What Is a Dry Hire Bar?

Written By Anthony Berrospi

If you’ve been researching wedding or event bartending, you’ve probably seen the term “dry hire bar.” It can sound confusing at first, but in reality, dry hire is the industry standard for professional events, especially weddings, corporate gatherings, and venues across California.

This guide breaks down exactly what a dry hire bar is, why venues prefer it, and how it benefits you as a host.

Alcohol selection purchased by client for a dry hire wedding bar

A client-selected alcohol lineup for a corporate event. dry hire allows hosts to prioritize quality where it matters most to them.

What Does “Dry Hire Bar” Mean?

A dry hire bar means the bartending company doesn’t provide the alcohol itself.

With a dry hire bar, the client supplies:

  • Spirits, wine, beer, and champagne

The bar service may provide:

  • Certified bartenders

  • Full mobile bar setup

  • Ice, coolers, tools, and equipment

  • Fresh mixers, juices, syrups, and garnishes

  • Custom menu design and signage

  • Setup, service, and breakdown

This structure keeps events compliant, flexible, and fully customizable.

Why Do Most Venues Require Dry Hire Bars?

Many venues—especially wedding venues—do not allow third parties to sell or provide alcohol on-site unless they hold a specific liquor license tied to the venue.

Dry hire bars solve this by:

  • Keeping alcohol ownership with the host

  • Reducing liability for the venue

  • Ensuring professional service without licensing conflicts

It’s the safest and most widely accepted model in California.

What About Bar Companies That Provide Alcohol?

Some bar companies do offer alcohol as part of their service. While this can sound convenient, it often comes with significant trade-offs, especially for weddings.

In most cases:

  • Alcohol is marked up well above retail pricing

  • You’re limited to the company’s approved liquor suppliers or house brands

  • Package pricing can make it difficult to see what you’re actually paying for

This model can work for certain venues or public-facing events, but for private weddings it often results in higher overall costs and less flexibility.

Why Many Couples Prefer Dry Hire Instead

A couple enjoying their wedding day. Dry hire bar service gives couples the freedom to design a bar experience that reflects their priorities, preferences, and vision.

The Benefits of a Dry Hire Bar

1. More Control Over Your Bar Budget

You purchase the alcohol directly, which means:

  • No markup on bottles

  • Freedom to choose brands you love

  • Ability to tailor quantities to your guest list

We help clients build a precise shopping list so there’s no guesswork.

2. Fully Customizable Cocktail Experience

Dry hire allows complete creative freedom:

  • Signature cocktails

  • Seasonal menus

  • Cultural or themed drinks

  • Non-alcoholic options crafted with intention

Your bar reflects your event.

3. Professional, Venue-Approved Service

You still receive:

  • Certified, insured bartenders

  • Polished bar presentation

  • Smooth, efficient service

Without the legal complexity of alcohol sales.

How Soirée Society Does Dry Hire Differently

At Soirée Society, dry hire doesn’t mean “basic.”

We elevate the experience by:

  • Designing menus around your event vision

  • Using fresh, house-made ingredients

  • Building drinks to order for more flexibility and customization

  • Adapting service flow to your venue and timeline

The result is a craft cocktail experience with the flexibility venues require.

Is a Dry Hire Bar Right for Your Event?

If you’re planning a wedding, corporate event, or private celebration in the Bay Area, chances are the answer is yes.

Explore our Bar Services | View Our Menu | Contact Us to Start Planning

Anthony Berrospi