Everything you need to know about hiring the HoReCa crew (waiters, bartenders, hostesses) for your wedding. 28 answers across 7 stages — from first thought to event close.
Standard recommendation: at least 4–6 weeks ahead. Peak season (May–September) and popular weekends: 8–10 weeks. For urgent under-7-day requests we try to cover, but availability is tight at peak.
Depends on guest count and service style (plated vs buffet). Rules of thumb: 1 waiter per 12–15 guests (plated) or 1 per 25–30 (buffet), 1 bartender per 100–150 guests (simple open bar), 1 hostess at 100+ guests. For exact numbers, see the full guide.
For a standard 200-guest wedding (plated, 10h), the full crew (14 waiters + 5 runners + 2 bartenders + 2 hostesses) costs around 12,900 RON + VAT. For other sizes, see the pricing guide.
Many venues bundle 3–5 waiters with catering. For weddings under 80–100 guests it's often enough. Above 120 guests, check the bundled count and top up via PHE — our crews work in sync with the venue staff.
For small crews (under 5) and roles with specific requirements (fluent English, polished look), yes — we send 4–6 profiles with photo, name and traits, you pick against the brief. For larger crews (>10), individual selection isn't practical, but we communicate seniority and can set up a video call with the team lead.
Yes. A share of our active candidates have experience at very large weddings (up to 500–600 guests). For large events we recommend a mixed-seniority crew: ~60% senior, 30% mid, 10% junior, plus an on-site coordinator to run the team.
A share of our active candidates have conversational English. For relatives and guests who speak only English (or French, Italian, German), flag the need in the brief and we select candidates with that language. For events with many international guests, we filter for fluent level before confirming.
Three mandatory steps for everyone: (1) ID verification, (2) phone validation of experience with at least 2 prior employers, (3) at least 2 verified references. For senior roles (head bartender, sous-chef) — a practical test as well. Candidates who don't clear this process don't enter the active pool.
Contract and VAT-invoice only. We're S.C. Personal Horeca Evenimente S.R.L., CUI RO42139315. For private clients (couples), the contract has standard private-event clauses — we send it 7 days before the event for review.
Yes, for new clients: 30% advance on crew confirmation (2–4 weeks before the event). The remaining 70% is due 14 days post-event. We also offer prepayment in full, with a small 2–3% discount.
Yes, with conditions:
VAT (Value Added Tax) is 19% on all PHE services, per the Romanian Tax Code. Rates on the site are pre-VAT — VAT is added on the invoice. As a private individual (bride/groom), VAT is a final cost (not deductible). As a company, it's deductible.
After crew confirmation (7–14 days before the event) we send details: candidate names, relevant experience, photo where available. For larger crews you also get the team lead's CV — they'll be your point of contact.
For crews over 5 people, yes — we set up a video call with the coordinator + 1–2 key members (usually the head waiter and head bartender). 30–45 min, we discuss menu, pacing, specific requirements.
Standard: black trousers, white shirt, black bow tie or tie, black apron, closed black shoes. If you have a special wedding dress code (red dress for hostesses, themed vest, all-black for photos, etc.), we coordinate with the candidates — special-outfit cost goes either to the candidate (if it stays in their personal wardrobe) or to the event.
Yes. For every wedding or event we note which candidates worked it. For your future events (christenings, anniversaries, family celebrations), we try to propose the same people — subject to their availability.
Standard: 60–90 minutes before the welcome cocktail or guest arrival. The crew does mise en place (venue check, bar setup, final briefing with your coordinator or wedding planner). For events with complex requirements (decor, specific dress code), 2 hours.
For crews over 5 people we assign a PHE coordinator (usually a senior headwaiter or team lead). They communicate directly with you, the wedding planner or the venue, manage the crew throughout and step in on incidents. For small crews, the first waiter is the point of contact.
Zero-tolerance policy. Tell the PHE coordinator on site immediately or call 0755 828 996. The person is removed immediately. For larger crews (>10) we keep pre-confirmed backups for 2h replacement. These situations are rare — every candidate is vetted extensively on this point.
PHE policy: candidates don't consume alcohol during service. For meals, we provide a light snack at break (≈ 1 hour mid-event). If you'd like to offer the crew a full meal post-event (after official close), it's a nice gesture — not required, but appreciated.
2h backup guarantee. For every key role on the confirmed crew we keep a pre-confirmed standby (where applicable). If a confirmed candidate can't make it, we replace within 2 hours at no extra cost. These cases are rare — most events run without backup being needed.
If during the event you realise you underestimated (usually surprise guests), we can send 1–2 extra people within 1–2 hours, subject to availability. Cost: standard rate plus urgent premium +20%.
During the event: tell the PHE coordinator immediately, we step in within 15–30 min. Post-event: email contact@personalhorecaevenimente.ro with the details. You get a response within 7 days. For valid complaints (not subjective grievances), we offer 10–30% retroactive invoice discount or other forms of compensation. For very serious complaints (major incident), we discuss bilaterally.
Minor damage (standard glasses, plates) within normal ranges counts as wear and isn't charged. Significant damage (an expensive bottle, vase, specific decor) caused by proven negligence of a PHE candidate is covered by PHE (we have insurance). Damage caused by guests or accidents where the candidate isn't directly at fault isn't PHE's responsibility.
Yes, we encourage it. Email contact@personalhorecaevenimente.ro or leave a review on Google Business / Facebook. For any specific review (with named candidates), we forward the feedback to them — it helps motivation and their internal ranking.
Yes, absolutely fine and appreciated. Direct tips don't appear on the PHE invoice and aren't shared with PHE — they're 100% the candidate's. Typical for a well-served wedding: 50–100 RON per waiter or bartender if you want to thank them personally.
The invoice is issued automatically within 5 working days post-event. For private clients it's a standard fiscal invoice with VAT. For companies, e-Factura per OUG 120/2021 (auto-delivered in SPV). If you need it sooner (e.g. for a quick expense report), let us know — we can prioritise.
Please do. For recommendations that turn into bookings (your friend becomes a PHE client), we offer a small thank-you gesture — discussed bilaterally. We don't run an automated referral program (we prefer the quality of personal recommendations).
Questions that aren't on the list — we answer directly. Mon–Fri 09–19, urgent weekends with a 30-min callback.