Sep 22, 2026
What Is a Dry-Hire Mobile Bar and How Does It Work?
Dry-hire bartending means you buy the alcohol and your bartender handles everything else. Here's how it works and why so many couples and hosts choose it.
What Is a Dry-Hire Mobile Bar?
A dry-hire mobile bar is a bartending service where the host buys the alcohol and the bartender provides everything else, including the bar, mixers, garnishes, supplies, setup, service and cleanup. It's one of the most popular ways to run a bar at weddings, private parties and corporate events.
How Dry-Hire Bartending Works
You book your bartender and share your event details.
Your bartender helps you plan your drink menu and sends a shopping list.
You buy the alcohol and ice.
Your bartender arrives, sets up the bar and serves your guests.
After the event, your bartender cleans up and packs everything out.
What the Host Provides
Beer, wine, seltzer and liquor
Ice
What the Bartender Provides
A portable bar and bartending tools
Mixers, juices and sodas
Garnishes, grenadine and lime juice
Cups, shot glasses, straws and napkins
Signature cocktails and a custom drink menu
Mocktails for non-drinking guests
Setup and cleanup
Why Hosts Choose Dry-Hire
You buy alcohol at store prices instead of paying a markup.
You choose exactly which brands you want.
Leftover unopened bottles are yours to keep.
A professional bartender still handles service, so you can enjoy your event.
Is Dry-Hire Allowed at My Venue?
Most private venues and homes allow dry-hire service, but every venue has its own rules. Ask your venue whether outside alcohol is allowed and whether they require a bartender with liability insurance. Depending on your event, a permit may also be required, so check with your venue and the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board if you're unsure.
Dry-Hire Bartending with Lady T
Lady T Bartending is a fully insured dry-hire mobile bartending service serving Tacoma, Seattle, Everett and the Puget Sound. Every event includes two signature cocktails, all mixers and garnishes, cups and supplies, mocktails, and full setup and cleanup. We send you a shopping list so buying the alcohol is easy.
Dry-Hire Bar FAQ
Do I have to buy the alcohol for a dry-hire bar?
Yes. With a dry-hire bar, the host purchases the alcohol and ice, and the bartender provides everything else.
Does the bartender bring mixers?
Yes. Lady T Bartending brings all mixers, juices, sodas and garnishes.
What happens to leftover alcohol?
Any leftover alcohol belongs to you, since you purchased it.
Is a dry-hire bartender insured?
It depends on the bartender. Lady T Bartending is fully insured and can provide a certificate of insurance for your venue.
