Bartender hire for welcome drinks
Can I Hire a Bartender Just for Welcome Drinks?
The first guests are at the door while you are meant to be greeting them, not opening bottles or directing people to a drinks table. A staffed welcome point lets each arrival find a drink and move into the event.
This is a focused booking: agree when guests arrive, what the bartender will serve first and where that opening service ends. The rest of the event need not become a larger bar booking unless you want it to.
Yes, if the booked window and service point fit the welcome.
A bartender can serve agreed welcome drinks from an existing workable point while you greet guests. The published labour starting figure covers three service hours, so a shorter arrival window does not by itself establish a different price. Confirm the actual booked hours, preparation and finish in the written quote.
Check welcome-drinks availabilitySee bartender hire and pricing
Decide what guests receive first
Choose a small, clear welcome choice that can be served at the pace guests arrive. If cocktails are included, choose them from the existing Cocktailhire menu; those selected drinks form the event menu.
Include a visible alcohol-free choice and water. Make sure the drinks, ingredients, ice and glasses needed for the first guests are ready before the door opens.
Plan the handover after arrivals
Tell us whether arrivals will be spread out or come in one wave after a ceremony, meeting or shared transport. Put the service point where it welcomes guests without stopping the entrance.
Agree whether the bartender continues into the reception or finishes after the welcome. A welcome-only brief should not leave the host unexpectedly responsible for the next round.
Settle the first figure and what is supplied
For bartender-only hire, you supply the drinks and ingredients. Glassware, ice, chilling and any wider equipment should be named in the written quote; a physical bar is not part of the labour starting figure.
Bartender labour starts at £270 per person for three service hours, then £67.50 per additional hour, plus travel where applicable. Send the town or postcode and service hours for an early figure. Guest count helps set staffing; the date checks availability.
Before you book
- Give the first arrival time and say whether guests arrive together.
- Agree the welcome drinks and an alcohol-free choice.
- Prepare the existing service point and first working stock.
- Confirm what happens after the welcome service finishes.
- Check the booked hours and supply split in writing.
Questions people ask
Can I hire a bartender only for welcome drinks?
Yes, subject to availability and a workable service point. The published labour starting figure covers the first three service hours; agree the actual booked window in the quote.
Can guests choose an alcohol-free welcome drink?
Yes. Include the alcohol-free option in the agreed drinks plan and make sure the host-supplied ingredients and serving supplies are ready.
What happens after welcome drinks?
Agree whether bartender service continues or ends. The team should not be assumed to stay beyond the booked hours.
The next step is simple.
See the bartender hire service, check the date and decide whether the date and starting figure work for your event. If you still have questions, schedule a call before paying.
See bartender hire and pricingContact, bookings or schedule a call