If you've been shopping around for event bartenders, you may have seen the term "dry hire." It sounds technical, but the idea is simple, and it can save you a lot of money.
Dry hire, explained
In a dry-hire setup, you, the host, purchase the alcohol. The bar company provides everything else: professional bartenders, bar setup, tools, and depending on your package, mixers, garnishes, ice, cups and more.
In a "wet hire," the bar company supplies the alcohol and charges you for it as part of the package or per drink.
Why hosts love dry hire
- You pay retail prices. Buying from a liquor store or warehouse club means you choose the bottles yourself and pay retail, rather than per-drink or per-person bar rates.
- You choose exactly what's poured. Want your favorite local craft beer or a specific tequila? You pick it.
- You keep the leftovers. Unopened bottles are yours. Return policies vary by retailer, so ask before you buy — we don't promise a return.
- Two separate costs. You see what you spend on alcohol and what you pay for service, rather than one bundled per-drink rate.
What the bartender still handles
Your total is two costs: the alcohol you buy, and the service we provide. A dry-hire bartender does far more than pour — at Shake & Gather we help you plan quantities, build the menu, set up and break down the bar, mix and serve every drink and keep service responsible all night. Our bartenders are BASSET-certified, which is Illinois' responsible alcohol server training.
Is dry hire right for you?
Dry hire is a great fit for backyard parties, weddings, corporate gatherings and any event where you want control over cost and menu. In a full-service package the mobile bar, equipment and package supplies come with us; in bartender-only service the client provides the bar, alcohol and required supplies, confirmed in your quote. If you'd rather not shop at all, we'll hand you a shopping list built around your guest count.
Let's plan your bar
Contact Shake & Gather at info.shakeandgather@gmail.com or 217-374-9985 and we'll help you plan the perfect bar for your guest list.
