Guide to Hiring a Bartender in Southern California

Planning an event in Southern California means juggling a lot of moving parts—venue, food, entertainment, and of course, the bar. The drinks you serve can set the tone for the entire night, and hiring the right bartender ensures your guests enjoy themselves from start to finish.

Even if you’re in Riverside County, Los Angeles County, San Diego County, Orange County, or San Bernardino County,

In this guide, i’ll walk you through everything you need to know to hire the perfect bartender for your event.

So lets start

Step 1: Decide What Kind of Service You Need

Before you start looking for bartenders, figure out your event’s drink style. Do you want a few classic cocktails, an open bar, or just beer and wine?

At By the Hour Bartending, we can handle anything from a simple drink menu to a fully customized cocktail list—mocktails included—if you provide the ingredients.

Step 2: Look for Certification and Experience

Not all bartenders are created equal. Professional bartenders should have certifications like TIPS, ABC, or ServSafe, and plenty of real event experience.

Our team members have each worked 50+ events, so they know how to keep drinks flowing and guests happy.

Step 3: Get a Custom Shopping List

One of the hardest parts of event planning is figuring out exactly what to buy. We take the guesswork out by giving every client a free, event-specific shopping list for alcohol, mixers, and garnishes. This helps you:

• Avoid overbuying or running out of drinks mid-event

• Save time and money on shopping

• Stay organized and stress-free
  We also partner with Total Wine for direct delivery to your venue.

Step 4: Make Sure They Have Insurance

Events can be unpredictable. That’s why it’s crucial to hire bartenders with liquor liability insurance. We provide coverage up to $2 million in every package, so you’re protected no matter what.

Step 5: Understand the Costs

Hourly bartending is perfect for SoCal events because you pay only for the hours you need. This means:

• No inflated package prices

• No paying for equipment you already have

• More control over your budget

Booking Checklist: How to Hire a Bartender in Southern California

Here’s a quick numbered list to keep your hiring process simple:

1. Decide on your drink menu and service style.

2. Find certified, experienced bartenders.

3. Ask about insurance coverage.

4. Request a custom shopping list.

5. Confirm rates and payment terms.

6. Book at least 72 hours before your event.

7. Provide all event details for smooth service.

Why By the Hour Bartending is Different

When you hire us, you get:

• Certified bartenders trained in alcohol safety

• A full bartending kit (shaker, muddler, jigger, knife, strainer)

• A stress-free online booking process

• Flexible hourly rates with a money-back guarantee

• Professional attire to match your event style

• Bar cleanup after the event so you can relax

The Bottom Line

Hiring a bartender in Southern California doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. By focusing on certification, insurance, a clear shopping list, and flexible rates, you can create the perfect drink service for your event.

With By the Hour Bartending, you get all that plus a team committed to making your celebration stress-free and unforgettable