A bartender to guest ratio of 1 to 75 will usually provide efficient service.  If a single bartender is required, a ratio of 1 to 50 or lower is recommended depending upon whether it is beer, wine, soft drink service or full bar service.  Beer, wine, soft drink service is much faster than full bar service due to less time taking the party goer’s order and it takes longer to pour a mixed drink than to pour a portion of beer or wine. Hint: Have a display of the available beverage selections visible around the bar. In the case of weddings where the reception is held at a location other than that of the ceremony, guests will usually filter in over a 30 minute period of time which allows you…

Using skimpy glass sizes not only gives the appearance of being cheap, but it also increases the traffic at the beverage service areas which increases congestion at the bar and glassware and ice usage. 12 ounce glasses are recommended for mixed drinks, beer and soft drinks no matter what the type of event since it gives the guest a reasonable portion and allows you to more efficiently utilize service personnel by decreasing the number of times a guest will return for a refill. On the other hand, using a glass size larger than 12 ounces, especially in warm weather, will create waste since the ice will melt or the product will warm before it is consumed which adds to wasted glassware and product usage. Wine should be served in 6…

A bar is one of the focal points of a party so you want to have the following items stocked. Beer, Wine, Soft Drinks Beer selection – Have two regular domestic beers, one light domestic and one import or micro-brew. Non Alcoholic Beer Selection – Sharp’s, O’Doul’s (optional) Wine selection – Have both red and white wine. Blush is optional. Hint: Think about the carpet before serving red wine. Soda selection – Have cola, diet cola, sprite, soda water and regular water. Lemon and limes go well with these. Full Basic Bar Vodka Gin Rum Whiskey Brandy Scotch Bourbon (optional) Tequila (optional) Liqueurs and Cordials (ie: Bailey’s, Amaretto) (optional) Mixes – Tonic, Club Soda, Lemon Sour, Orange Juice, Lime Juice Optional Mixes – Grapefruit Juice, Cranberry Juice, Bloody Mary Mix,…

When preparing to make the beverage selections consider the type and theme of the event, the type of guests that will be attending, and the types of foods that will be served. (Read more…)