Why Pricing Isn’t the Only Thing to Consider When Booking Bartenders
When planning an event, whether it's a wedding, corporate party, or private celebration, one of the first questions we often get is: “How much do your alcohol packages cost?” And while that’s a totally fair starting point, it's only one piece of the puzzle. At Drink Slingers, we believe in transparency and value. So we want to take a moment to break down what really goes into the cost of hiring a professional bartending team—and why focusing only on the alcohol package price doesn't give you the full picture.
1. Trained Bartenders (More Than Just Pouring Drinks)
Our team includes experienced, professional bartenders who do a whole lot more than open bottles. They arrive early for setup, stay late to clean and break down, and bring a level of efficiency, professionalism, and hospitality that enhances the guest experience. Their time and talent are factored into the overall pricing—not just for the hours they’re pouring, but also for the behind-the-scenes work that makes your event seamless.
2. Setup and Break Down Time
Unlike a bar you walk into, a mobile bar needs to be built from the ground up at your event. That includes setting up tables or bar fronts, linens, decor, ice bins, coolers, signage, and everything needed to create a polished bar experience. This takes time and coordination—and we never bill that separately as a surprise. It’s all included.
3. Rentals: Tables, Linens, Coolers, and More
Sometimes venues don’t come equipped with bar essentials, so we bring our own. That might mean tables, linens, drink tubs, batch cocktail dispensers, bar tools, and glassware. These small pieces add up, but they’re crucial for creating a functional and good-looking bar setup. Instead of making you coordinate multiple rental vendors, we roll it into one package.
4. Transportation & Logistics
Whether your event is in town or a few hours outside the city, we handle the logistics. That means transportation of staff, supplies, alcohol, rentals, and everything else. This isn’t just gas money—it’s time, wear-and-tear on vehicles, and the coordination it takes to make sure nothing is left behind.
5. Special Requests & Upgrades
Want to serve cocktails, craft mixers, upgraded glassware, or have a hydration station? We’ve got you covered, but these extras also require more prep time, product sourcing, and staff attention. We’re happy to accommodate, we just want to be sure you understand what goes into making those upgrades shine.
6. Our 20% Event Coordination Fee: What It Actually Covers
This fee helps cover things you may not see but absolutely benefit from, like:
Business insurance (so you’re protected)
Licensing and permits
Administrative planning hours
Back-end coordination and communication
Staffing management
Supplies and overhead (yes, even napkins and trash bags)
In other words, this isn’t just a mark-up, it’s what allows us to do our job professionally, safely, and legally.
When You Break It Down… You’re Paying About the Same as a Night Out
When you add everything up and divide by your guest count, our services often come out to about the same price as two drinks per person at a bar (more if your event is more than two hours). But instead of waiting in line and yelling over loud music, your guests are enjoying personalized service, custom drinks, and a bar that was designed just for your event.
So yes, alcohol package pricing is important—but it’s not the only thing that matters.
When you book with Drink Slingers, you’re not just buying alcohol. You’re investing in peace of mind, guest experience, and a team that handles it all from beginning to end. And that? That’s worth toasting to.