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Premier Event Staffing

We have set the standard in the events industry by providing professional hospitality staffing to the finest caterers, event planners, hotels, restaurants, event venues, country clubs, and more. We deliver experienced, courteous, and reliable service excellence from small private parties to large scale events.

Services

Bartenders

Waitstaff

We provide expert bartenders and bar service for parties of any size. The staff is fully trained, certified and covered by both liquor and general liability insurance. We handle everything needed for full bar service including specialty drink design, alcohol ordering or support, and provide all equipment needed for your full bar to include supplies such as: a portable bar, ice, soda, mixers, garnish, cups, napkins, and of course talented and experienced staff.

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a person in a chef's uniform preparing food on a table
a person in a chef's uniform preparing food on a table

Chef

Coordinator

is your trusted partner in producing extraordinary events. With more than 30 years of event production experience, our Los Angeles-based event production agency specializes in turning your visions into reality. Our expert team excels in all aspects of event production – creative design and detailed planning to event management, coordination, and flawless execution. Let us show you how we can transform your ideas into an unforgettable event today!

Experienced chef that often offer a range of culinary services, from an intimate private chef experience to executive chef roles. They can provide custom meals, catering to a 1000'guests for bigger events, or lead kitchen operations in restaurants and other establishments. It ll comes down to your preference

Our dedicated team of industry experts are masters in making sure events run smoothly, .Build your next event’s team with carefully vetted talent from every corner of the globe. Whether you're a caterer needing help serving guests or having a private party at your , our experienced staff is ready to execute

woman wearing yellow long-sleeved dress under white clouds and blue sky during daytime

Premier Event Staffing made our event unforgettable with their exceptional service and professionalism. Highly recommended!

Sarah L.-Issaquah

An open-air event is taking place in front of a shopping mall with branded stores. A stage is set up for performances, surrounded by a crowd of people. White tents are positioned around the area, possibly for vendors or information booths. There's an inflatable game setup that appears to be a mechanical bull ride. The atmosphere seems lively and crowded.
An open-air event is taking place in front of a shopping mall with branded stores. A stage is set up for performances, surrounded by a crowd of people. White tents are positioned around the area, possibly for vendors or information booths. There's an inflatable game setup that appears to be a mechanical bull ride. The atmosphere seems lively and crowded.

The waitstaff were attentive and friendly, making our corporate event a huge success. Thank you, Sean!

John D. -Sumner

A rustic outdoor setting featuring a canopy-covered bar adorned with greenery and bottles. Director-style chairs with branding are arranged in the foreground, and tents are visible in the background, giving a festival or casual event vibe.
A rustic outdoor setting featuring a canopy-covered bar adorned with greenery and bottles. Director-style chairs with branding are arranged in the foreground, and tents are visible in the background, giving a festival or casual event vibe.
★★★★★
★★★★★

Proper Staffing for a Catered Event: Ensuring Seamless Service and an Unforgettable Experience

The success of any catered event, whether a casual gathering or a VIP affair, hinges on having the right number of staff. Proper staffing ensures that every detail is handled with precision, guests are well-attended, and the overall experience is flawless. Below, we’ll explore the recommended staffing levels for different types of events, including buffet-style, tray-passed service, plated meals, and family-style dinners, along with special considerations for VIP events. Additionally, we’ll discuss the specific staffing needs for the bar, a critical element of any event.

Buffet Service

Buffet-style service offers flexibility for guests, but it requires careful planning to ensure that everything runs smoothly.

  • Servers: For a buffet, you should have 1 server for every 3 chafing dishes. This ratio ensures that the buffet remains stocked and clean, and that guests receive any assistance they need.

  • Bussers: To keep the dining area clean and clear of empty plates and glasses, plan for 1 busser for every 24 guests.

  • Service Captain: If your event has 5 or more staff members, appointing 1 service captain is essential. The service captain oversees the team, coordinates service flow, and addresses any issues that arise.

Tray-Passed Service

Tray-passed service is ideal for cocktail hours or events where guests are encouraged to mingle.

  • Servers: The recommended ratio for tray-passed service is 1 server for every 25 guests. This ensures that guests have frequent opportunities to enjoy hors d'oeuvres and beverages.

Plated Service

Plated service, often chosen for more formal events, requires a higher level of staffing to ensure timely and efficient service.

  • Servers: For plated service, aim for 1 server for every 10 guests. This allows for attentive, prompt service, ensuring that each guest receives their meal at the right time.

  • Kitchen Staff: To manage the preparation and plating of meals, plan for 3 kitchen staff members for every 50 guests.

  • Head Chef/Kitchen Lead: A dedicated head chef or kitchen lead is necessary for every 75 guests to oversee kitchen operations and maintain the quality and timing of food service.

Family-Style Service

Family-style service, where guests share large dishes at the table, combines elements of both buffet and plated service.

  • Servers: Similar to plated service, aim for 1 server for every 10 guests. This ensures that food is delivered promptly, dishes are replenished as needed, and guests' requests are handled efficiently.

  • Kitchen Staff: The standard of 3 kitchen staff members for every 50 guests applies here as well, ensuring smooth preparation and service of shared dishes.

  • Head Chef/Kitchen Lead: As with plated service, a head chef or kitchen lead is necessary for every 75 guests to oversee meal preparation and service.

Bar Staff

The bar is a central feature at most events, and proper staffing is essential to keep the drinks flowing and guests satisfied.

  • Bartenders and Barbacks: For every 50 guests, you’ll need 1 bartender and 1 barback to ensure efficient service. If your guest list reaches 50 to 65 people, increase the staff to 2 bartenders. For events with 100 guests, plan for 2 bartenders and 1 barback to maintain a steady flow of service.

Proper bar staffing not only prevents long wait times but also enhances the overall guest experience, making sure everyone enjoys their favorite drinks without delay.

VIP Events

For VIP events, providing an elevated level of service is crucial. Consider increasing the number of staff to provide more personalized attention. For example, you might have 1 server for every 15 guests for plated service or 1 server for every 20 guests for tray-passed service. Additionally, increasing the number of bartenders or adding a sommelier can further enhance the experience for VIP guests.

Why Proper Staffing Matters

Having enough staff is vital for several reasons:

  • Guest Experience: Proper staffing ensures that guests feel well-attended and valued, with minimal wait times and prompt service.

  • Efficiency: Adequate staffing helps maintain a smooth flow of operations, reducing the likelihood of mistakes or delays.

  • Quality: More staff allows for better attention to detail, ensuring that everything from food presentation to cleanliness meets high standards.

  • Stress Reduction: With the right number of staff, hosts and guests can relax and enjoy the event, knowing that every detail is being handled professionally.

In conclusion, proper staffing is a key factor in the success of any catered event. By following the recommended staffing ratios for different service styles and ensuring the bar is well-staffed, you can create a seamless, efficient, and enjoyable experience for all. Whether it’s a buffet, plated dinner, or VIP event, having the right team in place makes all the difference.

Your Full Service event professional Since 2006

Hello@premierstaffing.biz

206-487-4844

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Events