Hosting a home party should be fun. Unfortunately, many hosts often have a stressful experience. Hosts are usually preoccupied with pouring drinks, clearing plates, and checking on the food. By the end of the night, hosts are drained and have barely had the time to enjoy the event with their guests.
That’s why so many people consider hiring a server for their home parties. It’s one of the smartest ways to take the pressure off so you can actually enjoy your own party.
Are you hosting a fancy dinner, engagement party, birthday, or maybe a relaxed brunch? Hiring professional servers can take so much weight off your shoulders during the event. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to do it. We’ll cover what to expect when hiring servers, how much it costs, and how to find the right people for your event.
Step 1: Understand What You Need from a Party Server
Before you start calling companies, take a minute and think about what your party will look like. Ask yourself the following questions:
- Are you serving a full meal or just drinks and apps?
- Will you need bartenders?
- How many guests are coming?
- Do you want help setting up and cleaning up?
- Do you want your servers in formal black and white, cocktail attire, or more casual?
Having some answers ahead of time will make it easier when you start talking to staffing services.
Step 2: Look For Local Services
Now, start your search. Google “party servers near me” or “waiters for a party” and you’ll get a lot of options.
You’ll find local staffing companies, big listing platforms like GigSalad or Thumbtack, and premium services like Runway Waiters that specialize in luxury private events.
Not all companies are the same. If you just need someone to clear plates and refill water, a lower-cost service might be fine. If you’re hosting a luxury party or want staff who are polished, well trained, and know how to move through high-end events, it’s worth paying for a premium service.
At Runway Waiters, our team members are agency-signed models who are also trained in luxury service. They know how to refine the atmosphere of a private party without being stiff or awkward.
Step 3: Check Reviews and Credentials
Before hiring servers, take a few minutes to research. Check reviews on Google or Yelp, and look for real event photos on their website – not just stock images. Make sure the staff is trained, the company is insured, and their pricing and services are clearly explained. If anything seems unclear or hard to confirm, it’s best to move on.
Step 4: Ask the Right Questions
When you reach out, don’t be shy about asking questions. You’re hiring people to work in your home. They need to be professional and prepared.
Ask questions like:
- How do you choose and train your servers?
- Have they worked private home parties before?
- Are they comfortable serving plated meals, buffets, or passed apps?
- Are they insured?
- Are they used to working luxury or high-profile events?
Our servers at Runway Waiters go through training for luxury hospitality and private events. They know how to handle themselves in a private setting and take care of guests discreetly.
Step 5: Be Clear About What You Want from a Server
One of the biggest advantages of hiring servers is that you won’t have to worry about countless small details during your party. However, it’s important to communicate your expectations in advance.
At a typical home party, servers handle a variety of tasks to keep things running smoothly. They may be responsible for setting tables and glassware, greeting guests with drinks, and passing hors d’oeuvres. Other duties can include managing the buffet or plated dinner, keeping drink stations stocked, and pouring wine or champagne. Throughout the event, they also clear plates and glasses and take care of trash and basic cleanup. The more clearly you outline these tasks ahead of time, the better the team can perform on the day of your event.
Step 6: Know What You’re Paying For
Everyone wants to know how much it costs to hire a server for a party. It depends on the level of service you want.
General prices are as follows:
- Budget servers: $25 to $50 per hour
- Premium trained servers (like Runway Waiters): about $70 per hour
- Bartenders: $70 to $90 per hour
- Event captains (team leads): $90 to $100 per hour
Premium services cost more but you get highly trained staff, polished appearance, professionalism, full liability coverage, and confidence that they will show up and do a great job.
When you receive a quote, make sure it clearly outlines what’s included. Check the hourly rate for each type of staff, and whether there’s a minimum number of hours required. At Runway Waiters, the minimum is four hours. Look into uniform options, confirm if gratuity is included, and ask about any travel fees or additional charges that may apply.
Step 7: Get It in Writing
Once you’re ready to book, be sure the company provides a written contract or service agreement. It should clearly state the date, time, and location of your event, along with the number of staff you’ve hired and their specific roles.
The agreement should also include the total cost, payment terms, details about the services provided, and the cancellation policy. Having everything in writing protects both you and the service provider, and helps ensure the event runs smoothly.
Why Choose Runway Waiters?
Runway Waiters is not your typical staffing company. We provide agency-signed model servers and bartenders who are trained in luxury hospitality. Our team members have experience with top brands, private celebrity parties, fashion events, luxury weddings, and exclusive private home events.
- We serve clients in NYC, LA, Miami, San Francisco and beyond.
- Our clients include Ferrari, Dior, Rolls Royce, McLaren and many others.
Hiring servers for your home party is one of the best investments you can make. You’ll enjoy your event so much more and your guests will notice the difference.
Follow the steps in this guide and if you want the best, we’d love to help.
Ready to book? Check out our premium waitstaff services here: https://www.runwaywaiters.com/waitstaff
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I hire a server?
The easiest way is to contact a premium service like Runway Waiters. We’ll talk through your event, recommend staff, give you a clear quote, and handle the details so you don’t have to.
How many servers do I need for 100 guests?
- Plated dinner: about 8 to 10 servers
- Buffet: about 5 to 7 servers
- Cocktail party: about 4 to 5 servers, plus bartenders
How much does it cost to staff a party?
Luxury level service:
- Small home dinner (10 to 20 guests): $560 to $1120 or more
- Home wedding afterparty (50 guests): around $2100 to $3500
- 100-guest cocktail party: about $4200 or more depending on staff
How do I find a good bartender?
Look for someone who is licensed, trained in private events, experienced with cocktails (not just basic drinks), and polished enough to fit your party.
Who’s handling the food, drinks, and cleanup?
You can hire servers to manage as much or as little as you like. Most clients ask for servers to handle food, drinks, clearing, and basic cleanup so they can enjoy the party.