Question 1

Is sips licensed and insured?

Accepted Answer

Yes! All staff and I have certifications for TIPS and Safeserv + LLC License and Insurance coverage!

Question 2

What services do you provide?

Accepted Answer

We provide professional bartending services for private events and Day-of-Wedding Coordinating Services. Mobile bartending services includes setting up a bar (whether we use our portable bars or not), mixing and serving drinks, providing a custom menu, and ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for you and your guests + more! Day-of Wedding Coordinating Services - taking over all logistics and timelines so you can be fully present and enjoy every moment. Managing vendors, directing the flow of the day to handling any last-minute surprises. My goal is simple: for you to wake up on your wedding day, get married, and leave the rest to me.

Question 3

How do Virginia's ABC laws affect your services?

Accepted Answer

Under Virginia ABC law, we are not legally allowed to purchase or sell alcohol. This is often referred to as a "dry hire" service. As the event host, you are responsible for purchasing all the alcohol for your event. We will provide you with a detailed shopping list and guide you through the process, ensuring you have everything you need.

Question 4

How do you determine how much alcohol to buy?

Accepted Answer

We will work with you to create a detailed alcohol shopping list based on your guest count, event duration, and drink menu. We provide you with a spirit shopping list consultation to help estimate the right amount of beverages, so you don't over- or under-buy.

Question 5

How do I book your services?

Accepted Answer

The first step is to contact us with the details of your event, including the date, location, and number of guests. We will then provide you with a custom quote. Once you are happy with the quote, we will finalize the details and secure your event date with a deposit and a signed contract.

Question 6

Can you help me get the Virginia ABC Banquet License?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we can guide you through the process of obtaining a one-day banquet license from the Virginia ABC. This license is required for most private events that serve alcohol at an unlicensed venue (e.g., a wedding venue, a rented hall, etc.). We can explain the application process and provide you with the information you need to apply through the Virginia ABC's online system.

Question 7

Do you offer signature cocktails?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We love creating custom drink menus. We will work with you to design unique signature cocktails that reflect your taste, event theme, or personal story. We can even give the drinks a fun name to add a personalized touch to your event.

Question 8

How far in advance should I book your services for mobile bartending?

Accepted Answer

To ensure availability, especially during peak seasons like summer and fall, we recommend booking our services as soon as you have your event date and venue secured. We can sometimes accommodate last-minute requests, but booking in advance gives us plenty of time to plan and perfect every detail of your bar service.

Question 9

How far in advance should I book your day-of wedding coordinating services?

Accepted Answer

It's a great idea to book as soon as you have your venue and date secured! Even though "day-of" coordination focuses on the final weeks and the wedding day itself, most wedding professionals book up to a year or more in advance, especially for popular dates in the spring and fall. By booking early, you guarantee that you'll have a coordinator available on your specific date, and you get the added benefit of having a trusted resource to ask questions and get advice from throughout your entire planning process.

Question 10

Do you provide non-alcoholic options?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We can certainly provide a variety of non-alcoholic beverages to ensure all of your guests have a great experience. We can create a non-alcoholic signature drink, or provide things like iced tea, lemonade, and sparkling water. We will work with you to plan a complete beverage menu that caters to everyone.

Question 11

My event is at a private residence. Do I still need a banquet license?

Accepted Answer

No, if your event is at a private residence and is not open to the public, you do not need a banquet license. The license is required for events that are held at a venue that does not already hold an ABC license. However, all other laws regarding responsible service and not serving minors still apply.

Question 12

Do you require a deposit to book?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a non-refundable deposit is required to secure your event date. The remaining balance is typically due a specified number of days before your event. This allows us to finalize all the details and prepare for your big day without any last-minute concerns. The specific amount and payment schedule will be clearly outlined in your custom proposal and contract.

Question 13

Can you help with the trash and cleanup?

Accepted Answer

We handle all bar-related cleanup, including our workspace and any messes caused by the service. We will properly dispose of all bottles and cans used during the event. However, we do not provide trash cans or remove general event trash. We ask that the venue or event host provide designated bins for our use.

Question 14

How many bartenders will I need for my event?

