Hire a Bartender for a House Party in Tampa: Cost and What to Know

A bartender at a house party changes the night. Nobody is stuck mixing drinks in the kitchen, the drinks actually taste good, and the host gets to be a guest. In Tampa it is also more affordable than most people expect.

What it costs

BigCee Exotic BarLuxe prices by guest count. A house party of up to 25 guests is the Bronze package at $250 for 4 hours. Up to 50 guests is Silver at $350 for 5 hours. Those prices include the licensed bartender, the styled mobile bar, setup and breakdown, premium mixers, ice, garnishes, cups, napkins, and straws. You supply the alcohol, which usually runs a few hundred dollars at retail for a party that size.

What shows up at your door

• A styled mobile bar that becomes the centerpiece of the room or yard
• A licensed bartender who sets up, serves for the scheduled hours, and breaks down
• Signature cocktails built around what you want to pour
• Everything except the alcohol

Setting up the space

Plan for about a 6 by 4 foot footprint for the bar with room for a line in front. A patio, garage, lanai, or living room corner all work. The bar does not need a water hookup. Shade or cover helps in summer, and a nearby outlet is nice for lighting but not required. Tell BigCee about stairs, gates, or a long walk from the driveway so she can plan the load-in.

Keeping it legal and safe at home

Because this is a dry-hire service, you are the one buying the alcohol, and your guests are drinking in your home. BigCee is licensed and monitors the bar throughout the night. She can pace, limit, or refuse service to anyone who has had enough, and that protects you as the host. Guests under 21 get mocktails. Have a plan for rides home and water on the bar.

The timeline

• Book online at least 48 hours ahead. Weekends in spring and December fill first.
• Pay the deposit by card when you book. $50 for packages $300 and under, 50% above that.
• Have the alcohol ready for pickup or delivered by 7:30 PM the day before.
• Pay the remaining balance 48 to 72 hours before the party.
• On the day, BigCee arrives, sets up, serves for your scheduled hours, and breaks down.

Need more hours?

Extra hours on standard packages are $50 per hour, arranged in advance. If your party will clearly run past the package hours, book them up front. Time is not added at the end of the night on request.

BigCee serves house parties across Tampa, Brandon, Riverview, Lutz, Carrollwood, Seminole Heights, Wesley Chapel, Land O' Lakes, Temple Terrace, and over the bridge in St. Petersburg and Clearwater. Enter your guest count on the booking page to see your exact price.