Frequently Asked
Answers, before you ask.
The details that matter when booking a private bar — alcohol, travel, staffing, retainers, and what happens if plans change.
We do not sell alcohol. We provide curated beverage selection and shopping guidance — a custom shopping list built for your guest count and menu, plus optional concierge shopping where you purchase the product.
We serve Malibu, Pacific Palisades, Santa Monica, Venice, Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, Calabasas and greater Los Angeles. Events outside that radius are quoted with a custom travel fee.
As a rule of thumb, one bartender per 50 guests. We'll recommend additional staff automatically when your guest count calls for it.
Yes — the Mobile Bar and Private Cocktail Experience packages include a polished, event-ready bar delivered, set up and broken down by our team.
Ice, coolers and ice bins are included in the Mobile Bar and Private Cocktail Experience packages.
Cups, napkins and straws are included in our bar packages. Premium glassware is available as an upgrade starting at $150.
Absolutely. Choose from our menu during booking, and we'll design the list around your event.
Yes. The Private Cocktail Experience includes two customized signature cocktails, and additional ones can be added for $75 each.
A 25% booking retainer secures your date. The remaining balance is due 7 days before your event.
Cancellations 30 or more days before the event receive a full refund of amounts paid. Cancellations 14–29 days out receive 50%. Inside 14 days, amounts paid are non-refundable, though your retainer may be transferred once to a new available date.
Reach out as early as possible. With sufficient notice, your retainer may be transferred once to a new available date.
Our team typically arrives 60–90 minutes before service begins for setup, depending on package and venue access.
Yes — weddings are one of our most requested services, from cocktail hour through last call.
Yes. We regularly serve corporate dinners, offsites, holiday parties and brand activations.
Yes. Events over 100 guests are quoted custom with the right staffing and bar footprint.
Always. Share your event details and we'll build a package around it.
How booking works
01
Choose Your Experience
Select bartender-only service, mobile bar, or complete cocktail experience.
02
Customize Your Bar
Choose cocktails, signature drinks, upgrades, garnishes, and additional services.
03
Secure Your Date
Pay the 25% booking retainer.
04
Enjoy Your Event
High Tide Bartending arrives, sets up, serves, and handles the bar.
Still have questions?
We're happy to talk through your event and build a package around it.
21+ Only
High Tide Bartending provides staffing, equipment, and beverage service only. All services are reserved for guests and hosts 21 years of age or older. We do not sell, supply, or furnish alcohol — the host is solely responsible for purchasing all alcohol and for ensuring lawful service and consumption at their event.
Full details in our terms & policies.
Ready to build your bar?
Your event deserves more than a bottle on the counter. High Tide Bartending brings the bar, the cocktails, and the experience directly to you.