4 Wedding Bartender Tips

Having a bartender operate a bar at a wedding has become commonplace at most nuptial celebrations. While this is most definitely a good time for the family members in attendance, the person operating the bar needs to be TABC certified in order to ensure that the fun times remain safe.

Most employers require their bartenders to have an active TABC certification, making it an important aspect of serving alcoholic beverages. With certification comes many lessons about the regulations of the state and more. Find out how to best handle four of the biggest wedding situations at your next event.

1. Always Check I.D.

Even though family may be present at the wedding, it is always a great idea to check for identification. Knowing how to identify a fake I.D. will help keep you out of trouble and keep the party moving in a legal direction.

If there is any possible way you could imagine the person being under 21, you need to ask for identification. In other words, some people have physical characteristics that make it look like they could be in their 30s, but you could also see how that person may be as young as 20. Ever met someone who looks much older or younger than they really are? That’s what we’re talking about. Underage drinking is not only dangerous but also illegal. Play it safe and check I.D.s even at weddings where many of the guests are family or friends.

2. Know How and When to Say “No”

Knowing how to spot the signs of intoxication is important as a seller-server. Look out for:

• Slurring
• Stumbling
• Signs of alcohol poisoning, like vomiting or passing out

If you notice any of the signs coming from someone approaching the bar, be prepared to cut them off. Remember, keeping everyone safe is your top priority as a seller-server of alcohol. Many seller-servers, particularly servers and bartenders, fail to recognize the important role they play in public safety.

When cutting someone off, avoid using accusatory or inflammatory statements like “You’re drunk.” Keep your emotions under control and simply tell the guest that you’re not able to serve them more alcohol. Remember also that you have a responsibility to prevent intoxication. If you have reason to believe that another drink will cause the guest to become intoxicated, you can’t do it.

3. Don’t Let Tips Cloud Your Judgement

If you work as a server or bartender, odds are you rely on tip income. You cannot, under any circumstance, allow the prospect of earning or losing a tip cloud your judgement. If a guest offers you a generous tip in exchange for another drink when you know they should be cut off, don’t do it. Likewise, if you think cutting someone off might lead them to be upset and not tip you appropriately, suck it up and deal with it. Working hard only to lose a tip is never enjoyable, but it’s far better than enabling an intoxicated guest to hurt themselves or someone else.

4. Meet with the Venue and Hosts Beforehand

Meeting with the venue and hosts before the wedding is critical for a successful night. You will not know what the rules are for the venue or what the host desires for the event. Perhaps there is a signature cocktail you will have to prepare. Perhaps the venue does not allow straight liquor to be provided on the premises. This meeting is the time to ask all of the important questions and get all the necessary answers.

TABC On The Fly Gets You Certified, Fast!

If you are ready to become TABC certified and want to do things from the comfort of your home, TABC On The Fly is the program for you. Our online TABC certification course is one that you can take anywhere you have internet access. We will teach you everything you need to know in order to become certified in the state of Texas. Register for our affordable, quick course today!

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