Your Guide to Hiring a Bartender in Ohio: Laws, Red Flags, and Why Uncle Bob Can’t Serve Drinks
- Cassidy Beaver
- 7 days ago
- 5 min read
Hiring a wedding bartender could literally save your life, your sanity, your wedding, or all three. (And honestly? Probably all three. Let’s be real.)
Bartenders are the unsung heroes of the wedding world, right up there next to DJs, florists (hi), planners, and that one bridesmaid who always has an emergency sewing kit. They keep the drinks flowing, the vibes high, and Uncle Rick far away from the tequila bottle.
So if you're debating whether to hire a bartender for your wedding or event, or you’re wondering what the heck you need to know before you book one, I’ve got you covered. And I’m breaking it all down with the help of my friend Monica Coverdale, owner of Budget Friendly Bartender here in Columbus, OH. This woman knows the law, the liquor, and the limits. Bless her.
Let’s Start With the Boring Stuff: Ohio Bartending Laws (Sorry. 😬)
I know. I know. These are the parts of wedding planning that make your eyes glaze over and your soul leave your body. But listen, this is the stuff that keeps your wedding from turning into a Law and Order: Reception Hall episode.
Here’s what you absolutely need to know:
No Cash Bar: You cannot charge your guests for drinks. You are not a bar. You do not have a liquor license. Therefore: big illegal. Big fines.
You Must Provide the Alcohol: Bartenders can help you choose, order, shop, and recommend, but YOU have to buy it from a licensed vendor.
Open Bar = Totally Fine: If you’re giving away drinks for free, you’re good. No license needed. (Your wallet might cry, but the law won’t.)
Bartenders Must Be 21 to Serve: An 18-year-old can carry sealed bottles but cannot pour. If they’re behind your bar, make sure they can legally drink themselves.
Venue Requirements Matter: Most venues require your bartender to be licensed and insured. If a venue doesn’t require that… sweetheart, find another venue ASAP.
You’re Liable for Serving Minors: If someone under 21 drinks at your event, that’s on you. But you’re not responsible for what legally-aged drunk adults do afterward — thank you, Ohio.
Hiring a Mobile Bar Service Simplifies EVERYTHING: They carry their own license, insurance, and sanity, so you don’t have to.
Whew. Boring part over. You’re welcome. Let’s get to the fun stuff.
Should You Even Have a Bartender at Your Wedding?
Yes. 99% of the time: yes. Absolutely yes. Before you decide, ask yourself: Do I want to be stressed and sober-dry in a wedding dress, or do I want to enjoy my own reception?
Monica puts it perfectly:
“It’s one less thing to worry about on your big day when you let us handle it. All they have to do is bring the alcohol and we provide literally everything else.”
No hauling mixers. No buying 17 bags of ice. No cousin deciding he’s the “mixologist of the night” and sneaking drinks to minors. AND most bartenders (including Monica’s team) will stay late, tidy up decor, wipe down the bar, and make sure you’re set before they leave. Bless them. 🙏
How Many Bartenders Do You Need?
Use this super simple rule:
✨ 1 bartender for every 50 guests ✨
150 guests? → 3 bartenders
300 guests? → 6 bartenders
500 guests? → Godspeed and also 10 bartenders.
Any fewer than that and your guests will be waiting in a line that wraps around the reception hall like it’s Black Friday.
How Much Do Bartenders Charge?
Monica says a a typical couple usually spends are around $1,200 for a wedding bartending package.
This typically includes:
4–8 hours of service
2 bartenders (depending on guest count)
Mixers
Bar tools
Plastic drinkware
Fresh garnishes
Custom drink menu
Shopping assistance for ingredients
Note: This does NOT include alcohol. You buy that separately, but Monica will help you calculate how much you need based on your guest list so you don’t wildly overspend or run out.
The Part You’ve Been Waiting For: Red Flags When Hiring a Bartender
Because let’s be honest… the number of “bartenders” who learned to pour drinks on TikTok and are ready to scam brides is OUT OF CONTROL. Here are 7 major red flags that should make you run, not walk, in the opposite direction.
Red Flag #1: No Licensing or Certifications
If they can’t immediately show proof of certification or insurance:🚩🚩🚩
A legitimate bartender will gladly show you proof of:
Responsible alcohol service certification
Business license (if required)
Insurance
Red Flag #2: No Experience With Your Type of Event
Working at a bar ≠ running a wedding bar.
Wedding bartending requires:
Setting up bars in random places (fields, barns, backyards)
Working fast without a POS
Handling 100–300 thirsty people at once
Coordinating with planners + catering
If their experience is just “I make bomb margaritas at Applebee’s,” keep scrolling.
Red Flag #3: Terrible Communication
If they:
Reply in one-word texts
Ghost you
Are vague or evasive
Forget details
Take 4 days to answer a simple question
…imagine how they’ll be on your wedding day. Good communication is non-negotiable. It tells you everything.
Red Flag #4: No References or Bad Reviews
If they can’t point you to:
Reviews
Testimonials
Photos
Past clients
ANY proof they’ve worked events
…a scam is brewing.
Red Flag #5: Unprofessional Behavior During Booking
The booking process is where people show you who they really are.
Red flags include:
Showing up late
Forgetting details
Sloppy or rude emails
Pressuring you for payment without a contract
Weird vibes or inappropriate comments
Your bartender is an extension of your event. Hire someone who acts like a professional adult human.
Red Flag #6: Lack of Mixology Skills
A bartender should not ask:
“Uh… what’s in an Old Fashioned?”“Hold on, let me Google that cocktail.”
NOPE.
They should:
Know classics
Adjust drinks for gluten-free or mocktail guests
Understand flavor balance
Use tools correctly
Pour confidently
Red Flag #7: No Liability Insurance
If they aren’t insured, you could be on the hook for damages. This is an ABSOLUTE dealbreaker.
A pro will have:
Proof of general liability
Liquor liability
Willingness to share documentation with your venue
No insurance = no booking. End of story.
Hire the Bartender Who Adds to the Party, Not the Problems
Your event is too important to gamble on someone who’s unlicensed, inexperienced, or unprofessional.
A great bartender will:
✨ Keep your guests happy
✨ Reduce your stress
✨ Protect you legally
✨ Elevate the whole experience
✨ Help your night run smoothly
When you hire a real professional, the bar becomes the heart of the celebration, not a source of chaos. So hire wisely, hire legally, ask the right questions, and remember: The drinks might be flowing, but the responsibility still matters.
Need help finding a trustworthy, fun, Ohio-law-following bartender? Give Monica and her team a call - 740-963-6151 or find her on Instagram @budgetfriendlybartender.
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