Short answer: plan about 1 bartender per 50 to 75 guests. For a cocktail-heavy wedding, stay closer to 1 per 50.
By guest count
| Guests | Simple menu | Cocktail-heavy |
|---|---|---|
| 50 | 1 | 1 |
| 100 | 2 | 2 |
| 150 | 2 | 3 |
| 200 | 3 | 4 |
Industry guides put it at 1 per 50 (Cascadia Liquor) to 1 per 50 to 75 (Check Cherry).
What else speeds up the line
- A short menu: 3 or 4 cocktails plus beer and wine
- Batched syrups and pre-cut garnish
- A welcome drink handed out at arrival, so the first rush never hits the bar
That's why The Society and The Grand Reserve include two bartenders, and why our First Pour ritual hands every guest a drink at the door.
Updated October 2026.