Hiring a mobile bar service can make or break your event—the wrong bartender or operator can turn a celebration into a logistical headache. Before you sign a contract, you need clarity on logistics, pricing, liability, and execution. Here are the 15 questions that separate a smooth event from a stressful one.
1. What's Included in Your Base Price?
Don't assume. Ask whether your quoted price covers the bartender's time, equipment rental (bar setup, glassware, ice), mixers, non-alcoholic beverages, or just labor. Many services charge $300–$800 per bartender for 4 hours, but inclusions vary wildly. Get a detailed breakdown in writing.
2. Do You Provide Alcohol, or Should We?
Some mobile bar services handle full beverage sourcing; others require you to purchase spirits and beer upfront. If they're sourcing, ask about markup (typically 15–30% above wholesale). If you're buying, clarify delivery requirements and storage on-site.
3. What's Your Minimum Event Duration and Guest Count?
Most services have 4-hour minimums and work best with 50+ guests. Smaller events may incur surcharges. Confirm whether they'll adjust pricing if your actual attendance differs from estimates.
4. How Many Bartenders Will You Send?
For 75 guests, expect one bartender; for 150+, two. Fewer bartenders mean longer drink lines and unhappy guests. Ask specifically how many are assigned and whether additional bartenders cost extra.
5. What Equipment Do You Bring?
Do they arrive with a fully stocked portable bar, or do you need to provide tables and chairs? Request a photo or checklist of standard setup. Will they set up in your venue's outdoor space, kitchen, or designated area? Confirm electrical or water access needs.
6. Are You Licensed and Insured?
This is non-negotiable. Ask for proof of liquor liability insurance (minimum $1 million coverage) and general liability. Request they add your venue as an additional insured if required. Many venues demand this before allowing alcohol service.
7. Do You Check ID and Follow Local Alcohol Laws?
Confirm they card every guest without exception and understand local serving laws (no service to visibly intoxicated guests, cutoff times, etc.). This protects you legally.
8. What's Your Cancellation and Rescheduling Policy?
Look for flexibility if your event dates shift. Standard: full refund if cancelled 30+ days out, 50% if cancelled 7–14 days out, no refund within 7 days. Get this in writing.
9. Can You Handle a Specific Drink Menu?
If you want signature cocktails or a curated menu, ask whether they'll pre-batch, suggest recipes, or stick to classic drinks. Some services charge extra for custom menus ($50–$150 per signature cocktail prep).
10. What Time Will You Arrive for Setup?
Confirm arrival time (typically 30–60 minutes before service) and how long setup takes. Late arrivals can cascade into a delayed event start.
11. What's Your Policy on Leftover Alcohol?
Clarify who keeps unopened bottles. Some services include them in the cost; others bill you for opened bottles. This can affect your final invoice by $100–$300.
12. Do You Offer Non-Alcoholic or Mocktail Options?
For inclusive events, ask if they prepare quality virgin cocktails, specialty mocktails, or just standard soft drinks. Premium mocktails may cost $3–$5 per drink extra.
13. Will You Adjust Pricing if Bad Weather Forces an Indoor Move?
If your event was outdoor and weather forces relocation indoors, confirm whether setup logistics or pricing change. Some services charge extra for tight indoor spaces.
14. What Should We Provide (Napkins, Coasters, Trash Bins)?
Clarify what's your responsibility versus theirs. Most bartenders expect you to supply bar napkins and trash receptacles.
15. Can You Provide References or Show Examples?
Request contact info for 2–3 recent events (similar size/type to yours). Check reviews on Google, The Knot, or WeddingWire. Platforms like Mercoly let you compare verified mobile bar services and read detailed customer feedback in one place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What's the typical cost for a mobile bar service at a 100-person wedding? Expect $600–$1,200 for a single bartender working 5 hours, including equipment and basic bar setup. Premium packages with multiple bartenders or custom menus run $1,500+.
Q: Can a mobile bartender serve beer and wine only, or do they always mix cocktails? Many services specialize in beer and wine exclusively, which costs less ($300–$600 base) than full bar service. Confirm their specialization upfront.
Q: What happens if a guest gets visibly intoxicated—do bartenders stop serving? Professional mobile bartenders are trained and legally required to refuse service to intoxicated guests. If they don't follow this, you're liable, so verify their training during the interview.
Use these questions to vet providers thoroughly—your event's success depends on getting the details right upfront.