How much do bartending services cost in Los Angeles?

Professional bartending services in Los Angeles start around $70 per hour per bartender for a standard event, with final pricing based on guest count, event length, bar setup, and add-on services like cocktail design or full event production. Contact us for a custom quote tailored to your event.

How many bartenders do I need for my event?

As a general rule, plan for one bartender per 50 guests for standard service, or one per 35 guests for cocktail-heavy events. We help you confirm the right staffing ratio based on your guest count, bar style, and timeline.

Are your bartenders licensed and insured?

Yes. All Platinum bartenders are licensed and insured, and we operate in full compliance with California ABC regulations. When required, we obtain an event-specific ABC permit before your event date. Host liquor liability and general liability insurance are available, and additional insured status for your host or venue can be added for a fee.

What areas do you serve?

We serve Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Palm Springs, and Las Vegas, with other locations available upon request.

How far in advance should I book?

We recommend booking at least 2 weeks in advance to secure your preferred staff and date, though we can often accommodate shorter timelines. Peak dates and large events should be booked as early as possible.

Do you provide the alcohol and handle the ABC permit?

We provide full bar setup, mixers, glassware, and bar rentals; clients typically supply the alcohol, and we secure the event-specific ABC permit where required. Let us know your needs and we'll handle the compliance details.

How Much Alcohol Should I Buy for My Event? (Calculator Guide)

Jul 24

Written By Jesse Owens

Quick Answer: For a typical event, plan on about one drink per guest for the first hour and one more per guest for each additional hour. A common starting point is to split purchases roughly by preference at your event and to buy a little extra to be safe. As a rough guide, one 750ml bottle of spirits makes about 16 cocktails, one bottle of wine pours about 5 glasses, and a case of beer covers 24 servings. Treat these as general ranges rather than an exact quote.

How to Estimate Total Drinks

Start with your guest count and event length. A widely used planning rule is one drink per guest for the first hour, then one drink per guest for every hour after that. For a four-hour party with 100 guests, that works out to roughly 400 to 500 drinks total, and it is smart to round up so you do not run short. Consider your crowd too, since some groups drink more slowly and others more quickly.

Splitting Between Beer, Wine, and Cocktails

Once you have a total, divide it by what your guests are likely to enjoy. A frequent starting split is a portion for cocktails or spirits, a portion for wine, and a portion for beer, adjusted to your crowd. A summer backyard party may lean toward beer and seltzers, while a formal dinner may lean toward wine. When in doubt, buy a balanced mix and keep the receipts so unopened bottles can often be returned.

Bottle and Case Conversion Guide

Converting drinks into bottles is where the math gets practical. One 750ml bottle of spirits yields roughly 16 one-and-a-half-ounce pours, so it covers about 16 cocktails. One standard bottle of wine pours about 5 glasses. A case of beer is 24 servings. Use these conversions to translate your total drink estimate into a concrete shopping list.

Do Not Forget Mixers, Ice, and Non-Alcoholic Options

Alcohol is only part of the list. Plan for sodas, juices, tonic, and other mixers, plus plenty of ice, which is easy to underestimate. A common guideline is one to one-and-a-half pounds of ice per guest, more in hot weather. Always include appealing non-alcoholic options so guests who are not drinking feel included.

When to Choose Dry Hire Instead of Buying Yourself

If estimating and shopping feels overwhelming, a dry-hire bartending service lets you provide the alcohol while professionals handle setup, service, and pacing. Some hosts prefer this because it keeps them in control of the budget while removing the guesswork of service. Others prefer a full-service package where the details are handled end to end.

Ready to plan your event? Plan Your Event with Platinum Bartenders and we will help you build a bar that fits your guest count and budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much alcohol do I need for 50 guests for 4 hours?

As a rough estimate, plan for around 200 to 250 total drinks, then split that across beer, wine, and cocktails based on your crowd. Round up so you do not run short, and remember unopened bottles can often be returned.

Is it cheaper to buy my own alcohol?

Buying your own alcohol can lower costs, and a dry-hire service lets you supply the drinks while professionals handle the bar. The best choice depends on your budget, guest count, and how much of the planning you want to manage yourself.

Jesse Owens