Are you planning a luxury event? It could be a high-end wedding, a corporate gala, a private party, or something more fancy. To give these events a premium feel, hiring proficient party servers is commendable. Professional services create exciting vibes and give your guests a bunch of things to talk about.
Do you find yourself googling “party servers for hire near me?” You have probably seen a ton of options pop up. But the question is how do you know who’s really good? What should you expect to pay? And how can you make sure your event is staffed by people who fit the style of your party?
This guide will walk you through exactly what to look for so you can hire with confidence and avoid some common mistakes.
Understanding the Role of Party Servers
You may think that the job of a great server is to professionally bring out food and drinks. However, that is not all. A good server will help in creating a vibrant guest experience. In a luxury event, you invest a good sum in the space, food, and decoration. Having top-notch service is thus important to breathe life into the event.
Professional party servers play a key role in creating a smooth and enjoyable event experience. Their job starts with welcoming guests warmly and helping them feel at ease. They circulate drinks and appetizers, manage buffet lines or food stations, and provide full plated dinner service when needed.
Throughout the event, they keep tables clean, refresh drink stations, and replace napkins or silverware as needed. They’re also trained to give extra attention to VIP guests, ensuring everyone feels well taken care of. Lastly, they coordinate with the kitchen and bartenders behind the scenes to ensure a smooth experience.
What Type of Party Servers Do You Need?
The type of party server you need will depend on the kind of event you’re planning. For sit-down dinners or events with passed appetizers, you’ll want waitstaff to handle food service. If you’re serving alcohol, bartenders are essential for mixing cocktails or running a full bar. Bussers help keep the space clean throughout the event, while buffet attendants manage self-serve food areas.
For formal occasions, coat check staff can add a touch of convenience and professionalism. An event captain is often needed to oversee the entire service team and ensure everything runs smoothly. If you’re hosting a fashion or luxury brand event, model servers or brand ambassadors can help elevate the visual aesthetic. For larger gatherings, registration staff can also assist with guest check-in and organization.
What Services Do a Party Servers Offer?
- Wait Staff
This type of party server moves through the events gracefully and tries to understand what people need. They help in offering guests what they may want without them having to ask.
- Bartenders
Professional bartenders do more than just pour drinks – they help create a seamless, enjoyable experience for your guests. They can craft signature cocktails, keep the bar running smoothly, ensure everything stays stocked and clean, and represent your event with a polished, energetic presence.
At Runway Waiters, our bartenders are also agency-signed talent who have completed rigorous training. Their professionalism and presentation go beyond what you’d expect from a typical bartender, helping to elevate the overall atmosphere of your event.
Setup and Cleanup Help
A lot of premium staff also help with setting tables and linens before the event. Furthermore, they transform the space smoothly from cocktails to dinner to dancing, all in the blink of an eye. After the event, they help in cleaning the venue and make sure it is spotless.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire Party Servers?
Party staffing varies a lot in price and quality. Cheap companies charge $25 to $50 per hour but you get what you pay for. That often means staff with minimal training and poor presentation who are not going to be a good fit for a high-end event.
Our rates at Runway Waiters start at $70 per hour. This is because our staff is in a league of their own. You’ll be working with agency-signed models who have verified experience at luxury events and are trained in fine dining service. They maintain an impeccable appearance and presence and are well-versed in serving high-end clients, including luxury brands, weddings, and VIPs. In addition, our team is fully insured, offering peace of mind along with exceptional service.
Our typical rates are as follows:
- Waitstaff: $70/hour
- Bartenders: $70 to $90/hour
- Model servers / brand ambassadors: $70 to $100/hour
We have a 5-hour minimum for bookings.
What Extra Costs Can I Expect?
Extra costs depend on the extras you may need for your event. For starters, do calculate tips beforehand. We recommend a tip of 15-20% but that is totally up to you.
Apart from that, consider if you want any special uniform upgrades. It comes with an additional expense. You might also have to pay extra if parking charges are involved, or if your venue is located at a significant distance.
Lastly, if you are booking at the last minute, it is no surprise that you might have to pay extra costs.
