So you're engaged: congratulations! Now comes the fun part: planning a wedding in West Texas. Whether you're saying "I do" at a rustic barn outside Lubbock, a sleek venue in Midland, or your family's ranch near Big Spring, one thing's for sure: you're gonna need some help.
Finding the right event staff for hire near me can feel overwhelming. Between choosing napkin colors and picking your first dance song, who has time to figure out how many bartenders you actually need? Don't worry, friend. We've got you covered!
Here are 10 things every West Texas bride needs to know before hiring event staff for their big day.
1. TABC Certification Is Non-Negotiable
Let's start with the important stuff. In Texas, anyone serving alcohol at your wedding needs to be TABC certified. That stands for Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, and it's the law: not a suggestion.
When you're searching for event staff for hire near me, always ask if their bartenders are TABC certified. This protects you, your guests, and ensures everyone's serving responsibly. At Chic Staffing, every single one of our bartenders holds current TABC certification. No exceptions!
2. Know Your Server-to-Guest Ratios
Here's a question we get all the time: "How many servers do I actually need?"
Great question! The general rule of thumb is:
- Passed appetizers: 1 server per 25 guests
- Plated dinner: 1 server per 15-20 guests
- Buffet service: 1 server per 30-40 guests
- Bartenders: 1 per 50-75 guests (depending on drink complexity)
Understaffing is one of the biggest mistakes brides make. Your guests shouldn't have to wait 20 minutes for a drink while the Texas sun beats down on them. Trust us: happy guests mean a happy reception!
3. Understand the Real Costs Upfront
Nobody likes surprise charges on their wedding bill. Here's what professional event staffing typically costs in our area:
- Food servers: $30/hour
- Bartenders: $40/hour+ (TABC certified)
- Security: $60/hour
- Event cleanup: Starting at $250+
Most staffing companies have a 4-hour minimum, and you should expect holiday, peak season, or short-notice pricing to be higher. Always ask about travel fees too: especially if your venue is out in the beautiful middle of nowhere (we love those ranches, but they do add mileage!).
4. Bilingual Staff Makes Everyone Feel Welcome
West Texas is beautifully diverse, and chances are your guest list reflects that. If your abuela's flying in from El Paso or your future in-laws primarily speak Spanish, having bilingual staff makes a world of difference.
At Chic Staffing, we're proud to offer bilingual team members who can communicate comfortably with all your guests. It's a small detail that creates big impact: everyone feels included, welcomed, and taken care of.
5. Book Early (But We Can Handle Last-Minute Too!)
Here's the deal: wedding season in West Texas is real. Spring and fall weekends book up fast because: let's be honest: nobody wants an outdoor July wedding when it's 105 degrees.
We recommend booking your wedding catering Lubbock staff at least 2-3 months in advance. But life happens! Maybe your original staffing company fell through, or you realized last minute you need more hands on deck. We offer same-day and last-minute staffing because we get it. Weddings are stressful enough!
6. Ask About Insurance and Reliability
This might not be the most romantic wedding planning topic, but it matters. Professional event staffing companies carry liability insurance: including liquor liability. This protects you if anything goes sideways.
Also, ask how they handle confirmations. A good company will confirm your assigned staff the day before your event so there are no surprises. You've got enough to worry about without wondering if your bartender is going to show up!
7. Know What Services You Actually Need
When searching for event staff for hire near me, think about the full picture:
- Setup crew to arrange tables and chairs
- Servers for food service
- Bartenders to keep drinks flowing
- Bussers to clear plates and keep things tidy
- Cleanup crew for post-party breakdown
You don't have to hire for everything: maybe your venue handles setup, or your bridesmaids volunteered for cleanup (bless them). But knowing your options helps you build the perfect team for YOUR celebration.
8. Consider Your Venue and Event Flow
A backyard wedding at your parents' place in Wolfforth has different needs than a gala at Buddy Holly Hall. Think about:
- How far is the bar from the ceremony site?
- Will servers need to navigate stairs or uneven ground?
- Is there a kitchen on-site, or will staff work from a catering tent?
Share these details with your staffing company during your consultation. The more they know, the better they can prepare!
9. Support Local and Minority-Owned Businesses
Here's something we're really proud of: Chic Staffing is a minority and woman-owned business right here in West Texas. When you hire us, you're supporting your local community and keeping those wedding dollars close to home.
We've partnered with venues across the region: including Texas Tech events and Buddy Holly Hall: and we've built a large, professional team that knows this area inside and out. From Lubbock to Midland, Amarillo to Big Spring, we've got West Texas covered.
10. Understand the Booking Process
Finally, let's walk through what booking actually looks like. No mysteries here!
- Consult: We chat about your event, vision, and needs
- Estimate: You get a clear, detailed quote
- Deposit: Secure your date with a deposit
- Ongoing consult: We stay in touch as details evolve
- Final bill: Confirm final numbers before the big day
- Event day: Our team shows up ready to work!
- Follow-up: We check in to make sure everything was perfect
Simple, right? We want this process to feel easy: because planning a wedding is hard enough!
Ready to Find Your Dream Team?
Finding the right event staff for hire near me doesn't have to be stressful. Whether you're planning an intimate ceremony or a 300-person blowout, the key is working with professionals who understand West Texas weddings.
At Chic Staffing, we bring experienced, TABC-certified, bilingual staff to every event. We know the venues, we know the vibe, and we genuinely love helping couples pull off their perfect day.
Got questions about wedding catering Lubbock or need a quick quote? Reach out to us: we'd love to help make your wedding unforgettable!
Happy planning, y'all! 🤠💍
