Wedding Bartending on Vancouver Island: What to Know, Options, and Costs
- Wedding Bartending on Vancouver Island: What to Know, Options, and Costs
- Option 1: Hiring professional wedding bartenders
- Who supplies the alcohol in BC?
- Option 2: Renting a bar setup
- Option 3: Mobile bars and bar trailers
- Option 4: Having a friend or family member bartend
- How to choose what’s right for your wedding
- Final thoughts
Wedding Bartending on Vancouver Island: What to Know, Options, and Costs
Bartending is one of those wedding details that can feel simple at first, until you actually start planning it. On Vancouver Island, couples have a few solid options depending on their venue, budget, and overall vibe.
From professional bartenders and mobile bars to rentals and DIY setups, here’s a clear breakdown of what works, what’s common, and what to plan for.
If you want to browse local bartenders right away, you can start here:
Option 1: Hiring professional wedding bartenders
This is the most common route for couples who want things to run smoothly.
Professional bartenders handle:
- Drink service and pacing
- Setup and teardown of the bar area
- Glassware flow and basic cleanup
- Keeping things compliant and organized
This option works especially well if your venue already has a bar space but does not supply staff.
Many Vancouver Island venues fall into this category, especially outdoor, rural, or private properties.
Who supplies the alcohol in BC?
This is important to know early.
In British Columbia, most wedding bartenders operate on a dry hire basis. That means:
- You supply the alcohol
- You choose what’s served
- Bartenders handle service only
To serve alcohol legally, the event host must obtain a Special Event Permit from the LCRB. This permit lets you decide if you’re running:
- An open bar
- A cash bar
- A ticket-based bar
Many bartending teams are happy to help guide you through this process, and some can even assist with picking up alcohol ahead of the event.
If permits feel confusing, you’re not alone. But it's really not difficult, one and done.
For licenses, permits, and other shenanigans, check out our resources page:
👉 Wedding & Event Planning Resources
👉 Apply for a BC Special Event Liquor Permit
Option 2: Renting a bar setup
If your venue doesn’t have a built-in bar, renting one is very common.
Bar rentals typically cost around $300, depending on size and style. They’re a great middle ground if you want a polished look without committing to a full mobile bar.
Rental companies often provide:
- Bar structures
- Back shelving
- Ice bins and basic accessories
Some rental companies also know local bartenders and can point you in the right direction.
A popular local option:
Option 3: Mobile bars and bar trailers
Mobile bars have become a big trend on Vancouver Island, especially for:
- Backyard weddings
- Farm venues
- Forest and outdoor settings
These are self-contained bars that roll in and instantly become a focal point. They’re functional, stylish, and usually include experienced bartenders.
Mobile bars are a great fit if:
- Your venue has no bar infrastructure
- You want a strong visual element
- Your wedding has a relaxed or modern vibe
They tend to cost more than simple rentals but can replace several separate vendors at once.
Option 4: Having a friend or family member bartend
Yes, people still do this. And sometimes it’s actually great.
Having a trusted friend or family member behind the bar can:
- Save money
- Feel personal and fun
- Work well for smaller weddings
If you go this route, make sure:
- They’re comfortable handling a crowd
- You keep the drink menu simple
- They have their serving it right certificate (easily obtained online)
Some couples also mix this with a rental bar setup to keep things looking polished.
How to choose what’s right for your wedding
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Most couples decide based on:
- Venue requirements
- Guest count
- Budget
- How hands-on they want to be
If you’re unsure, starting with a quick conversation with your venue, or wedding coordinator will clear things up quick.
You can explore Vancouver Island bartending options here:
👉 View wedding bartenders on Vancouver Island 👉 View wedding coordinators on Vancouver Island
Final thoughts
Bartending doesn’t need to be complicated, but it does benefit from early planning. Once you know who’s supplying the alcohol, who’s serving it, and where the bar is going, the rest tends to fall into place.
Whether you go full-service, mobile, rental-based, or DIY, Vancouver Island has plenty of solid options to make it work smoothly and safely.
