THE EVENT COST PLANNER
A clearer budget.
A better starting point.
Explore staffing and labor costs before requesting a quote. Adjust the details to see what changes.
ILLUSTRATIVE LABOR BUDGET
1 bartender · 4 service hours + 1 setup/cleanup hour
Includes a three-hour service minimum.
Check availability for this plan ↗Planning range, not a live quote or confirmed availability.
TRANSPARENT BY DESIGN
Here’s what goes into the number.
This tool uses our planning assumptions: $60–$90 per bartender-hour, at least three service hours, and one additional hour per bartender for setup and cleanup. It allows one bartender per 50 guests for cocktails or alcohol-free mixed drinks, and one per 75 for beer and wine. These are starting assumptions, not universal staffing rules or measured local prices.
Not included: alcohol, mixers, ice, rentals, travel, parking, taxes, gratuity and extra preparation. Multiple bars, arrival surges, complex drinks or venue restrictions can require a different plan. The written quote controls.
A four-hour cocktail event for 50 guests produces 1 × (4 + 1) × $60–$90 = $300–$450. The event date does not automatically add an unverified holiday surcharge.