Budget-Friendly Options
If you want to cut down on costs while hiring party servers, you can attain that while still making sure your event has luxury level staff. You can hire premium staff for the roles that are REALLY important, for example, guest facing servers, and bartenders.
You can also book early to avoid additional emergency charges, and consider weekdays, or Sundays when the staff are available.
How to Find the Best Party Servers Near You
- Online Platforms
You can start by looking at Google, Yelp or sites like GigSalad but be careful. Many of the top listings are just budget staffing companies that are doing SEO well, not necessarily the best choice for luxury events.
When choosing a staffing company, look for one with experience handling luxury events or weddings. A strong portfolio featuring professional photos of their staff in action is a good sign of quality and reliability. The company should also be transparent about its services and pricing, and have positive reviews from actual high-end clients.
Ask Your Family and Friends
Word of mouth is always great. If you know someone who hosted an amazing party or wedding recently, ask which service company they engaged.
What to Ask Before You Book
Before committing to a staffing agency, it’s important to ask the right questions. Some helpful questions include:
- How do you train and vet your staff?
- Are you fully insured?
- Can you provide references from similar events?
- What uniform options are available?
- How many staff do you recommend for my event size and style?
Red Flags to Watch Out For
- Unclear Pricing
If a company won’t give you a clear quote upfront or has lots of small print fees, be cautious. We always give transparent quotes with no surprises.
- Slow Communication
If they take days to reply or are vague, it’s probably not going to get better on the day of your event.
- Bad Reviews
Read reviews carefully. One or two bad ones are normal but if there’s a pattern of no shows, bad appearance or rude staff, move on.
Why Choose Runway Waiters?
We offer presence. Our staff are agency-signed models who are also trained in luxury hospitality. They’ve worked for the world’s top brands, at celebrity parties, fashion shows, brand launches and the most exclusive private events.
Our rates start at $70 per hour and that reflects the caliber of our team.
Why clients trust us:
- Agency-signed model talent
- Trained in fine dining and luxury service
- Impeccable grooming and professionalism
- Trusted by brands like Ferrari, Rolls Royce, McLaren and more
- National service in NYC, LA, Miami, SF and beyond
- Fully insured and liability covered
When your event has to look and feel world class, Runway Waiters delivers.
When you hire party servers, remember that this isn’t just about checking out the boxes. You have to choose the right team to give your guests a premium experience that they can remember for a long while.
For corporate galas, brand launches, high-end weddings or private parties, Runway Waiters brings unmatched professionalism and presence.
To book premium servers for your next event click here: https://www.runwaywaiters.com/waitstaff
Request a quote today and let’s make your event flawless.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to hire a server?
Our staff starts at $70 per hour, 5-hour minimum.
How much does it cost to staff an entire event?
Here are some examples:
- Small dinner for 20 guests: around $560 to $1120
- Luxury wedding for 100 guests: about $4200 or more
- Large brand event for 200+ guests: $10k or more depending on scope and hours
How many servers do I need?
The number of servers you need depends on the type of luxury event you’re hosting. For a plated dinner, you’ll typically need one server for every 10 to 12 guests to ensure attentive service. A buffet setup generally requires one server for every 15 to 20 guests to assist with food stations and guest needs. For a cocktail party, plan on one server for every 20 to 25 guests, along with bartenders and a captain to oversee the service team.
How do I hire event staff?
The best way is to use a premium agency like Runway Waiters. We’ll provide a clear quote, explain exactly what’s included and match you with the right team.
How do I find a good bartender?
Look for someone who is licensed, experienced with upscale events, and knows how to create signature drinks. They should also have a great appearance and energy.
How much does it cost to hire waitstaff for events?
For luxury events, you’re looking at $70 to $100 per hour depending on the role.
How do I choose the right agency?
Look for an agency with a strong track record in luxury events and a team that includes models or brand ambassadors if that fits your vision. Make sure they are fully insured, have consistently positive reviews, and communicate clearly and professionally throughout the process. These are all signs of a reliable, high-quality service provider.
Do bartenders need to be licensed?
Yes, in most states bartenders need to be certified to serve alcohol.