Accepted Answer

The number of bartenders depends on several factors, including your guest count, the duration of the event, and the complexity of your drink menu. As a general rule of thumb, we recommend one bartender for every 50-75 guests to ensure a smooth flow and minimal wait times. We will provide a specific recommendation based on your event's details during our consultation.

Question 15

What is the process for a last-minute booking?

Accepted Answer

While we prefer to be booked well in advance, we understand that sometimes life happens. If we have availability, we will do our best to accommodate your request. Please note that last-minute bookings may incur an expedited planning fee and will be subject to our standard contract and payment policies for either mobile bartending services and day-of wedding coordinating services.

Question 16

Can I provide my own non-alcoholic mixers and garnishes?

Accepted Answer

Our packages include all mixers, garnishes, and other bar-related non-alcoholic supplies. This is to ensure a consistent quality and to avoid any last-minute stress for you. However, if you have a special request for a specific ingredient or a family recipe, we are happy to discuss it and see if we can incorporate it into your service.

Question 17

What is the difference between a Day-of Wedding Coordinator and a Wedding Planner?

Accepted Answer

A wedding planner is involved in the entire wedding planning process, from the initial stages of booking a venue and vendors to managing your budget and design. A Day-of Wedding Coordinator, on the other hand, steps in during the final weeks leading up to your wedding to execute the plans you've already made. We are the logistical experts who make sure every detail you've planned comes to life on your wedding day, allowing you to relax and enjoy the celebration.

Question 18

Do you really just show up on the day of the wedding?

Accepted Answer

While our service is called "day-of" coordinating, our work actually begins much earlier. We typically start working with you 4-6 weeks before your wedding day. This is a crucial time for us to get to know your vision, review all of your vendor contracts, create a detailed timeline, and handle any last-minute details. This preparation is what allows us to seamlessly execute your plans on the wedding day.

Question 19

My venue has a coordinator. Do I still need to hire you?

Accepted Answer

A venue coordinator's main responsibility is to the venue itself. They ensure the building is running smoothly, manage the venue's staff, and oversee the logistical aspects directly related to the physical space (e.g., lighting, heat, parking). A day-of wedding coordinator, however, is responsible for you and your wedding. We are your advocate, managing all your vendors, your timeline, and personal details to ensure your entire day—not just the venue portion—runs perfectly. We work closely with the venue coordinator as a team to make sure your day is flawless.

Question 20

What exactly does your day-of coordinating service include?

Accepted Answer

Our services are designed to take over the logistics so you don't have to. Key responsibilities include but are not limited to: Creating a detailed wedding day timeline. Confirming all details with your vendors in the weeks leading up to the wedding. Leading the ceremony rehearsal. Managing the flow of the entire wedding day. Troubleshooting any unforeseen issues. Overseeing vendor arrivals and setup. Coordinating the ceremony processional and recessional. Packing up your personal items at the end of the night.

Question 21

How do you handle unexpected problems on the wedding day?

Accepted Answer

As your coordinator, one of our primary roles is to be the calm in the chaos. We come prepared with an emergency kit and a problem-solving mindset. We handle everything from a misplaced boutonnière to a vendor running behind schedule—often before you or your guests even realize there was an issue. Our goal is to handle these surprises efficiently so that your day remains stress-free.

Question 22

Do you offer a la carte or custom services?

Accepted Answer

Yes. While we have a standard package that covers all the essential "day-of" coordinating tasks, we understand that every wedding is unique. We are happy to discuss your specific needs and create a custom package that might include services! Whether you need help with late night bites vendors, only needing an emergency kit, or simply needing minimal help for your big day - our goal is to provide exactly the support you need, where you need it most.

Question 23

What happens if there's a problem with a vendor on my wedding day?

Accepted Answer

Our primary role is to be the point of contact for all of your vendors on the wedding day. If a vendor is running late, can't find the venue, or has an issue with their equipment, they will call us—not you. We will handle the communication and troubleshooting behind the scenes to find a solution.

Question 24

What is included in your emergency kit?

Accepted Answer

We come prepared for just about anything! Our emergency kit is a curated collection of items that often come in handy on a wedding day. This includes everything from a mini sewing kit and safety pins for a dress emergency to stain remover, scissors, tape, and first-aid supplies. We also have items like deodorant, hairspray, and breath mints to help with any last-minute needs.

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