How to Hire Wedding Staff in Los Angeles
Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life. It is something that you have been fixated on for months, maybe even years. The venue, the flowers, the music - everything has been planned with the utmost precision. Even with all this planning, there is one aspect that can truly make or break your special day and that is the staff. Hiring the correct staff is crucial for ensuring your wedding day runs smoothly. In Los Angeles, there are numerous options for securing the best of the best wedding staff, but an important thing to remember is that not all staffing companies are the same. In this article I'm going to help guide you through the process of selecting a staffing company to provide reliable and professional wedding staff.
Looking for the Best Staffing Companies
Let's be honest, your cousin's boyfriend who landed a bartending gig at a local restaurant last summer is probably not going to cut it when it comes to a wedding. An event this important is not the time to take chances with inexperienced or unqualified staff. Certified staffing companies thoroughly vet and train their employees to ensure that you receive knowledgeable professionals who understand the specific requirements of wedding service.
This means servers that understand elevated plating techniques and fine dining service standards. Bartenders who can craft cocktails magnificently and pour wine correctly. Event captains who have managed coordination for high-end events. These companies only hire experienced staff who truly understand the elegance and etiquette required for high-caliber weddings.
With reputable and certified companies like this you also get the assurance of liability coverage and backup staff options in the case that there should be a changeup with a staff member. These agencies not only have a reputation to uphold, but also truly want your event to meet your expectations.
Finding Certified Staffing Companies in LA
The most difficult part is knowing where to start. Begin your search by consulting wedding planners, venues, or other industry professionals for recommendations on reputable certified staffing agencies in the Los Angeles area. Another great way to locate these companies is by attending local bridal expos, where top staffing companies often exhibit and market their services. I know this because I have secured multiple clients myself through marketing at bridal expos. It is a great way to gain some more insight into exactly what options you have for your day.
Online reviews can also provide valuable insights into a company's service reliability, quality, and professionalism. With that being said, be sure to be on the lookout for anonymous reviews. These are oftentimes biased or fabricated by someone who wants to make the company appear better than it actually is. To avoid this issue I suggest focusing on reviews from verified clients on reputable wedding websites and forums.
Once you've identified some potential companies that caught your eye, ask about their certification process, staff training programs, insurance coverage details, and backup staffing policies. Don’t be shy to ask for references and portfolio samples from their previous weddings and follow up by getting in contact with past clients.
Building Your Dream Team of Event Staff
The staff roles that you require for your wedding will vary depending on the size and style. Common staffing positions include:
Bartenders: For full-service bar setups, certified bartenders ensure professional and responsible drink service.
Servers: Well-trained servers assisting guests with food and beverage needs throughout the event.
Chefs/Culinary Staff: For catered events, chefs and kitchen staff prepare and serve meals on-site.
Event Captains: These staff members act as supervisors and coordinate front-of-house operations and staff.
When meeting with prospective staffing agencies, clearly outline your anticipated staffing needs, guest count, venue details, and service expectations. Reputable companies will work closely with you to develop the perfect staffing plan for your event. The more forthcoming you are and the more information you can provide us with about your vision for your event, the better. No detail is too small.
Something worth mentioning is that using a certified staffing company may cost you slightly more upfront, but in my opinion it is completely worth it. Having peace of mind and quality service are invaluable for your wedding day. With the right staff in place, you can relax and enjoy your special celebration, knowing every detail is being expertly handled behind the scenes. I’ve seen many weddings where clients focus their attention and money in areas other than staffing. They attempt to cut costs by using a cheaper staffing company and unfortunately for them, it often backfires. Cheaper companies are cheaper for a reason, they don’t provide the level of service and luxury that the top quality agencies can provide.
Setting Up Staff for Success
To ensure that staff is performing to the highest level that they can and to ensure client satisfaction, provide your staffing company with thorough documentation of your wedding schedule, venue logistics, vendor contacts, and any special instructions or protocols they should be aware of.
Make sure you establish clear lines of communication with the staffing company's event captain, and your wedding planner or day-of coordinator. This will help your day run seamlessly and enable quick resolution of any issues that may arise during the event process.
It is important to go over gratuity policies and budget accordingly if you plan on tipping staff members for excellent service at the end of your event.
For event coordinators and marketing agencies assisting clients, your knowledge on staffing the highest quality professionals is critical in order to evaluate your clients' weddings and cultivate long-term brand loyalty. Certified staffing partners allow you to focus on the overarching event vision while being sure that execution will be handled flawlessly.
Whatever your dream wedding looks like, bringing your vision to life can take a village of skilled professionals. Don't cut corners when it comes to your staff. By choosing the perfect team for your event, you can let the experts work their magic while you sit back, relax, and enjoy.
