Get to Know: Sip'n Easy Mobile Bar

Let’s get this party started and talk about the bar! What better way to do that than with something that brings the party to wherever you are… that’s right, I am talking about a mobile bar. I first met Candy at a networking event when the name Sip’n Easy was just starting to break into the wedding scene. When she told me about her business and the kind of experience she planned to bring to the events in our area, I was sold and apparently so was everyone else because she is almost completely booked up for the 2021 season now! Here in the Inland Northwest our wedding season runs, primarily, from late May-early October because the majority of our venues are outdoors, however, this gives Candy and her mobile bar options the perfect opportunity to simply roll up and be the hub of the party, wherever that happens to be. To learn about what Sip’n Easy has to offer and more about this unique bar option continue reading below.

What gave you the idea or inspiration to start a mobile bar? What are the plans for your business in the future?

Dang Pinterest! I was caregiving for my dad and tended to be on Pinterest quite a bit. I love to take old things and make them new again and who doesn’t love a bar! I was on Facebook marketplace and saw a $200 single horse trailer for sale and said what could go wrong? It had rust everywhere and literally no walls, but MJ was the best $200 dollars I’ve ever spent! The day my dad passed away we purchased a Cushman to reinvent. He didn’t get to see it but was very excited about our new project! He became our inspiration. We named it Skeeter, which was his nickname, and designed it after the VW bus he always wanted!

As far as future plans, since we are almost full for next year’s Saturday dates, we will be focusing on advertising for weekday and Sunday weddings, showers, rehearsal dinners, etc. We will also be launching two pop-up bars to assist in smaller locations where the mobile bars won’t fit (personal homes, garages, office buildings). Make sure you are following us on Instagram and Facebook (@sipneasy) to stay updated on any announcements!

What services are included in your package(s) for those couples who are looking for something unique, beyond a traditional bar?

Simply put, we are considered a dry bar, and we bring EVERYTHING except for the alcohol. We are fully licensed, insured and include ice, cups, napkins, straws, mixers, garnishments, and a personalized menu, etc. We are more of an experience rather than just a bar and we become the hub of the party!

Generally, how much do you recommend couples budget for the bar portion of their wedding?

Since 92% of weddings will have an open bar, at least serving beer and wine, my dry bar is a very cost-effective way to save money but still have an amazing experience! With my clients purchasing their own alcohol, I do not add the typical markup a catering company will add by bringing the alcohol. This also allows clients to pick their favorite beverages and lets them return what is unused if the store they purchased it from offers this. I help them with an alcohol purchasing quantity worksheet so that we can get as close as possible without overspending or under purchasing. With websites like eventplanning.com showing the estimate to be 10-20% of the wedding budget, Zola.com showing the average to be $8000 for an open bar with 200 guests, and the knot.com showing the average of $2300, my costs come out under all of these as well as taking the pressure off of the family worried about monitoring the drinking that goes on at a wedding. That is my job and I take it very seriously. I want everyone to have fun, but safe fun is more important!

Beyond weddings, what other events do you tend to get booked for?

We love to do birthday parties, rehearsal dinners, showers, backyard barbecues, holiday parties, etc. Basically, we can do any event that you would like to have alcohol at but not want to have the worry or work. Again, we are more than just a bar, we become the hub of the party! One wedding venue said that we offer so much more than they have ever had at a wedding previously done by catering companies as we really try to use decor that compliments the feel of the wedding or party. Did I mention that the backside of MJ can be decorated however you would like and used as a photo wall?!

Lastly, I’ve got to ask, do you have a favorite drink?

OMG, this is so hard! If I am doing an event that just has beer/wine/champagne, I love to offer my Bellini which is Prosecco, mango nectar, peach juice and fresh mint. Guests always love it! I also try to bring the mango nectar with soda water for a non-alcoholic option. If we have permission to serve cocktails at the venue/home, I love my Paloma’s (a really smooth margarita) and my Cara Cara Screwdrivers. We are getting ready to also offer a Sunnyslope Seabreeze comprised of 44° North nectarine vodka with cranberry juice and grapefruit juice. Sooo good!

What do you think? Are you reaching for your phone to give Candy a call yet? As you can see, even if you are not planning to offer alcohol at your event or wedding reception this is still a fun option because at the core Sip’n Easy starts as a dry bar with a lot of great non-alcoholic beverages! Additionally, if you are planning to offer alcohol this option is very cost effective while also making a big statement that your guests will be talking about long after the party is over. Don’t just take my word for it, head over to the Sip’n Easy website to learn even more about this unique option and read several glowing testimonials!

If you found this article helpful and want to learn more about what I can do to help make sure you have the vendor dream team, head on over to the services page for packages and pricing information. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me or leave a comment below!

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