Help! Need a bartender!

lunacydress

I'm getting married at Byron Colby Barn in Grayslake and it's very DIY- we do all the decorations ourself, we supply all the drinks, and we chose to pick a caterer that wasn't on their list and they're not really a full-service caterer, just a restaurant that caters parties (Smoque BBQ).

So, now we have to find our own bartender.  I found a couple of websites (http://www.theeventplanner.com/bartender.htm, http://patrickspros.com/) where you can hire them, but did anyone else have to do this, and do you have someone you can recommend? 

Oh, and we'll probably have 150 or so guests, so we will probably actually need a couple of bartenders.  We're only doing wine, beer and soft drinks.

Golfer09

Our catering company charged us a "bartender" fee which included the Dram shop insurance coverage.  I learned that they ended up sourcing from D'absolute Catering.  Bar service included all the ice, fruit garnish and bar supplies  - we provided the mixers, liquor and barware (glasses). 

I think they ended up charging us $10 per head and we had two bartenders who were on duty for 7 hours serving guests.  I think they showed up earlier to set up the bar.  I should note that my wedding was on NYE so everything was inflated at least 1.5 - 2x normal rates.  Hope this helps!

lunacydress

I just wonder if it ends up being more expensive to be charged per head.

I'm thinking of putting out an ad on Craigslist.  How much do you think I should offer to pay per hour?  I found someone else there who is looking for a bartender and their wedding is in Buffalo Grove, so pretty comparable....they're offering $25/hour plus tips.  Is that a decent rate?  Too much?  Too little?

jenniferandstephen

Could you maybe contact some of the local bartending 'schools' or training programs for some recent grad recommendations? I just drove past the one in Schaumburg a few nights ago-it's on Golf next to Binny's (very convenient. )

Just an idea. Good luck!

Noron

Do you have a restaurant you frequent?  Or any server friends?  Ask them if they know anybody who wants to make some extra money.  I used to get requests like this all the time when I was a server, and so did a lot of my friends.  You'll get someone professional and cheaper than any service.
Ask those same server friends how much they recommend you pay, but I think $25/hour plus tips sounds pretty reasonable.

GL!

pajarito81

I have a few good friends in the Chicago area that are experienced and reliable bartenders. Could you PM me your email and I can send you their info, also your wedding date. Thanks.

you can also email me here:

pajarito81@hotmail.com

-Lucia

edwinajon

Check with your venue if you need to provide liquor liability insurance coverage.  At my venue we had to purchase that from our bartenders and show the venue owner proof.