Private Bartending FAQ
Planning a bar for a wedding, a birthday or a company party in Kentuckiana? Here are straight answers to what people ask us before they book. Every event is a little different, so details can change based on your event and your signed agreement. Still wondering about something? Ask us on the quote form and we'll answer it.
Packages and pricing
How is pricing determined?
It comes down to three things: your guest count, how many hours you need us behind the bar, and which of our four packages fits what you're picturing. A backyard birthday and a 150 person wedding aren't priced the same way. Tell us your date and headcount and we'll get you a real quote.
How do the four packages differ?
The Pour Package is a working bartender and know how. You've got the rest handled. The Full Bar Package adds the bar setup, ice, mixers, garnish and tools. The Premier Package adds a custom cocktail menu, a styled bar and a lead bartender, with our glassware as an optional add on. The Signature Package is a cocktail program built from scratch, with custom glassware chosen for your event and priced into the quote.
Can I get a rough idea before I request a quote?
Yes. The Bar Service Estimator gives you a starting range in about a minute, and the Bar Cost Calculator helps you plan the rest of the bar budget. A quote request gets you an exact number for your date.
Is gratuity included?
We'll spell out gratuity clearly on your quote before you book. Never a surprise line item the night of your event.
Can I upgrade my package later?
Yes, as long as it's before your date locks in. Guest list grows, or you decide you'd rather hand off the supplies. Let us know and we'll move you up a tier.
Alcohol, menu and glassware
Do I need to supply the alcohol myself?
Alcohol is arranged per event. Tell us what you have in mind when you request a quote and we'll plan the bar around it.
Can you build a menu around a specific spirit or theme?
Yes. This is where our cocktail development background earns its keep. Tell us the theme, the honoree's favorite bottle or the feel you're going for, and we'll build a menu around it rather than hand you a generic list. If bourbon is part of the story, Nick, our owner, is a Certified Bourbon Steward.
Do you offer mocktails or non alcoholic options?
Yes. Not every guest is drinking, and a good bar accounts for that without making it an afterthought. Ask us to build a mocktail option into your menu.
Do you bring glassware?
The Pour and Full Bar packages use your venue's glassware or a rental. Our glassware is an optional add on with the Premier Package, and the Signature Package includes custom glassware chosen for your event and priced into your quote.
Can you accommodate dietary needs?
Generally yes. Tell us what you need when you book and we'll build the menu around it rather than trying to fix it on the day.
Staffing and service
Who will actually be behind my bar?
An experienced, working bartender who practices the craft every day. Someone who keeps a line moving, reads a room and makes sure the guest who's had enough gets cut off without a scene.
Do your bartenders check IDs?
When there's any question about a guest's age, yes, and they can ask any guest for ID at any time. We also keep the right to slow down or stop service for anyone who has had too much or is under 21. It keeps your guests safe and your event on track.
How many bartenders do I need?
Tell us your headcount and we'll recommend staffing rather than let you guess and end up with a line all night. Every package scales to your event, and the Bartender Calculator shows the math if you want to check it yourself.
Can you handle a large event, like a big wedding?
Yes. Tell us your headcount and we'll bring the right number of bartenders and bar stations to keep service moving.
What's the smallest event you'll take?
If you're planning something small and intimate, ask. We'd rather tell you honestly whether we're the right fit than take a booking that doesn't make sense for either of us.
Setup and venue
How much space do you need, and do you bring a bar?
Enough room for a table and some elbow room. From the Full Bar Package up we bring our own setup. For the Pour Package a sturdy table on your end is usually enough. We'll tell you exactly what works when we confirm your booking.
When do you arrive?
Our bartenders typically arrive about an hour before your guests to set up, and stay after last call to break the bar down. Bigger setups can need more time, and we'll confirm the timing with you before your event.
What if it rains at an outdoor event?
For outdoor events the bar needs cover, like a tent, a covered patio or an indoor backup spot, plus a level surface. If the weather turns, we'll work with you to move or pause the bar so your guests and our team stay safe. Rain on its own doesn't change your booking, so plan a covered spot with us ahead of time.
Does my venue need anything from you?
Some venues ask for paperwork before they finalize a booking. Tell us early what yours requires and we'll work through it with your venue coordinator.
Booking and payment
How far in advance should I book?
As early as you can, especially for wedding season, graduation season and December. Those book out fast. If your date is coming up quickly, reach out anyway and we'll tell you straight whether it's doable.
How does booking, the deposit and the balance work?
Start with a quote request. Your date is held once your agreement is signed and the 50 percent deposit is received. The deposit is not refunded. The balance is due 14 business days before your event (Monday to Friday, not counting federal holidays). We do not offer free date changes, and the cancellation terms are set out in your agreement.
Service area and travel
Where do you work?
Across Kentuckiana: Louisville and Southern Indiana, including Oldham County. We also take inquiries for Shelbyville, Elizabethtown, Lexington and beyond, and for events past about 25 miles of Louisville we confirm the bar team and equipment before we commit.
Do you charge for travel?
Travel is based on the event address. Tell us where your event is when you request your quote and any travel fee will be on your quote before you book.
Bar Service Estimator · Event Drink Calculator · Wedding Bartending