FAQs | Bar-Key Bartending

Do you provide the alcohol?

No. Bar-Key is a dry-hire service, which means you purchase and transport the alcohol yourself. We provide everything else: professional bartenders, all non-alcoholic supplies, ice, glassware, and full bar setup. Because you buy alcohol at retail prices instead of paying a caterer's markup, you save significantly. We also provide a personalized shopping guide so you know exactly what to buy and how much.

What does dry hire mean?

In Oklahoma, only caterers with an off-site liquor catering license can transport and supply alcohol for an event. With dry hire, you purchase and transport the alcohol yourself, and we bring everything else: the bar, tools, glassware, ice, mixers, garnishes, and trained bartenders. You save money by buying alcohol at retail prices instead of paying a markup.

What areas do you serve?

We serve Oklahoma City and the greater metro area, including Edmond, Norman, Moore, Yukon, Nichols Hills, and surrounding communities. Contact us for events outside the metro area.

What types of events do you serve?

We serve weddings, corporate events, birthday parties, holiday gatherings, tailgates, anniversaries, nonprofit galas, and more. Each event type has tailored packages designed around your needs and guest count.

Can you create custom cocktails?

Personalized cocktail development is one of our favorite parts of the process. We work with you to create signature drinks that reflect your style, your story, and your event. For our Iconic wedding tier, we also offer a Cocktail Creation Night in partnership with BarKeep OKC, where you and your partner design your signature cocktails together.

Do you offer non-alcoholic or mocktail options?

We offer a full range of non-alcoholic options, including custom mocktail menus designed with the same care as our cocktail menus. Whether it's a signature virgin cocktail, a craft lemonade bar, or NA beer and wine, your non-drinking guests get the same experience as everyone else.

How do I know how much alcohol to buy?

We take the guesswork out of it. After you book, we send you a personalized shopping guide based on your guest count, event duration, and drink preferences. It tells you exactly what to buy and how much, so nothing goes to waste and nobody runs dry.

How much are your services?

Pricing depends on your event type, guest count, and any add-ons you choose. Fill out our estimate form for a custom quote. It takes about two minutes.

What does a Bar-Key package include?

Every package includes professional bartenders, all non-alcoholic supplies (mixers, garnishes, ice, cups, napkins, straws), a custom drink menu, and full bar setup and breakdown. Staffing scales with your guest count so you always have the right number of bartenders and barbacks for your event. It's a dry-hire model, which means you provide the alcohol and save money by buying at retail prices.

How do I book?

Start by filling out our estimate form or reaching out directly. Once you're happy with your package, a 30% non-refundable deposit secures your date. We'll set up your private client portal where you can manage everything leading up to the event.

How far in advance should I book?

We recommend booking 3 to 6 months in advance, especially for weekend events during peak season (April through October). That said, we can sometimes accommodate shorter timelines depending on availability. The sooner you reach out, the better your chances of locking in your preferred date.

What is your cancellation policy?

If Bar-Key Bartending cancels for any reason, you will receive a full refund of all payments made, including the deposit. If you need to cancel: More than 30 days before your event: your non-refundable deposit is retained, and 50% of any additional payments made will be refunded within 14 business days. 30 days or fewer before your event: all payments are non-refundable. To cancel, written notice is required (email is acceptable). The cancellation date is the date Bar-Key Bartending receives your written notice.

Do you offer bar rentals or custom bar setups?

Through our partnership with Bar Courier, we offer a range of bar setup options, from themed setups that match your decor to fully custom-built bars designed specifically for your event.

What do I need to provide?

You're responsible for purchasing and transporting the alcohol to the venue, providing reasonable access for our team to set up and break down, securing any permits your venue requires for alcohol service, and designating a day-of point of contact who will be available during the event.

What is your gratuity policy?

Gratuity is not included in your invoice, and Bar-Key Bartending does not expect or require tips at your event. If guests choose to offer a gratuity to our staff, they will accept graciously. There is no obligation for you or your guests to tip, and the quality of service will be the same regardless.

Are you licensed and insured?

Bar-Key Bartending is fully licensed and insured, including liquor liability coverage. All of our bartenders are ABLE-licensed by the State of Oklahoma.

How do you handle responsible alcohol service?

We take this seriously. We check IDs for anyone who appears under 30, and we reserve the right to refuse service to any guest who is visibly intoxicated, regardless of who they are. That includes members of the wedding party or family. Last call is announced 30 minutes before the contracted end time, and all remaining alcohol is returned to you at the end of service.

What are your service hours?

Bar service begins at the contracted start time. Our team arrives 2 to 3 hours early for setup and breakdown. We quietly stop serving 30 minutes before your contracted end time with no formal last call. Overtime is available at an additional hourly rate, subject to bartender availability.

What is your booking and payment policy?

A 30% non-refundable deposit is required to secure your date. The remaining balance is due 14 days before your event. We accept credit card and debit card through our secure payment portal. Changes to your package can be made up to two weeks before your event. If Bar-Key Bartending cancels for any reason, you receive a full refund.

What is your communication policy?

We respond to all inquiries within 24 hours. If any issue arises before or during your event, your dedicated point of contact at Bar-Key will work with you to resolve it. We believe in honest, direct communication and will always keep you informed.