The key to throwing an unforgettable party is to be original. In the words of Herman Mellville, “it is better to fail at originality than succeed at imitation.” So what better way to throw a “knock-out” party than by bringing a mobile cocktail bar into the mix?
Mobile cocktail bars are much more fun and interesting than handing out booze the old fashioned way.
But, you can’t just hire any old cocktail bar. You need to find an operator that is willing to make the act of serving drinks into an extraordinary experience. Here are a few tips on what to consider when hiring a mobile cocktail bar for your next party.
Set a budget
Since the mobile cocktail bar will take care of the booze, you stand to save a ton from the money you would’ve spent on drinks. However, it’s still an expense that you need to budget for, so determine how much you’re willing to spend before you start shopping around for options. Whatever you do, don’t hire a cheap service provider just to save a few bucks. Rather pay more to enjoy better quality service.
The cost per head usually depends on the drinks menu you choose. Some vendors offer packages that range from $15 per person to $35 per person depending on whether or not you want to host the bar or leave everything to them.
It’s worth noting here that most mobile cocktail bars have a minimum operating time limit of 4 hours and will have to charge you extra if the party lasts longer than that. So you may want to find out if your vendor is willing to negotiate or create a customized package for your party that takes into account the time and number of guests.
Avoid companies that want to charge you per hour, per bartender or for setup. All of that should be included in the amount they quote you.
Licenses
Make sure your mobile cocktail bar vendor has the proper license to serve alcohol in place, and don’t take their word for it. Ask them to show you upfront.
Most mobile cocktail bars are also willing to apply for an event license for you so you don’t have to go through the trouble on your own.
Options
A majority of mobile cocktail bars feature a wide range of packages to suit different budgets and preferences. A vendor like the Woofemdown cocktail bar can help you customize your experience to the tee. Woofemdown can cater to girl’s night events, corporate events, bachelorette parties and even cocktail lesson parties. You’ll also have a choice between a cash bar, an open bar or a ticket bar depending on how much you want to spend for the evening.
Don’t be shy to ask if they’re willing to use environmentally-friendly utensils if that’s important to you.
Responsiveness
Communication is important in any working relationship, so you need to be sure that the mobile cocktail bar you hire has some responsive and responsible people behind it.
Ideally, your preferred vendor should respond to your initial request in less than 24 hours. They should also respond to emails, texts and phone calls quickly. If they fail this test then there’s a good chance they’ll flake on you when you need them the most.
Insurance
Choose a mobile cocktail bar with insurance so you know you’re covered in case of emergencies or unforeseen events.
Arrival time
Confirm with the vendor that they’re willing to arrive at least 45 minutes to an hour before the party starts to setup. They should be done by the time your first guest arrives.
Dress Code
Be sure to hire a mobile cocktail bar that’s willing to dress the part. While they may have their own dress code it’s important that they respect your party’s dress code as well. For instance, it would be inappropriate to wear golfer shirts to a black tie event. So find out if the mobile cocktail bar has different variations of its uniform to suit different occasions.
Conclusion
Hiring a mobile cocktail bar can significantly reduce the stress of hosting a party because it takes care of an important element of the event experience. The Woofemdown cocktail bar is worth checking out if you’re in Melbourne or Sydney. From an expansive drinks menu that include alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages to different packages to suit different events; they’ve got it all.