Planning a private event can be fun, but it also comes with a lot of decisions to make. One of the most important decisions you'll face is whether to just hire a bartender or opt for full bar production. Both options are great, but understanding the differences between them can help you make the best choice for your event.

Hiring a Bartender

1. Intimate Gatherings

If you're hosting a small event such as a dinner party or a cocktail hour, hiring a bartender might be the perfect solution. A professional bartender can add a touch of elegance to your event while ensuring that your guests are well taken care of.

2. Limited Drink Options

If you have a specific drink menu in mind or a limited selection of drinks, hiring a bartender makes sense. They can focus on crafting a few signature cocktails or serving a selection of wines and beers, ensuring that each drink is made perfectly.

3. Budget-Friendly Option

For those working with a limited budget, hiring a bartender is often more cost-effective than opting for full bar production. You'll still get the expertise and professionalism of a trained bartender without the additional costs associated with a fully provided bar.

4. Your Own Bar Setup

If you prefer a more hands-on approach to your event, hiring a bartender allows you to set up a DIY bar. You can provide the alcohol and mixers, and the bartender will take care of the making the drinks for you.

Full Bar Production

1. Large Events

For larger events such as weddings, corporate parties, or fundraisers, full bar production is often the best choice. With a full bar setup, you can accommodate a larger number of guests and offer a wider range of drink options provided by an expert bar company who will ensure that you have all of the right quantities and mixers.

2. Customized Drink Menus

If you want to impress your guests with a custom drink menu, full bar production is the way to go. You can work with a professional bar company to create a customized drink menu that reflects the theme and style of your event.

3. Professional Service

With full bar production, you'll get more than just a bartender—you'll get an entire team of experienced professionals who can handle every aspect of the bar service. From curating the drink menu, to purchasing the bar items, bringing the portable bar, setting up the bar, to serving drinks to cleaning up afterward, a full bar production service will ensure that everything runs smoothly from start to finish.

4. Convenience

Planning a large event is stressful enough without having to worry about the logistics of setting up and running a bar. With full bar production, you can leave all the details to the professionals, allowing you to focus on enjoying your event.

Conclusion

Whether you choose to hire a bartender or opt for full bar production depends on the size and style of your event, as well as your budget and personal preferences. For small, intimate gatherings, just hiring a bartender is often the best choice, offering a budget-friendly option that still provides professional service. However, for larger events with a wider range of drink options, full bar production is the way to go, offering convenience, customization, and professional service from start to finish.

No matter which option you choose, hiring a professional bartender or bar service will ensure that your event is a success, leaving you free to relax and enjoy the party!