A Bartender vs a Tender of the Bar
Hosting an event is fun (for some of us). If you want to be the Kool-aid house, you need to up your hosting game. When hosting a larger party there are some a few things you can do to keep the bar running smoothly.
How Many Bars
One thing that can kill the vibe of a party is a long line. Avoid lines where you can. A single bartender can manage a single bar for a group up to 60 people. Larger groups need more outlets.
Once you hit 50 people, add a self-serve option across the room with beer, wine, and sodas. When guests can be trusted to grab a beer or soda or to pour a glass of wine themselves, fewer bartenders are needed. Mixed drinks demand more of the bartenders time. Consider all of these elements as you decide how many you need.
Larger Parties
For every 75 guests, add a new bartender. And there should be no more than two bartenders at each bar. So add the bars and bartenders appropriate for your guests quantity. When there are multiple bars, one bar becomes the default for guests. So make sure your bartenders are letting people know about the other bars at the party or offer signage directing people to the options available.
If you have VIP guests attending with preferred drink preferences, have those bottles available behind the bar and alert the bartenders to whom the drink should go.
To save time serve a specialty drink at the party with a clever name. And to save money, consider offering only beer, wine and sodas.
Smaller Parties
Remember, even if the party is fairly small and the bar is self-serve, someone needs to “tend” the space. A quick refresh of the area is important throughout the event. Replenishing the ice bucket, gathering up fallen soldiers, restocking stemware or garnishes and wiping up spills can keep the bar top notch.
If you have a friend that likes to mix drinks, ask him or her to float the room and offer a specialty cocktail based on the preferences of that particular guest. This individual attention can go along way. Even those that prefer to pour their own drinks will like that others are being taken care of.
Managing a bar for a party takes a bit of organizing and a little practice. Don’t be discouraged if things are a bit bumpy at your first few soirées. Each time, take note of what is and isn’t working and improve things for the next event.
Remember, most people are thrilled to just be invited. Very few need things to go perfectly and will give more grace if they see you have made attempts at trouble shooting.
Do you best. But most importantly, just do it.
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