Question 1

What happens if my party goes longer than expected?

Accepted Answer

Of course your party may go longer than anticipated, we know how it works in New Orleans. We charge by the hour precisely because it is too hard to anticipate exactly when the festivities will end. Your bartender for hire will be there as long as needed and not a moment longer.

Question 2

How much will my event cost per person?

Accepted Answer

We don’t do per person pricing. We find it stressful and confusing as you wait to hear back from all your RSVP to know what your costs will be. And you certainly never know how many people will actually show up.

Our pricing is based on the staff you need to make your party a success.  While there are many variables, we will help you sort through it all. We are able to keep things simple if that’s what the occasion calls for but are always happy to get funky with it if you have something unique in mind. Just ask, we stay flexible because no two parties are the same.

Question 3

You have a lot of beautiful pictures on your site. Will my party actually look like that?

Accepted Answer

Why, thank you! We are very proud of the work we’ve done! Every single image on our website is from one of our events. Not a single stock photo was pilfered in the making of this website. We work collaboratively with you to hone and execute your vision for the evening. We are a reflection of the host and often the first and most substantial point of contact with your guests. We take that responsibility very seriously. You deserve authenticity.

Here are some of our corporate event photos and our craft cocktail wedding photos.

Question 4

What will the bartender provide?

Accepted Answer

Besides good company and extensive drink knowledge, all our barkeeps come well dressed with all their bar tools – shakers, mixing glasses, bar spoons, corkscrews, knives, cutting boards, etc. We come prepared. And we’ll talk to you should there be any special items you might need. Absinthe fountain? Sure, we can make anything happen.

Question 5

What is your service area?

Accepted Answer

We are located in Orleans parish but service the entire Greater New Orleans area. To compensate our barkeeps for the added time and costs involved, we do charge a $50 Northshore Transit Fee for any barkeeps heading to events on the other side of the lake or into Mississippi.

Are you looking to export proper Orleans Barkeeps to some exotic locale? We have a whole suitcase just for our tools and can build an experience anywhere you may be.

Question 6

Do you do food?

Accepted Answer

Our experience is behind the bar so we keep our main focus on your cocktail experience so it doesn’t play second fiddle to any other aspects of service.

While we don’t do any cooking, our bartenders and party attendants have years of high-end service experience and can provide food service along with any general party maintenance needs. We also work with many excellent food caterers around New Orleans and we can absolutely provide you with the skilled hands you need to help with the culinary aspects of your evening.

Question 7

Are you a dry hire service and what is that?

Accepted Answer

Blue Book Barkeeps is a dry hire service. That means that we safely and responsibly serve you alcohol that you purchase at retail. This is a huge cost savings because there is no markup on your spirits, beer and wine. We do not sell alcohol, ever. Since it's all yours to begin with, you get to keep anything you don’t drink for the next time you entertain. We’ll talk with you about your budget and what you would like to offer your guests and come up with a list of provisions you will need.

Since we know event planning can get hectic, we are able to pick up your ice, mixers, and even your alcohol for you and deliver it to the event. For anything we buy and bring on your behalf we add a 20% Bar Consulting and Curation Charge to cover our logistical costs.

Question 8

I’m coming in from out of town and can’t take back any leftover spirits. What can I do?

Accepted Answer

Due to a myriad of legal and logistical issues, we are unfortunately unable to return your spirits for you. We do everything we can to limit waste so that you have enough to get through the evening without having excessive product at the end of the night. There will always be leftovers because no one can predict what exactly your guests will want that evening. Fortunately, the spirits were always yours and you can stock your home bar for the next occasion. Since there is no mark up on your spirits, you will save whether or not you have some alcohol leftover.

We are able to provide another option for those who are only spending a limited time in our fair city. You or your company can donate any unopened alcohol and receive a tax donation letter from our sister 501(c)3 for the full cost of the donated product. We collect all these orphan bottles of wine, beer, and spirits and provide them to other local non-profits when they throw galas to raise money for a diverse set of local needs. This city matters to us and we always hope to be connected to the needs of our community.

Question 9

Are your bartenders licensed and insured?

Accepted Answer

Our bartenders are licensed by the state of Louisiana to serve alcoholic beverages safely and we carry a robust liquor liability insurance policy. Importantly, all of our barkeeps have years of experience behind the bar, which makes them experts at portion control and crowd management.

Question 10

As the host, I don’t want my guests to feel obligated to tip. How does tipping work?

Accepted Answer

While tipping is appreciated, it is not necessary. We are dedicated to paying our skilled bartenders a living wage. Since we know we reflect on our hosts, we will never put a cash or digital tip jar out against your wishes.

There is an option at the end of the night for the host to leave a tip on top of the invoice. This is meant to compliment exceptional service, not compensate for an unacceptably low wage.

Question 11

Do you require a deposit?

Accepted Answer

While each event can be unique, we generally require a small deposit for the first hour of labor to get locked in on our schedule. This allows us to minimally compensate any of our bartenders for a lost night of work if there are last minute cancellations.

For any larger events, we usually request 75% of the total in the weeks leading up to the event. The final 25% balance is then due afterward, which allows us to accommodate any last minute changes or additions. We are always happy to settle the full balance beforehand if you prefer.

Question 12

How does payment at the end of the night work?

Accepted Answer

We invoice through Square, which makes the end of the night incredibly easy. As soon as we know how long your bartender for hire was needed, you will be emailed or texted an invoice that you can pay using a credit card or bank transfer. You can even securely save your payment info to make the next time even easier. Cash or checks are also accepted.

Note that for any larger events, we only accept ACH Transfers or checks. For these large events, we can sometimes take a Credit Card for the deposit, but you must request this directly so that we can open up this option. If a Credit Card is used for the main balance of a large event, a 3.5% service charge will be added to your total.

FAQ