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How Many Bartenders Do You Need to Hire for 100 Guests? A Guide to Stress-Free Event Planning in Raleigh, NC

Writer's picture: Adam RodriguezAdam Rodriguez

Feeling Overwhelmed? Let’s Tackle This Together


Planning an event for 100 guests is no small feat. You want everything to be perfect—great food, lively music, and of course, a bar that keeps the good times flowing. But as the guest list grows, so do the logistics.


Have you ever been to an event where the bar was a disaster? Guests impatiently wait for drinks while the lone bartender is buried under orders for mojitos and martinis. Drinks spill, tempers flare, and the whole vibe shifts from fun to frustration. You don’t want your event to be remembered for the wrong reasons.


If this sounds familiar, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Many event hosts underestimate how many bartenders they need, and that’s where we step in to help.


Imagine an Event Where the Bar Is a Highlight, Not a Headache


Now, picture your event in Raleigh, NC. Guests are mingling and laughing, sipping beautifully crafted cocktails without waiting more than a moment at the bar. Your bartenders are calm and professional, making the bar a social hub rather than a stress point.


Meanwhile, a skilled barback keeps the bar stocked with ice, garnishes, and supplies, ensuring everything runs like clockwork. You’re free to enjoy your own event, confident that every guest feels taken care of.


It’s possible, and Highball Bartenders Inc. is here to show you how to make it happen.


How Many Bartenders for Hire Do You Need for 100 Guests?


A commonly recommended ratio is:


1 bartender per 50 guests for a full bar.


1 bartender per 75 guests for a beer-and-wine-only bar.


For 100 guests:


• A full bar requires 2 bartenders to ensure smooth service.


• A beer-and-wine bar can function with 1–2 bartenders, but having 2 is always a safer choice for seamless service.


Don’t Forget the Barback: The Secret to a Stress-Free Event


For guest counts of 100 or more, hiring a barback is a game-changer. A barback works behind the scenes to restock supplies, wash glasses, and handle prep work, allowing your bartenders to focus solely on serving guests. This support ensures faster service and a smoother operation, especially during peak times.


Factors That Influence the Number of Bartenders You Need


No two events are alike, so consider these additional factors:


1. Drink Menu Complexity

Signature cocktails or labor-intensive drinks like mojitos take more time to prepare than simple wine pours or beer service.


2. Event Format

A cocktail hour with high demand requires more staff than a seated dinner where guests drink at a slower pace.


3. Guest Demographics

Younger crowds or groups of cocktail enthusiasts tend to drink more frequently, increasing the need for bartenders.


4. Service Style

Are drinks served at the bar only, or do you want passed cocktails? For the latter, additional staff may be required.


A Step-by-Step Guide to Perfectly Staffing Your Event


Step 1: Assess Your Event’s Needs


Ask yourself: What kind of drinks are you serving? Is your crowd more casual or cocktail-focused?


Step 2: Consult with Highball Bartenders Inc.


With years of experience serving Raleigh, NC, we know exactly how to staff events of all sizes. We’ll work with you to determine the best staffing plan.


Step 3: Plan for the Peak Moments


Ensure you have enough staff for high-demand times, like when the bar first opens or during a post-dinner rush.


Step 4: Include a Barback for Large Events


Adding a barback for events with 100+ guests ensures a steady flow of service, keeping bartenders focused and efficient.


Step 5: Sit Back and Relax


With Highball Bartenders, your event will be staffed by professionals who handle every detail. Your only job? Enjoy the party!


What You Get with Highball Bartenders Inc.


Professionalism You Can Count On: Our team is made up of trained, friendly bartenders who excel under pressure.


Seamless Service: From setup to cleanup, we ensure your bar operates like a dream.


Custom Options: Whether you want signature cocktails, themed menus, or extra staffing, we tailor our services to your vision.


Top-Notch Support: A well-coordinated team of bartenders and barbacks ensures no detail is overlooked.


FAQ: Common Questions About Bartenders for Hire


Q: Can one bartender really serve 50 guests?

Yes, but only for straightforward drink menus. If you’re offering cocktails or expect heavy bar traffic, two bartenders are a safer choice.


Q: Why do I need a barback for 100 guests?

A barback handles behind-the-scenes tasks, preventing bottlenecks and allowing bartenders to focus solely on serving drinks.


Q: What if I’m not sure how many bartenders to hire?

Highball Bartenders Inc. offers consultations to assess your event’s specific needs and recommend the perfect staffing plan.


Q: Do your bartenders bring their own tools?

Yes! We provide all the tools and equipment needed for a professional bar setup.


Q: What makes Highball Bartenders different from other services?

We’re Raleigh’s only Google 5-star rated mobile bartending service, offering expertise, reliability, and exceptional customer care.


Let’s Elevate Your Event


Planning an event doesn’t have to be stressful. By hiring the right team, you ensure a smooth, enjoyable experience for your guests and yourself.


Ask yourself this: How much better would your event feel with professional bartenders who keep everything running effortlessly?


Highball Bartenders Inc. is here to make that vision a reality. Contact us today to learn more about our Raleigh, NC mobile bartending services.



Raleigh, NC's Highball Bartenders in flag bow ties mix drinks for a 100 guest event aboard a 203 foot super yacht bar. American flags decorate the wooden interior and bar; ocean view visible.
Effortless service, elevated experiences: Raleigh, NC's Highball Bartenders booked aboard a 203' superyacht for a 100-guest event keeping the good times flowing for a Fourth of July extravaganza


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