Bartending Academy of Tacoma

Only one showed up on time and apparently he couldn't open a bottle of wine very well so one of the attorneys from my office ended up behind the bar opening wine bottles at the beginning of the reception because the line started to get long. The second bartender apparently showed up 45 minutes late and wasn¡¦t dressed properly. They were supposed to be in black and white (tux like outfit) and this guy wore a black shirt and proceeded to unbutton it (really really low) throughout the night. Gross. Also, we had the option of paying them $12 an hour (and they could collect tips from the guests) or we could pay $18 an hour (with no tips from guests). We chose to pay $18 an hour because I didn't want anyone spending any money. Towards the end of the reception I noticed a tip jar on the bar and apparently it had been there all night. We never noticed because we never went to the bar. In the end we only paid them $12 an hour since they had collected tips and we obviously couldn't return them to the guests. I was really upset about our guests spending money but it wasn't our fault. The Bartending Academy charged us $25 to reserve 2 bartenders and then the bartenders get all the money they make at the wedding. Even though it was the bartenders who made bad decisions I still wouldn't recommend using the Bartending Academy. I still can't believe they screwed up a beer, wine and champagne reception.

Hired two bartenders through the Bartending Academy of Tacoma for my wedding in August of 2008. The school only charged us $50 and we chose to pay the bartenders $20 an hour (without tips). The bartenders were great, they showed up early and helped with the setup/ cleanup. Both bartenders were very outgoing, personable and provided great drinks as well as entertainment for everyone. We couldn't have asked for anything more. My wife and I were so pleased with how the event went, we tipped the bartenders quite well. We'd STRONGLY RECOMMEND the Bartending Academy of Tacoma for any event especially your wedding.