part 4 of 7

A competent and clued-in wait staff can make all the difference.

People don’t think of wait staff as a critical component to a party.

While wait staff are often the least thanked and recognized people at a successful event, they are the backbone of a smooth, seamless party—the goal of every host. Wait staff hired through professional event staffing companies charge a premium hourly price. One way to avoid this is to get solid recommendations through friends who have held events that require wait staff. Knowledgeable wait staff book fast, and a friend who has compiled an established list of wait staff has a list as valuable as gold. Hourly rates general run $25 with a four-five hour minimum plus an additional hour or more for gratuity.

Every wait staff needs a “lead.” If a problem or situation arises that only a host can answer, it should be brought to the attention of the lead. If the lead can’t solve the problem, it is the lead who discreetly approaches the host to ask the question. For a lead to be effective, a host will need to have him or her come to the house early to be prepped with the knowledge about where things are, how things are to be done, in what state to leave the home once the party is over, how to put things away, what is being served, timing and program, and any other relevant information. If a host is willing to be approached by any wait staff if questions arise, it should be discussed on how to approach a host and when.

When having an at-home wedding, remember the space is personal and intimate, and wait staff should be friendly and interact with guests. However (and I have seen this), wait staff are not to partake in drinking nor to socialize too much with guests. Until the host releases everyone from duty, wait staff are to act professionally. They are there to work and serve and to be invisible. Professionals who know their work understand this concept.

When going through the process of employing and instructing wait staff, keep these considerations in mind:

1. Bartenders will need a solid hour or hour-and-a-half to set up the bar. To speed things up, move the table, table cloths, drinks, glasses and buckets for ice and trash to the general area where the bar will be placed.

2. Wait staff should arrive one hour prior to the start time of party. Let them walk around and get a feel for the space. Meet to go over general information and introductions. Discuss bathroom locations and what to do with wedding gifts. The caterer will also need some time to go over the caterer’s requirements.

3. When the party is winding down, you can start releasing one or two wait staff.

4. Send e-mails out the week before the event confirming wait staff arrival time, parking information and dress. Basic bistro attire is black pants and tie with a white long sleeve dress shirt. Alternatively, they can wear all black: a T-shirt or shirt and pants. Hosts can go unconventional and go to a discount clothing store and buy colored shirts. Giving the wait staff some kind of small additional dress detail serves as a unique and noticeable touch. Hardwood floor protection and noise reduction require rubber sole shoes.

5. Overbooked wait staff? Best to release them at least two weeks in advance as a courtesy so they can find other employment. You should have one wait staff member for every 25 guests, and one bartender for every 50.

6. Make certain a professional caterer is hired. If they aren’t organized or are not doing what they are supposed to do—on time—the blame falls on the wait staff, as they are the front men and women, and guests think it is their fault versus the caterer.

Lastly, a nice touch is to meet all staff people before the party to introduce yourself and thank them in advance for their services. Once a party starts, the hosts will be busy, and by the time it is over, sometimes people don’t have the energy to thank staff. Remember knowledgeable wait staff that are loyal provide better peace of mind for a host to relax and enjoy the party, carefree.

Jason Murakawa’s Small Masterpiece stands alone in rentable antique china, flatware and stemware. Inspiring personal style and redefining the ‘etiquette’ of setting a table, his professional team coordinates, start to finish, all aspects for intimate events. For more information, visit smallmasterpiece.com