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[ FAQ · Couples ]

FAQ — couples planning a wedding

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.

Contents

A. Planning and budget

How far in advance should I book the crew for the wedding?+

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.

How many people do I need for my wedding?+

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.

How much does the crew cost for a typical wedding?+

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.

My venue bundles waiters in the package — do I still need to hire?+

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.

B. Choosing the right crew

Can I pick each person individually?+

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.

Do you have waiters with experience at 400+ guest weddings?+

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.

Do the waiters speak English for relatives and guests from abroad?+

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.

How do you vet candidates?+

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.

C. Contract and payment

Do you work on contract or cash?+

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.

Do I need to pay an advance?+

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.

Can I cancel if I find the crew on my own?+

Yes, with conditions:

  • Cancellation with more than 14 days' notice: full advance refund
  • Cancellation 7–14 days' notice: 50% advance retained
  • Cancellation under 7 days: advance non-refundable
  • Cancellation on event day: full invoice payable
What's VAT and why am I paying it?+

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.

D. Crew confirmation

When and how do I find out who's coming to my wedding?+

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.

Can I video-call the crew before the event?+

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.

What uniform do they wear?+

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.

Can I keep the same headwaiter for future events?+

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.

E. Wedding day

How early does the crew arrive on the day?+

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.

Who's the point of contact during the event?+

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.

What if someone on the PHE crew behaves inappropriately?+

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.

Can I invite the waiters to eat or drink at the wedding?+

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.

F. If problems come up

What happens if a crew member doesn't show up?+

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.

The crew is too small for the pace — what do I do?+

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%.

I'm unhappy with the service quality — what are my rights?+

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.

Who covers damages if a waiter breaks something?+

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.

G. After the wedding

Can I leave a review for the PHE crew?+

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.

Can I tip the candidates directly?+

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.

How do I get the invoice after the event?+

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.

Can I recommend PHE to friends planning their wedding?+

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).

Still have questions?

Questions that aren't on the list — we answer directly. Mon–Fri 09–19, urgent weekends with a 30-min callback.

See also