Choose where cocktails belong in the running order and agree how guests receive them. A reception before dinner, a planned pause and a later bar service can work well; continuous table-side cocktail service needs a different staffing and clearing plan.
Do not leave the dinner transition to chance
Tell the bar team when guests are called to sit, when speeches take place and when service can resume. Agree what happens to outstanding orders at those transitions so staff are not moving through the room during a quiet moment.
If cocktails continue through dinner, define whether guests order at the bar or through a separate waiting team. Keep used glass collection and clean stock organised alongside the caterer's wine and table service.
- Use the existing Cocktailhire menu to choose drinks that suit the agreed service window.
- Specify any table delivery rather than assuming it is part of bar staffing.