Choose a bartender for the agreed drinks-service duties; choose flair when visible bottle-and-tin skills are also part of the experience you want. The decision depends on the party and available space, not on treating one job title as automatically superior.
Decide whether the bar should also entertain
A quiet reception, a busy drinks service and an entertainment-led party ask different things of the team. Describe the guest count, drinks, serving hours and whether there is a moment when people will watch the bar.
For flair, confirm safe working clearance and what interaction or performance is actually included. Do not assume a stage show comes with every booking. For either option, keep the supplies and staffing sufficient for service; entertainment does not replace making the drinks, and standard bartender hire should not be expected to include flair without agreement.
- Brief drinks service and entertainment as separate requirements.
- Choose the option that fits the room and what guests will be doing.