How Many Bartenders Do You Really Need? Staffing Insights for Weddings and Events

When planning your event, the bar is often one of the busiest—and most anticipated—spots on-site. But here’s the thing: great bar service doesn’t just happen. It takes the right people in the right roles, at the right time.

Let’s take a look at how staffing needs vary depending on the type of event, and what factors might call for additional bar staff to keep everything running smoothly.

Weddings vs. Other Events: Why Staffing Standards Shift

For most events, we recommend 1 bartender per 75 guests. But for weddings, our standard shifts to 1 bartender per 50 guests. Why the difference?

Here’s why weddings are in a league of their own when it comes to service needs:

• The After-Ceremony Rush: At most weddings, the bar is closed during the ceremony—and then everyone flocks to it at once. That sudden influx demands more hands behind the bar to keep things flowing.

• Heavier Drinking Patterns: Weddings are typically longer events where guests celebrate hard. That often means more rounds, more specialty cocktails, and more glassware turnover.

• Signature Moments: Think: champagne toasts, cocktail hours, grand entrances—each with specific timing and service expectations.

• Elevated Expectations: Couples often prioritize guest experience more heavily at weddings than at other events. That means service needs to be efficient, attentive, and polished throughout the night.

Bottom line? Weddings require a more proactive approach to staffing to match the pace and importance of the day.

When Additional Staff May Be Necessary

Even with the right bartender-to-guest ratio, there are several reasons why we may recommend (or require) extra staff to ensure smooth service and uphold On Point’s high standards.

1. Champagne Pours

If you’re planning a toast and want each guest to have a glass in hand at just the right moment, that takes more than one set of hands—especially if glasses need to be poured and distributed across a large venue.

2. Table-Side Beverage Service

Offering wine, water, or other beverages at guest tables adds a personal touch—but it also means pulling staff from the bar to execute it well.

3. Event Clean-Up Support

Bartenders are focused on crafting drinks and engaging with guests at the bar. Tasks like retrieving empty glasses from guest tables or high-top areas typically require additional team members to maintain cleanliness without disrupting service.

4. Limited Bar Space or Storage

If the event layout prevents us from storing essentials like extra ice, glassware, or ingredients close to the bar, we may need to bring a barback to help restock and support the bartenders throughout service.

5. Multiple Bar Locations

Running two bars? You’ll likely need two staff per bar to maintain consistency and speed. Three or more bar locations? You might want an Operations Manager to keep things running smoothly. Guest count, style of service, menu complexity and other factors can influence the final staff count.

Why This Matters

Here’s the reality: You can never really predict when one of your guests (or 10 of them) decide to pay the bar a visit. Whether mixing up signature cocktails or preparing the bar for the next rush, if the bar is open, your bartenders should be behind it.

At On Point Mobile Bartending, we’re committed to delivering smooth, professional, and memorable service. That means we’ll always assess your event’s layout, timeline, and service expectations—and may require additional staff, scheduled bar closures, or other accommodations to ensure everything goes off without a hitch.

The right staffing makes all the difference between a bar that feels chaotic and one that runs like clockwork. Whether you're planning a wedding, corporate mixer, or backyard celebration, we'll work with you to create a seamless experience.

Have questions about staffing for your upcoming event? Reach out—we're here to help!