What the Heck Is a Dry Hire Bartender? (And Why It Could Save You Thousands)
If you’re planning a wedding in Oklahoma, you’ve probably stumbled across the term “dry hire bartender” while comparing mobile bar services.
And if your first thought was, Wait… what does that even mean? — you’re not alone.
It’s one of those industry phrases that gets tossed around at venue walk-throughs and in Facebook bride groups, yet rarely explained clearly. So let’s break it down — what it means, why almost every mobile bar in Oklahoma operates this way, and how it can actually work to your advantage.
What Exactly Is a Dry Hire Bartender?
In the simplest terms, a dry hire bartender is a bartender who provides the service but not the alcohol.
That means we bring the expertise, mixers, tools, ice, and presentation — but you purchase and supply the alcohol yourself. Think of it as a partnership: we handle the craft and coordination, and you maintain control over what’s being served.
At The Sipsy Schooner, our team provides everything you’d expect from a professional, insured bar service: skilled bartenders, high-quality ingredients, eye-catching setups, and seamless execution. The only thing we don’t do is sell or transport the liquor — and that’s for a very important reason.
Why Most Oklahoma Bartenders Operate as “Dry Hire”
Oklahoma has some of the strictest liquor laws in the country, and they shape almost everything about how events are served here.
Only two types of businesses are eligible for a liquor license:
Brick-and-mortar bars or restaurants, and
Caterers whose income comes at least 90% from food sales
That’s it. If you’re a mobile bar, food truck, or private event company — no matter how established or reputable — you legally can’t sell or provide alcohol.
So when you see an Oklahoma mobile bar advertising “dry hire,” it isn’t just a preference. It’s the law.
What That Means for You as a Couple
Because so few businesses qualify for liquor licenses, those that do often hold a virtual monopoly. They set the prices, choose the brands, and limit your flexibility — and the markups can be eye-watering.
When you’re locked into their selections, you lose control over the experience you’re offering your guests. Want to serve local craft beer or your favorite tequila brand? Too bad — it’s whatever’s on their list.
Dry hire bartending flips that script. You decide which alcohol to purchase, where to buy it, and how much you’re comfortable spending. You’re not paying restaurant-level markups on bottles or paying for several cases of wine you didn’t need.
How Much You Can Save by Using a Dry Hire Bar Service
Here’s where things get exciting: couples who book dry hire bartenders in Oklahoma typically save around $2,000 on a 200-guest wedding compared to hiring a licensed caterer.
That’s not just a lucky guess — it’s the real-world difference between wholesale bottle pricing and inflated catering costs.
When you work with The Sipsy Schooner, we use our relationships with local liquor distributors to secure discounts that we pass directly to our clients. We’ll even help you create a customized shopping list based on your guest count, cocktail choices, and preferences. In many cases, our distributors can handle the purchase and delivery straight to your venue (depending on location and venue rules).
The result? Less stress, more savings, and a bar menu that actually reflects your taste.
A Quick Word About Legal Bartending in Oklahoma
If you ever come across a bartender who offers to bring or sell the alcohol for your event, that’s a major red flag.
It’s illegal in Oklahoma for anyone without a liquor license to transport or sell alcohol — period. Bartenders who are willing to break the law to secure a booking often cut corners elsewhere too, from inadequate insurance to unsafe service practices.
Protect your event (and yourself) by hiring a licensed, insured dry hire bartender who follows state law to the letter. It’s the only way to ensure your wedding day runs smoothly — and legally.
The Bottom Line
Dry hire bartending isn’t just the only legal way to serve alcohol at most Oklahoma events — it’s also the smartest.
You get flexibility, transparency, and major savings without sacrificing professionalism or guest experience.
At The Sipsy Schooner, we specialize in creating unforgettable bar experiences that fit your style, your budget, and Oklahoma law. From personalized cocktail menus to picture-perfect bar setups, our team takes care of the details so you can focus on celebrating.👉 Learn more or request a custom quote at sipsyschooner.com
