How much does a server cost for a private event?
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Are you planning an event? To avoid spending the evening topping up glasses and passing around canapés, you've decided to hire a server.
I know what you're thinking: hiring a server for an event must be expensive!
But that's not necessarily the case.
In this guide, I’ve analysed all the tasks carried out by event servers booked through Yoojo (learn about our service here).
So, check out the details on pricing and start planning your next event with peace of mind.
Average general cost of hiring a server
I’ve compared prices for you across different types of platforms.
I’ve calculated the cost for a 5-hour shift:
Yoojo:
traditional companies:
*How did I calculate these results?
For Yoojo:
I calculated the average from all our in-home server bookings made through our home help platform.
For traditional companies:
I requested three quotes in the cities of London, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds, and Glasgow.
What are the costs of servers based on the type of service?
Whatever the type of event, a server ensures it runs smoothly by taking on a variety of tasks.
I’ve listed the main services you can request along with the average price paid by Yoojo clients:
| Category | Services | Average cost on Yoojo |
|---|---|---|
| Food service | Table service: Serving meals directly to guests (involving more interaction). | £130 |
| Buffet service: Managing the buffet and assisting guests with food choices (less interaction). | £110 | |
| Bar service: Preparing and serving drinks, including cocktails, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. | £132 | |
| Reception and organisation | Guest reception: Welcoming and directing guests at the entrance. | £115 |
| Guest assistance: Helping individuals with reduced mobility. | £95 | |
| Coat check management: Handling coats, umbrellas, bags, etc. | £89 | |
| Cleaning and maintenance | Table and space cleaning: Keeping surfaces clean and replenishing plates. | £116 |
| Waste management: Emptying bins and maintaining order in public areas. | £104 | |
| Event management | Technical assistance: Setting up lights, fans, parasols, etc. | £68 |
| Performer assistance: Helping performers with their equipment. | £58 | |
| Custom services | Guest gift preparation: Distributing gifts or personalised items to each guest. | £95 |
| VIP service: Providing special attention to high-profile guests. | £61 | |
| Personalised detail checks: Ensuring specific requests (music, candles on cakes, etc.) are met. | £74 | |
| Post-event service | Guest departure assistance: Helping guests retrieve their belongings and directing them to exits or parking areas. | £90 |
| Cleaning and tidying: Organising post-event cleaning and restoring spaces to order. | £125 |
I’ve done the maths to ensure the average costs above make sense.
On Yoojo, an in-home server is typically booked for 5 hours per service!
What is the average hourly rate for event servers?
Planning a small 2-hour reception or a large 4-hour event?
Estimate your budget more accurately by comparing average hourly rates.
Waiter on Yoojo:
Traditional company:
1/ Providers set their own rates, Yoojo doesn't impose prices on providers. There's no minimum fee. The price depends on the task at hand.
2/ Providers who apply for your job are often your neighbours: this drastically reduces travel costs.
3/ Providers are available from one hour: no unnecessary half-day rates!
4/ Everything is digital on Yoojo: meaning the client pays fewer fees compared to a traditional agency.
Thanks to Yoojo, they found a server at the best rate for their event
What better way to wrap up than to take a look at the tasks completed by the servers our clients booked on Yoojo.
I'll show you how much they paid, how long each job lasted, and the details of the service provided by the servers.
Example #1: A private chef needs a server for the service
💰 Total price paid: £70
⏳ Duration of service: 5 hours
This private chef needed a server for a dinner with 12 guests.
They easily found available providers for the requested date.
And they chose from the many servers who responded to their job posting.
Example #2: Looking for a server for a birthday
💰 Total price paid: £90
⏳ Duration of service: 6 hours
The providers available on Yoojo are used to handling all types of requests, even the most challenging ones.
For this 6-hour task, the service was needed for a party of 100 guests.
Despite the large number of guests, the client was able to rely on a trustworthy server for a reasonable budget.
Example #3: Server available for a buffet
💰 Total price paid: £64
⏳ Duration of service: 4 hours
Smart move: for a buffet, it's best to have one or more servers to attend to guests' needs and ensure the buffet is replenished.
Example #4: Book a server for a short period
💰 Total price paid: £30
⏳ Duration of service: 2 hours
The providers you find on Yoojo also handle shorter services.
For example, this client booked a server for 2 hours, and it only cost them £30.
Example #5: Serve food and wash dishes
💰 Total price paid: £60
⏳ Duration of service: 4 hours
Our tip: When you book a server, you can also specify that you need the provider to take care of the washing up.
This way, you book just one person and save money!
Conclusion: A private concierge doesn’t cost that much
Now you have all the tools you need to organise your event stress-free… without having to serve yourself!
Enjoy your guests without the stress, and be sure everything will go smoothly with the attentive service of a team experienced in all types of receptions.
No need to break the bank for quality service: you can easily find qualified providers through online options.
And if you use Yoojo, remember that posting an ad is free.
Even better: you set the budget to hire a server at the best rate for your event.
- Posting an ad on Yoojo is free and commitment-free
- You only pay when you book a provider
- You can chat with providers before booking
- You can book from 1 hour of service
- Our community helps you choose with ratings and reviews on each provider’s profile
- We only send your request to qualified and available providers on your dates
- You release payment once the service is completed
Discover all our home help services and all the service providers near you.
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