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 to Communicate Your Bar Vision to a Hired Bartender

Aug 21

Written By Jesse Owens

Bartender talking with guests at a Los Angeles private event

Send your bartender four things at least a week out: guest count, event timeline, the drinks you want poured, and where the bar goes. Staff preferences go in earlier, at booking, because they change who gets assigned. Platinum takes requests such as an all female team, black tie, tattoos covered, or Spanish speaking bartenders.

Send this before the event

None of it needs to be formal. An email with these lines is enough.

Guest count. This sets staffing. The guideline is 1 bartender per 50 guests, with a second recommended once consumption reaches medium, 3 to 4 drinks per guest, or heavy at 6 and up.
Timeline. Guest arrival, speeches, dinner, cake, last call. Bartenders pace ice and prep around those moments.
Drink preferences. Name the three or four drinks your crowd actually orders. Say what you do not want poured.
Theme. If there is one, say it. A themed cocktail menu designed for the event is $375, and the craft cocktail package at $25 per guest at light consumption already includes three cocktails built for the event and a printed menu.
Dress code for staff. All black is standard. Black tie, white shirts, or something matched to your theme should be stated.
Named staff requests. If you worked with someone before and want them back, ask at booking.

Staff preferences are set at booking, not on the day

Bartenders are largely working actors and models, hand-picked for presence as well as skill, and they are W-2 employees of Platinum Bartenders LLC. Requests such as an all female team, tattoos covered, black tie, or a Spanish speaking bartender are taken when the booking is made so the right people are assigned to your date. Asking on the day is too late. Add your notes when you build the quote at book.platinumbartender.com.

Site details that change the setup

Bartenders arrive with their own bar tools. Everything else about the space is worth describing.

Where the bar goes. A photo of the spot beats a paragraph. Say whether it is indoors, on grass, on a deck, or by a pool.
Whether there is a bar at all. If not, a bar rental is $1,195 and includes a 5ft white wood bar, 4 ice tubs, a trash can, delivery and pick up. A back bar is $365.
Ice storage. Say where ice can sit and whether there is a freezer, a garage, or shade. Ice is the first thing to fail at an outdoor LA party.
Power and water. Note the nearest outlet and the nearest sink. Space heaters are $275 each.
Access. Parking, gate codes, stairs, elevators, and how far the load in is from the bar.

Common questions

How far ahead should I send all this?

Staff preferences at booking. Guest count, timeline and site details a week out, with an updated guest count as close to the date as you have one. Small changes on the day are fine.

Can I request a specific bartender by name?

Ask at booking and it will be taken as a request. Staffing depends on who is scheduled for your date, so it cannot be promised.

What if I do not know my drink list yet?

Book the staff and package first and send the drink list later. If you want the menu built for you, the craft cocktail bar includes three cocktails designed for the event and a printed menu.

To price a team with your preferences on it, build a quote at book.platinumbartender.com, call 310-985-3014, or email info@platinumbartender.com.

Jesse Owens