FAQ | On The Rocks Girls | Boutique Mobile Bartending

Every Worry. Addressed.

The questions you're asking yourself. The fears keeping you from booking. We've answered all of them.

Costs & Hidden Fees

What You're Really Asking: "Will This Cost More Than Expected?"

What if this costs way more than I think?

Our proposals are completely transparent. You'll see exactly what's included and what it costs before you commit. We don't add surprise fees on event day.

After our initial conversation, we'll send you a detailed proposal within 24 hours that breaks down everything: service hours, bartender fees, what's included, and any optional add-ons. You'll know the full cost upfront.

Do I have to provide the alcohol, or do you? (And why does this matter?)

You provide the alcohol. We handle everything else.

This is called "dry hire" bartending, and it's actually better for you. Why? Because California law requires a liquor license to sell alcohol. By purchasing your own, you avoid markup and have complete control over quality and selection.

We'll tell you exactly what to buy and how much based on your guest count and cocktail menu. You just pick it up—we do everything else.

What's included in the price? (What am I actually paying for?)

Every package includes: licensed and insured bartender(s), custom cocktail menu design, all mixers and garnishes, professional glassware, bar tools and equipment, ice, complete setup, full service, and breakdown/cleanup.

You're paying for liberation from bar management. We handle every detail so you can be present with your guests.

Are there travel fees or additional charges?

For events within Orange County, there are no travel fees. For extended service areas (parts of LA, San Diego, Inland Empire), we may include a travel fee—but you'll see this clearly in your proposal before you commit.

No hidden charges. Ever.

Liability & Protection

What You're Really Asking: "Am I Protected If Something Goes Wrong?"

What if something goes wrong and I'm held liable?

You're protected. We carry comprehensive liquor liability insurance for every event. We'll provide proof of insurance before your event, and we can add your venue as an additional insured if required.

Our bartenders are trained in responsible alcohol service. They know how to manage consumption, recognize signs of intoxication, and handle situations professionally. That's our job—not yours.

Are your bartenders actually licensed and certified?

Yes. Every bartender on our team holds current RBS (Responsible Beverage Service) certification as required by California law. They're also trained in our specific service standards, guest management, and crisis prevention protocols.

We don't hire servers who happen to know cocktails. We hire professionals who understand risk management and how to make an event feel effortless.

What if my venue requires specific insurance or permits?

We work with venue requirements constantly. Tell us what your venue needs, and we'll make sure our documentation meets their standards. Most venues require proof of insurance and sometimes an additional insured endorsement—we handle this routinely.

If your venue has specific permit requirements, we'll coordinate with you on what's needed.

Reliability

What You're Really Asking: "Will You Actually Show Up?"

What if the bartender doesn't show up?

We've never missed an event in nearly 10 years.

You'll have direct contact with your assigned bartender before your event. We also maintain backup staff for every booking. If the impossible happened, we have trained professionals ready to step in.

This is your celebration. We treat our commitment to showing up as seriously as you do.

When should I book to guarantee my date?

Peak season (spring and fall) fills quickly. For Saturday events during these periods, we recommend booking 2-3 months in advance. For weddings, 3-6 months is safer.

That said, we sometimes have last-minute availability. If your date is soon, reach out anyway—we'll let you know immediately if we can accommodate you.

What happens if I need to cancel or reschedule?

Life happens. Our cancellation policy is clearly outlined in your contract, with specific timelines and refund terms. We try to be reasonable—if you need to reschedule, we'll work with you to find a new date when possible.

The details vary based on timing, so ask us directly if you have concerns about flexibility.

Quality Control

What You're Really Asking: "Will This Look Cheap or Messy?"

What if the bar looks cheap or disorganized?

We arrive early specifically to set up a clean, organized, professional bar. Your guests will notice the polish—that's our specialty.

We've done this 200+ times. We know how to make a bar look intentional, not improvised. Professional glassware, organized tools, clean presentation. This matters to us as much as it matters to you.

Can you match my event's aesthetic or theme?

Absolutely. Tell us about your event's style—colors, mood, formality level—and we'll coordinate our presentation accordingly. This includes garnish choices, glassware style, and bar setup.

For themed events or specific aesthetic requirements, we offer custom signage and styled presentation as add-ons. The bar should feel like part of your event, not separate from it.

What if guests don't like the cocktails?

We design menus specifically for your event and guest preferences. During our consultation, we'll discuss your crowd—spirit preferences, sweetness levels, any dietary considerations—and create a balanced menu that works for everyone.

We also always include beer, wine, and non-alcoholic options. Every guest has something they'll enjoy.

What if the lines get too long and guests get frustrated?

We staff based on your guest count specifically to prevent this. Our packages are designed around service ratios that keep lines moving efficiently.

Professional bartenders also know how to manage rush periods—pre-batching where appropriate, efficient workflow, and keeping service smooth even during peak moments.

Logistics

What You're Really Asking: "What If Something Doesn't Work?"

What if my venue doesn't have power or water?

We've worked venues with limited utilities many times. We bring our own water for cocktail preparation and cleaning. For power, we can work with portable solutions or coordinate with your venue on access points.

Tell us about your venue during consultation—we'll plan accordingly. Remote locations aren't obstacles, they're just variables we manage.

What if the weather is bad for an outdoor event?

We've handled Southern California weather challenges in every region. Coastal wind, inland heat, unexpected rain—we show up prepared with contingency plans.

If you have a rain backup location, we coordinate with your timeline for moving. We bring equipment that works in various conditions and adjust our setup as needed.

What if my guest count changes?

Guest counts often fluctuate. Minor changes (within 10-15%) usually don't affect your package. For significant changes, we'll discuss adjustments to staffing or supplies.

We finalize counts closer to your event date, so there's flexibility built in. Just keep us updated as your RSVPs come in.

What if I'm working with a wedding planner or coordinator?

We love working with planners and coordinators—they make events run smoother. We'll coordinate directly with them on timeline, setup location, and logistics.

Many planners already know us. If yours doesn't, we're happy to connect and align on how we'll work together for your event.

Do you handle setup and cleanup?

Yes. Completely.

We arrive early to set up—typically 1-2 hours before service begins. We stay after service ends to break down, pack up, and leave the bar area clean. You never touch a bottle or worry about mess.

That's the whole point.

Still Have a Specific Worry?

If your concern isn't answered here, reach out. We'll address it directly—no pressure, just clarity.

(714) 681-2996
On The Rocks Girls
Southern California's boutique mobile bartending service.
Serving Orange County · Los Angeles · Inland Empire · San Diego
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