Waitstaff for Hire Near Me

There are two common ways to tip your event staff. You can provide a tip based on the total bill or per worker. If you give a tip based on the total bill, 15-20% is customary. If tipping per worker, the standard rate is $20-$30 per staff member and $100-$200 for the maître d’. See our complete guide to tipping wedding vendors for more info on who to tip and how much.

Most staffing agencies will have different packages, so you can get the specific services you need. However, generally, the waitstaff will prepare the tables, serve food and drink, replenish the food at a buffet, clear the tables, and take out the trash at the end of the night.

On average, a professional waitstaff charges $50-$75 per hour. The exact price for event staffing can vary depending on your location, the size of your event, and the number of servers you need.

The number of waiters you need will depend on the style of the meal and the number of guests that are attending. For a formal, multi-course meal, it is best to have 1 to 2 waiters per every 10 guests. Whereas, for a simple meal or buffet, 1 waiter per 25 guests is preferred. If you’re still unsure, consult with your event planner or the staffing service directly.

The typical waitstaff attire is all black and consists of a black dress shirt, black pants, and black shoes. Another common outfit is a white dress shirt, black tie, black pants, and black shoes. Each waitstaff company will have its own uniform so be sure to discuss attire with them prior to booking, especially if you have a particular style in mind.

A server is someone with the specific task of serving a customer/table while a waitstaff is the collective group of workers who handle a variety of tasks during a meal. Servers focus on the customers by taking food and drink orders. Waitstaff will include servers but they also provide general assistance before, during, and after the meal such as tending to the buffet, setting tables, clearing away plates and glasses, and taking out the trash.

Waitstaff duties do not directly include bartending or food preparation, so you will need to book caterers and bartenders separately. However, many full-service companies that provide waitstaff also provide catering and bartending services. When contacting staffing companies, be sure to inquire about any additional services they may provide.

The exact distance that a waitstaff travels will be up to each business. However, due to the number of workers and the equipment that they transport, a waitstaff will often charge travel fees for events outside of the city in which they are located. Many begin charging additional fees beyond 10 miles of their office or main location.

Yes, you can make money by joining an existing staffing company as a waiter or waitress or by starting your own waitstaff business. A waitstaff is needed for all kinds of special events such as weddings, holiday parties, and corporate events.

We highly recommend creating a professional portfolio that shows off your experience and qualifications! Potential clients will want to see the various table settings you can provide, what the staff looks like at the event, as well as any reviews or referrals from past clients.

Liability insurance is required by many venues. As a waitstaff company, you will be working events that are primarily held in booked venues. Because of this, you will need to purchase insurance for your business.