Mobile bar hire is one of the most popular trends in wedding planning and can elevate your big day to new heights. It provides convenience, flexibility, and a unique experience for your guests.
Many mobile bars operate out of a van or trailer, while others run their business from bicycle carts and stalls. It is important to understand the requirements for running a mobile bar business.
Convenience
Dry hire mobile bars can save time and money for event planners, especially when compared to sourcing their own alcohol. By removing the logistics of managing an alcohol inventory, they can focus on providing stylish bar setups and skilled bartenders for their clients.
Achieving a high customer service standard and networking with industry professionals are essential for mobile bar businesses to generate repeat bookings. Effective marketing strategies are also crucial for enhancing visibility and attracting customers.
A professional mobile bartending service can offer customised options for branding, such as incorporating company logos and colour schemes into their bar carts and drink menus. This can help to boost brand exposure and reinforce their identity among corporate event attendees. The ability to offer a personalised drinks menu can also enhance the guest experience. This is particularly important for promoting brand loyalty and encouraging word-of-mouth recommendations.
Flexibility
Operating a mobile bar as a dry hire offers increased operational flexibility for business owners. This allows them to focus on providing a stylish bar setup and skilled bartenders without the added responsibility of managing alcohol stock. This may also help them save on overhead costs, especially when compared to hiring a catering van.
A well-established mobile bar business can supply customers with a wide range of drinks at competitive prices. This makes them a viable option for wedding receptions or other events where guests are looking to enjoy themselves and celebrate in style.
Whether you run your mobile bar business from a vehicle, trailer, gazebo or stand, it’s essential to create clear risk assessments and implement consistent drinking policies to ensure the safety of employees and customers. It’s also a good idea to obtain insurance to protect your assets and business income. If you’re unsure which type of policy to purchase, speak to an expert for advice.
Aesthetics
Aesthetics are something that people often overlook when choosing a mobile bar. However, it’s important to find a portable bar that complements the style of your event. This can help your guests feel comfortable and entice them to linger at the bar. Look for a bar that features recessed lighting, attractive storage for glassware, and high-top tables and stools to expand mingling space.
The bar should also be easy to set up. You don’t want your bartenders struggling with assembly while your guests are waiting for drinks. In addition, a portable bar should be durable. This means it should stand up to heavy use and withstand harsh weather conditions. It should also be able to comply with local regulations, including food safety ordinances, proper waste disposal laws, parking restrictions, driving laws, and liquor licensing laws. These legal requirements are essential for protecting your business from potential fines or even closure.
Branding
Branding is an important element of mobile bar hire, and it allows businesses to stand out from competitors. Creating a strong brand identity is key to building customer loyalty and increasing sales. Branding includes everything from the bar’s logo and color scheme to the menu and attire of the bartenders.
Understanding the preferences of your ideal client is also critical to developing a strong branding strategy. For example, if your business primarily caters to corporate events, you may want to develop a branding theme that evokes sophistication and professionalism. For weddings and private parties, a more romantic theme is often preferred.
In addition to brand activation, mobile bars can promote their services through word of mouth and other marketing channels. They can also build relationships with local amplifiers, such as catering companies and photographers, who can help spread the word about their services. Lastly, it’s important to establish a website for your mobile bar and optimize it for search engines.