be a sweaty business!

Be prepared for any request with the right tools and supplies

When it comes to bartending at a wedding, it's crucial to be well-prepared to ensure the event's success. Here are some detailed tips to help you be ready for any request with the right tools and supplies:

Firstly, it's essential to have all the necessary tools and supplies to craft a variety of drinks. This includes basic bar tools such as pouring spouts, wine keys, bottle openers, shakers, and knives. Ensure you have an adequate supply of glasses and other serving ware. It's also a good idea to stock up on amenities like lighters, matches, mints, hand sanitiser, and tissues. These extra touches can elevate the guest experience.

Secondly, finalise the bar menu in advance, including any signature cocktails or mocktails the couple may want. Discuss with the couple and consider the guests' preferences to ensure you have the right ingredients and supplies. For example, if the couple prefers wine and beer, ensure you have a variety of options, such as local favourites and classic standbys. If cocktails are on the menu, ensure you have the appropriate spirits, mixers, and garnishes.

Thirdly, plan for non-alcoholic options, as not everyone will be drinking. Provide a variety of options like water, soda, juice, and other non-alcoholic beverages. This is an important aspect of responsible bartending, ensuring the well-being of all guests, including children, underage individuals, and designated drivers.

Additionally, be mindful of the venue's restrictions and requirements. Some venues may have specific rules regarding the types of alcohol allowed or the use of glassware. Communicate with the venue to understand their expectations and plan accordingly. This will help you avoid last-minute surprises and ensure a smooth event.

Lastly, always bring extra supplies. It's better to have more than you need than to run out during the event. This includes alcohol, mixers, garnishes, and any other supplies you may require. You can also coordinate with the couple or event organisers to ensure an adequate supply of ice, as it's crucial to have enough to keep drinks chilled throughout the event.

By following these tips, you'll be well-prepared to handle any drink requests that come your way, ensuring a memorable and enjoyable experience for the wedding guests.

Be energetic and positive

When bartending at a wedding, it is important to be energetic and positive. This is a once-in-a-lifetime event for the couple and their guests, so your attitude should match the occasion. Here are some tips to ensure you bring the right energy and positivity to the event:

Understand the Significance of the Day

A wedding is a celebration and one of the most important days in a couple's life. As a bartender, understanding the significance of the occasion will help you provide better service. It will also remind you to be patient, friendly, and accommodating, even when dealing with challenging guests.

Be Helpful and Upbeat

Your attitude should always be helpful and upbeat. A wedding is a party, and guests want to interact with bartenders who are friendly and engaging. Smile, be approachable, and make guests feel welcome at the bar. Avoid being rude or abrasive, even if that is your usual style at the restaurant or bar where you work.

Be Prepared for a Busy Shift

Weddings can be busy, especially during cocktail hour, when guests arrive at the bar after the ceremony. Be prepared for long periods without a break. Bring snacks and drinks for yourself to stay energised throughout the event.

Prioritise the Key Players

While all guests are important, the bride, groom, and their parents should be your top priority. Ensure they are well taken care of and that their drinks are never empty. This will contribute to the overall atmosphere of the wedding and make your service memorable.

Manage Alcohol Consumption

Be careful with your pouring, especially if there is an open bar. You want everyone to be in a festive mood, but it's important to prevent guests from getting overly intoxicated. Under-pouring is a good strategy to keep the party going without anyone getting too sloppy, especially before speeches and toasts.

Engage with the Guests

By following these tips, you will bring positive energy to the wedding and enhance the guests' experience. Your attitude and service will be remembered, and it may even lead to future bartending opportunities through referrals from satisfied guests.

Frequently asked questions