Tipping can feel like one of those "unwritten rules" in event planning. You know it matters, but the guidelines aren't always clear—and every company seems to do it differently. This guide is meant to give you clarity, confidence, and a true understanding of how bartenders are compensated.
A great bartender is one of the most important ingredients in the success of your event. They set the tone, manage the energy, protect the vibe, and take incredible care of your guests so you can have a smooth, joy-filled event and actually enjoy yourself instead of subtly (or not so subtly) panicking behind the scenes.
So let's break this down in a simple way—no pressure, no guilt—just clarity, education, and a little insight into how the service side of events actually works.
In the hospitality world, service professionals are typically paid using one of two models:
Some companies pay a premium hourly rate and the staff keeps no gratuity. This usually results in higher package pricing for you as the host. This model is most common in high end hotels, resorts and commercial catering.
This is the more common structure, especially in the event world, and it's the one we use alongside restaurants and local businesses.
It keeps your overall package cost lower, while allowing bartenders to earn a meaningful portion of their income through tips.
Neither system is "better," but the second allows us to keep rates lower for clients while still ensuring our team earns fairly for the high-touch, guest-facing work they do. Bartending an event isn't just pouring drinks...it's service, safety, management, speed, showmanship, hospitality, and sometimes even emotional labor all wrapped into one.
This is why generous tipping, however you choose to handle it, goes a long way.
You add gratuity to your invoice or tip your bartender directly at the event, and bartenders do not put out a tip jar.
Best for: corporate events, client-facing events, and any event (wedding, parties, etc.) with a small guest count or short timeframe. A good rule of thumb is if you want guests to simply enjoy without feeling obligated to tip, a tip might be unexpected to your guests, or there simply aren't enough guests to contribute to the tip, then host-covered is the way to go.
Bartenders put out a tip jar, and guests contribute throughout the event.
Best for: open houses, large private parties, weddings, and community events.
You cover some or all of the recommended tip, and bartenders can still accept guest tips. This is great for hosts who want to take care of their bartender while giving guests the option to top it off for great service.
Best for: Holiday parties, weddings, private events.
All are perfectly acceptable. It's truly about your comfort level and the tone of your event.
Service roles have traditionally been tip-forward because shifts are irregular, the physical demands are high, and the level of guest interaction is intense.
Event bartenders aren't just making drinks—they're troubleshooting, anticipating needs, keeping the environment clean and safe, controlling pour cost, managing lines, engaging with guests, and often representing your brand or event vision.
PLUS, they're often the first and last point of contact your guests interact with...AND they play a huge part in how well people remember your event.
A generous tip is one of the most impactful ways to say:
If you find a bartender you love, tipping well helps ensure they'll happily return for your future events over and over again.
Let's be clear….these are NOT required. They are just average ranges based on industry standards and what most clients choose. You can always do less at your discretion… and bartenders will never complain if you do more.
For events 3 hours and under: Flat $150 per bartender
For events 3–6 hours: Flat $200 per bartender
For events 6+ hours: Flat $250 per bartender
We're not so sure you should run an open bar for 6+ hours... but if you insist on it… your bartenders deserve an award, a hug, and maybe a foot massage.
These ranges help acknowledge both the time on site and the prep, setup, teardown, and guest-interaction intensity that comes with the role. You can also look at a percentage model for events with more complexity, customization and moving parts.
Holiday parties, New Year's Eve, big seasonal celebrations—these are peak times when event bartenders are giving up their own family gatherings, traditions, or days off to help make yours unforgettable.
If your event lands on or near a significant holiday, tipping on the higher end of the range is a thoughtful way to show appreciation.
We recommend adding: An additional $50–$100 per bartender for holiday events
OR consider a hybrid model for guests to contribute to the extra "thank you"
At the end of the day, tipping isn't just a transaction; it's acknowledgment. It's gratitude for the person who handled the wild drink requests, kept spirits high, made your guests feel welcome, and helped your event run beautifully from start to finish.
Your bartenders play a vital part in the energy, experience, and flow of your event. When they feel appreciated, they show up even bigger; smiling, engaging, moving quickly, crafting beautifully balanced drinks, and adding that effortless hospitality every host dreams of.
A thoughtful tip is simply the finishing touch. It says: "Thank you for taking care of my people."
And for bartenders, that gratitude really does matter.
If you'd like help determining the right amount for your specific event, just let us know—we're always happy to guide you. Cheers to creating moments that feel generous, joyful, and truly unforgettable.
