“Wait — so I have to buy all the alcohol myself?”
I hear some version of this question at nearly every consultation, usually with a slightly worried look. So let me put your mind at ease: yes, you buy the alcohol — and it’s the best deal in event planning once you see how it works.
Dry-hire bartending means you purchase the alcohol, and I handle everything else. The bartender, the portable bar, the mixers, the garnishes, the tools, the setup, the serving, the cleanup. You handle one shopping trip. I handle the rest of the bar.
What dry-hire looks like with The Social Pour
Here’s my actual process, start to finish:
1. We talk — and I ask the deep questions.
You tell me about your event, but I go further: my consultation uses psychology-based questions to get at the stories, memories, and feelings you want the night to carry. A backyard 40th hits different from a 150-guest wedding, and your bar should reflect that — down to the vibe, not just the vodka.
2. We taste.
When you book ahead, we schedule a tasting to try cocktail options and build your drink menu around your story. His-and-hers signatures, a themed cocktail in your wedding colors, a color-changing magic pour — even Story Toppers, edible toppers printed with your own memories, right on the drink. This is the fun part.
3. You get a shopping list.
I turn your guest count and menu into an exact list: what to buy and how much. My rule of thumb is one drink per guest per hour, and I’ll do the math for you. No guessing, no overbuying, no sad leftover handles of well vodka.
4. You shop.
One trip to the liquor store or warehouse club, at retail prices. Then you’re done thinking about the bar.
5. I run event day.
I arrive early, set up the full bar, serve your guests, and clean it all up. You get to be a guest at your own party.
Let’s talk money
This is where dry-hire really shines. Venue bars typically charge $8–14 per cocktail — multiply that by 100 guests over four hours and you’re looking at thousands in markups alone. With dry-hire, you pay retail for the alcohol and a flat service fee.
My Basic Bar Package starts at $1,000: one bartender, up to 5 hours, up to 75 guests, full setup and cleanup. That’s the whole bar, handled, for less than many venues charge just in drink markups.
The Oklahoma fine print (short version)
Oklahoma law says only licensed businesses can sell alcohol by the drink — which is exactly why dry-hire exists here. I serve what you provide; I never sell it. That also means no cash bars, but a hosted bar where everything’s covered? Your guests will love you for it. I’m ABLE-certified and carry liquor liability and general liability insurance, so you’re covered on every front.
Is dry-hire right for your event? Ask yourself three questions:
1. Do you want control over what’s served?
If you have opinions about your bourbon — or just want your favorite local brewery on tap — dry-hire is for you.
2. Do you like knowing the full cost upfront?
One flat package price, plus whatever you spend on alcohol. No per-drink meter running all night.
3. Does your venue allow outside bartenders?
Most private venues, backyards, and event spaces do. Just double-check your venue contract — a few require their in-house bar.
Three yeses? Then let’s talk.
Great stories are poured, not planned
That’s what I believe — and dry-hire is how I get to pour yours. Tell me your date, your guest count, and your event type, and I’ll build you a custom quote with a drink menu that feels completely like you.