The Guide to Hiring Mobile Bartending Services for Large Events in Los Altos
Planning a large-scale outdoor event in Los Altos is no small task. Choosing the perfect venue, coordinating with vendors, managing guest lists and invites — we could go on.
One element that doesn’t have to be stressful is the beverages. If you hire the right mobile bartending service, you’ll get flexibility, expertise, personalization, and of course delicious drinks mixed by expert bartenders. At Bar Car, we want to help you pick the right mobile bartending service for your event. So we’re serving up this guide with all the most important factors to consider — including some you might not have thought about.
What is a Mobile Bartending Service
Maybe we should back up to start. What exactly do we mean when we say mobile bartending?
In a traditional bar catering service, you’ll need a physical bar area at a minimum where the service you hire can setup. But with a full mobile service like ours at Bar Car, you get everything — including the bar. Our mobile bar can be set up at any outdoor venue or unconventional space. That makes it a convenient, efficient solution for even the largest outdoor events.
Benefits of Mobile Bartending Services
Why go with a mobile bartending service for your event?
Flexibility: Mobile bars can be set up anywhere, from outdoor gardens to huge properties
Customization: Tailored rink menus match your event theme, aesthetic, and preferences, so guests get a unique experience unlike any other
Service: Experienced bartenders provide high-quality service from start to finish, keeping guests looked-after, entertained, and safe
Convenience: From setup to teardown, a great mobile bartending service will handle it all so that you can focus on your event.
Key Considerations When Hiring Mobile Bartending Services
Looking to hire the right mobile bartending service? Here’s what you should consider.
Experience and Reputation
Experience is absolutely crucial when you’re picking your mobile bartender, especially when it comes to live events. Look for a company with a proven track record, lots of positive reviews, and even client testimonials. A well-established service with positive feedback and a good reputation is more likely to deliver without any hiccups, no matter how large-scale the event.
Services Offered
Not all bartending caterers are created equal. Here’s what to look for:
Bartender Staffing: Make sure the service you go with provides enough pro bartenders to handle your guest count
Bar Setup and Equipment: Check that the company you choose provides everything necessary for the bar — from the actual bar itself to glassware, utensils, etc.
Beverage Options: The greater and more creative the range of drinks available, the more your guests will enjoy it. From cocktails, beers, and wines to non-alcoholic options, you want to go beyond the basics.
Licensing & Insurance: If you assume that every bar catering service you see online is fully licensed, don’t. We at Bar Car are fully licensed, insured, and have all proper permits — but that’s not always the case.
Customization and Flexibility
A large event in Los Gatos requires customization and care, and they often have specific themes. Your mobile bar caterer should be willing and able to accommodate these needs, even offering suggestions and ideas of their own.
Discuss your vision with potential bar caterers, and ask about whether they offer custom drink menus or other services to match that vision.
Pricing and Packages
Money most definitely is an object when you’re planning a major event. Ask for detailed quotes from a few mobile bartending services to compare their pricing and packages offered. Be on the lookout for any hidden or additional fees. No matter who you choose, make sure you know the full cost upfront so you can stay within budget and avoid any surprises.
All that said, remember too that price isn’t everything — the cheapest option available may be so cheap for a reason.
Steps to Hiring the Best Mobile Bartending Service
Once you know what to look for, follow these simple steps for hiring the best mobile bar caterer for your big day.
1. Define Your Needs
Start by making sure you know exactly what it is you need, so you can communicate it clearly to the vendor. Date, location, projected guest count, and any specific themes or requirements are a good place to start. This info will help you narrow down your options, and communicate what you need to potential partners.
2. Research and Shortlist Providers
Do some research and identify a few options for mobile bartending services in Los Altos. Remember to use online reviews, ratings, testimonials, and other verifications of reputation to help you make your pick.
3. Request Quotes and Ask Questions
Reach out to your shortlist and ask for detailed quotes, as well as asking any initial questions that will help you make your pick. Schedule phone interviews or consultations, and use this as an opportunity to evaluate the level of professionalism and communication skills you’re looking for. If a potential bar caterer can’t return a phone call, you probably don’t want to be depending on them for your big event.
5. Lock It In
Once you’ve made your pick, make it official by reviewing the contract carefully and ensuring everything you’ve agreed on has been included. Confirm the date, location, services, pricing, and any other info and make sure both parties are fully onboard.
Conclusion
Hiring a mobile bar caterer can elevate your entire event. That is, assuming you pick the right one. By knowing what to look for and understanding your own needs, you can pick a service that’s professional, customized, convenient, and ready to serve your needs.
Whether you’re hosting a large wedding or an even larger corporate event, Bar Car can give you everything you need in one convenient, fully mobile service. Contact us today so we can hear all about your event and how we can help make it one-in-a-million.
Read More: Why Mobile Bartending is Ideal for Outdoor Los Gatos Events
Read More: San Francisco Bar Catering: How to Plan and Book for Your Next Event
Read More: Private Party Bartenders in Los Gatos: Your Solution for Elegant Events
