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.

Open Bar vs. Consumption Bar vs. Dry Hire: What’s the Difference?

Jul 24

Written By Jesse Owens

Quick Answer: An open bar means the host pays for all drinks so guests never pay a cent, a consumption bar means the host pays only for what is actually poured, and dry hire means the host supplies the alcohol while the company provides professional bartending and service. Each model changes who buys the alcohol and how the final cost is calculated.

What Is an Open Bar?

An open bar is the classic full-hospitality option: guests drink freely and the host covers the entire tab. It is usually priced as a flat per-guest rate for a set number of hours or as a package that bundles staff, product, and equipment. The appeal is simplicity and generosity, because guests never see a price and never reach for their wallets. The trade-off is that you commit to a set cost regardless of how much your guests actually drink.

What Is a Consumption Bar?

A consumption bar, sometimes called a hosted-by-consumption or tab bar, means you only pay for the drinks that are genuinely poured. The bartender tracks what is served, and you settle up based on actual usage at the end of the night. This model can be more economical for lighter-drinking crowds, though the final total is harder to predict in advance. It rewards accuracy over generosity, so it suits hosts who want to control spend closely.

What Is Dry Hire?

Dry hire means you provide the alcohol yourself and hire the professionals to run the bar. The company supplies licensed, experienced bartenders, along with the tools, technique, and service, while you handle purchasing the liquor, beer, and wine. This often gives you the most control over selection and can reduce product markup, since you buy the alcohol directly. It does require you to estimate quantities and manage the shopping, so plan your purchases carefully.

Which Model Costs the Most?

There is no single answer, because the cheapest option depends entirely on your guests. Open bar offers predictability but you pay for capacity whether it is used or not. Consumption can save money with a moderate crowd but may cost more with heavy drinkers. Dry hire can lower product costs but shifts the buying, estimating, and leftover risk onto you. Treat these as general trade-offs rather than a quote, since your date, guest count, and drink preferences all matter.

How to Choose the Right One

Start with your guest list and your priorities. If you value a seamless, worry-free experience and predictable budgeting, an open bar is usually the easiest. If your crowd drinks moderately and you want to pay only for what is used, consumption may fit better. If you enjoy hand-picking every bottle and want maximum control, dry hire lets you do exactly that while still keeping the service professional.

Ready to plan your event? Plan Your Event with Platinum Bartenders to compare bar models for your guest count.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is an open bar always more expensive than consumption?

Not necessarily. An open bar is more predictable, but with a lighter-drinking crowd a consumption bar can end up cheaper, while with heavy drinkers the open bar flat rate can be the better value. It depends on your specific guests.

Can I supply my own alcohol?

Yes, that is exactly what dry hire is. You purchase the alcohol and the company provides licensed bartenders and full service. This can reduce product markup, though you take on estimating quantities and doing the shopping yourself.

Jesse Owens