Clink-clink – it’s time to invite your guests to raise their drinks to you! But what exactly is in those glasses, and how long they had to wait for them, can elevate your wedding from mediocre to spectacular. Island bartender Jeremy Provost discusses how, when, and why you should hire a fun (and experienced) bartender for your special day.
How did you get your start in bartending?
I started bartending to help a friend whose mother owns a catering business. [That] was twenty-four years ago, and I was twenty. I started by pouring just beer and wine…. Wow, that’s crazy when I think about it. I have an event bartending business [now]; you can get an idea of what I do on Instagram – my handle is @mvbartender.
How do you define your bartending style?
I like to think my style is focused in hospitality and guest experience, with a passion for well-made craft cocktails.
To serve alcohol at a wedding or event, does a couple legally have to hire a bartender?
Yes, to serve alcohol in the state of Massachusetts it must be served by someone over the age of eighteen.
What certifications does a bartender need to serve alcohol on Martha’s Vineyard, and does it vary by town?
If the event venue is a private home, a Limited Liquor Liability insurance policy is required. This is sometimes held by the caterer or bartending company, or it can be acquired as a single-day policy.
If your wedding is at a venue that provides bar staff, they will have this coverage already. Also, most event companies and venues require that bartenders have ServSafe and TIPS bartending certifications.
How soon in advance should couples book their bartender/bartending service?
As soon as possible! Depending on the size and scope of the bar for a wedding or event, I recommend booking the bartender(s) around the same time you are booking your caterer. I’ve been booked for some weddings more than a year out to make sure I was available.
Many caterers need to hire a bartender because they are certified differently. How do you get bartending gigs? Is it through caterers or directly through couples?
Honestly, I think at this point I’ve worked with almost every catering company on the Island. Buckley’s Gourmet Catering, V. Jaime Hamlin & Sons, and Premier Chef Services are just a few of the many that I’ve worked with that really care about the guest bar experience at weddings and events.
I started working solely for caterers until I established myself. Now, inquiries will come from social media, word of mouth, and other event pros.
Serving a “signature drink” is all the rage lately. Can you talk about what a couple should consider when selecting a signature drink for their wedding?
First, I would say try to stay away from “spirit-forward” cocktails, especially during cocktail hour. Sure, it looks and sounds great to serve an old fashioned or dirty martini, but too often I see these drinks being too strong when guests are drinking for hours.
Also, think about the execution of the cocktails you choose. Mojitos are great...but the muddling takes time. When you have one-hundred-plus guests waiting for them, it usually doesn’t go well. I would go with something that can be batched to reduce wait times. A great example is a margarita, which is a drink that has to be batched the same day because citrus (lime juice specifically for this cocktail) changes flavor a couple of days after. A negroni (gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth) is another great cocktail to batch, and those can be made a day before.
Also consider the weather when choosing drinks. Hot days and refreshing cocktails are a must.
What signature drink do you get asked to craft the most?
Espresso martinis are still really popular, as are margaritas, old fashioneds, and Aperol spritzes.
Who supplies the alcohol?
The couple or client does have to purchase the alcohol. But your bartender/caterer/planner will work with you to figure out what is needed. Once the bar needs are determined, I usually work with a local liquor store to complete the order, and the client will contact them directly to arrange for payment and delivery.
What happens to leftover alcohol?
If it is purchased locally, most places will accept returns on items that have not been used or iced down. If it was purchased off-Island and returning isn’t possible, it will sometimes be used for an after party or the next day. Or the client will bring leftovers home to enjoy.
How do you determine how many bartenders are needed to serve the number of guests at a wedding or event?
My personal rough metric is one bartender for up to seventy-five guests, and then add one over each seventy-five. So, for one hundred guests, I would staff two bartenders. If there is a scenario where all guests arrive at once, or speed of service is paramount, I would strongly suggest doubling to guarantee a great guest experience.
Are couples responsible for the rentals/items needed for the bar setup – such as the linens, glassware, coolers, ice, etc. – or is that something you handle?
I usually work with a client and their event planner, caterer, rental company, etc. to determine their needs and secure the rental items.
As for the bar itself, I usually provide everything but the physical bar – décor, bar tools, coolers, etc. – everything to give the bar feelings of an actual bar and make great cocktails for the event.
If a couple wants a champagne toast and wine served with dinner, is that something the bartender sets up and handles?
Absolutely. I usually work with the planner and caterer to execute this. That helps to make sure that timing and logistics are sorted out so it goes off without a hitch.
Is the bartender responsible for all the beverages, including water?
I find it best to have a separate water station where guests can get their own water. It saves the bartenders time so they can focus on making cocktails and mocktails in the shortest time possible.
Where is the best location for a bar at a wedding reception?
Personally, I love the bar to be kind of close to the dance floor. I feel like drinks and music go hand in hand to provide an awesome wedding experience.
I also always make sure to be conscious of flow to make sure that guests in line for the bar don’t create a bottleneck to other areas of the event space.
How much should a couple expect to budget for bartending?
Honestly, every wedding bar is different. I recommend discussing the client’s vision and their goal budget from the start. Then I can figure out what it will cost to execute that vision, and we can see if that lines up with the budget.
Factors – such as number of guests, length of event, beer and wine vs. full bar, signature cocktails, and a champagne toast – all go into determining cost.
How many weddings and wedding-related events do you bartend a year?
In a busy season, I would do probably forty to fifty events per year.
