Dry Hire Bartending,
Explained

What "Dry Hire" Actually Means

A dry hire mobile bar provides the full bar experience — professional bartenders, the physical bar, mixers, syrups, garnishes, glassware or cups, ice bins, menus, setup and breakdown — while the host purchases the alcohol directly.

In Texas, this is not a workaround; it is how the law is designed. Under TABC rules, a private event where alcohol is provided free to guests (not sold) does not require a liquor license. Because we never sell alcohol, we operate legally as a service provider, and you buy your spirits at retail instead of at a licensed caterer's marked-up per-drink rate.

What You Buy vs. What We Bring

You purchase: the spirits, beer, wine, and champagne — that is it. We send you a precise shopping list based on your guest count and menu, so there is no guesswork — and we can coordinate delivery through our trusted partner if you would rather not haul cases.

We bring: everything else. Two-to-three signature cocktails designed for you, premium syrups and fresh juices, all mixers, all the ice, garnishes, cups, straws, napkins, the bar itself, professional bartenders, water and soda stations, and a flawless setup and breakdown.

The Math, Honestly

A licensed open bar in Texas typically costs $25–$50 per guest. For 100 guests, that is $2,500–$5,000 — and unopened bottles belong to the caterer.

A dry hire package from Sip N Social on Wheels starts at $700 and tops out at $1,800, ice included. Alcohol for 100 guests on a curated cocktail menu usually runs $1,000–$1,800 at retail. Total: $1,700–$3,600, with every leftover bottle yours to keep. The savings are real, and they are usually the size of a honeymoon flight.

Why Dry Hire Is the Luxury Choice, Not the Budget One

• You control the quality: pour the tequila you actually love, not the house brand.
• Your menu is bespoke: signature cocktails named for your story, not a caterer's standard list.
• Your bar is a design piece: our signature green wooden bar photographs like furniture, not a folding table.
• Fewer moving parts: one vendor for the bar experience, one shopping list, one clear price.

Common Questions We Hear

• Is it legal? Yes — for private events where alcohol is not sold. Cash bars and ticketed events require a licensed provider.
• Do we need insurance? We are licensed and insured. Some venues also require host liquor liability, which is inexpensive and we can point you to.
• Can you help us buy? Absolutely — we send a shopping list and can coordinate delivery.
• What about ice? Included in every cocktail package — you never haul a bag.

Ready to Design Your Bar?

Dry hire is how nearly every Sip N Social on Wheels wedding works — from The Vessel in Corpus Christi to Chapel in Gruene to Hill Country ranches. Begin with a consultation and we will show you what your bar could look like, and exactly what it will cost.