Private Events

Iowa's Premier Dry-Hire Bartending & Hospitality Company

Whether you're planning an elegant wedding, a corporate gala, a backyard celebration, a fundraiser, or an intimate private gathering, Jack'd on the Rocks is committed to delivering exceptional hospitality and professional event staffing throughout Iowa.

We proudly provide professional dry-hire bartending, event servers, cocktail classes, and bar & restaurant consulting for clients who value outstanding service and memorable guest experiences.

Every event is unique, which is why every proposal is customized to fit your vision. From formal black-tie weddings to rustic barn receptions, upscale cocktail parties, and casual backyard celebrations, our team adapts our service, presentation, and professionalism to complement the atmosphere you've created.

Our mission is simple:

Provide exceptional hospitality so you can enjoy your event while we take care of your guests.

Serving Southeast Iowa & Traveling Throughout Iowa

Jack'd on the Rocks proudly calls Southeast Iowa home.

We regularly travel throughout the State of Iowa for:

• Weddings

• Corporate events

• Holiday parties

• Graduation parties

• Birthday celebrations

• Retirement parties

• Fundraisers

• Anniversary celebrations

• Rehearsal dinners

• Bridal showers

• Baby showers

• Community events

• Nonprofit events

• Private dinners

• Celebration of life gatherings

• And much more.

Travel fees may apply depending on the event location.

At this time, we only provide services within the State of Iowa.

Remaining within Iowa allows us to provide consistent service while operating under the laws and regulations that govern our business. If you're unsure whether your venue falls within our service area, we'd be happy to discuss your event.

Start Planning Your Event

The first step in working with Jack'd on the Rocks is completing our Private Event Intake Form.

The form helps us understand your event and allows us to prepare an accurate proposal based on your specific needs.

We'll ask about:

• Event date

• Venue

• Guest count

• Service hours

• Beverage preferences

• Event timeline

• Bar rental needs

• Staffing needs

• Special requests

Once submitted, we'll review your information, prepare a customized proposal, and contact you to discuss your event.

Please Note: Completing the intake form does not reserve your event date.

Your date is reserved only after:

• Your service agreement has been signed.

• The required deposit has been received.

What Is Dry-Hire Bartending?

One of the most common questions we receive is:

"What exactly is dry hire?"

Simply put, dry hire means we provide the bartending service—not the alcohol.

Unlike a catering company, liquor store, or licensed alcohol retailer, Jack'd on the Rocks does not sell, provide, purchase, or transport alcoholic beverages for private events.

Instead, the event host purchases all alcoholic beverages directly from the retailer of their choice. The host also provides all non-alcoholic beverages, including mixers, juices, sodas, tonic water, club soda, bottled water, energy drinks, garnishes, and ice.

This approach gives you complete control over your event while allowing us to focus on what we do best—delivering professional hospitality.

Dry hire offers several advantages:

Complete Budget Control

You choose where to purchase your beverages and exactly how much you'd like to spend. There are no alcohol markups or hidden beverage costs.

Freedom of Choice

Select your favorite brands, local breweries, wineries, distilleries, or specialty products without being limited to a preset package.

Personalized Cocktail Menus

Create a beverage experience that reflects your personality and event. Whether you prefer classic cocktails, modern craft creations, local favorites, or signature drinks inspired by your story, we'll help you design a menu your guests will remember.

Professional Service

While you provide the beverages, we provide the expertise.

Our team focuses on efficient bar service, responsible alcohol service, guest hospitality, cleanliness, organization, and creating an exceptional experience from the first pour to the final toast.

What We Provide

Depending on your selected package, Jack'd on the Rocks may provide:

Professional Bartenders

Our bartenders are experienced hospitality professionals who understand that exceptional service extends far beyond mixing drinks.

We pride ourselves on professionalism, efficiency, hospitality, and creating an inviting atmosphere where every guest feels welcome.

Portable Bar Rentals

Need a bar?

We offer portable bar rentals that provide a polished, professional centerpiece for your beverage service. Our bars are perfect for venues that do not have a built-in bar or for outdoor events where a portable setup is needed.

Professional Equipment

We provide the professional equipment necessary to operate an efficient bar, including bar tools and service equipment appropriate for your event.

Cocktail Menu Planning

Not sure what to serve?

We'll help you build a beverage menu that fits your guest count, budget, and event style. Whether you want an upscale martini menu, handcrafted signature cocktails, classic favorites, or a simple beer and wine service, we'll help create a menu that works for you.

Shopping Guidance

We'll provide recommendations to help you estimate the amount of alcohol you'll need for your event based on guest count, service hours, and beverage selections.

Our goal is to help you purchase enough to keep guests happy without overspending.

Complete Bar Service

From setup to last call and cleanup, our team manages every aspect of beverage service so you can spend your time celebrating instead of working behind the bar.

Every Event Is Fully Customized

No two events are alike, so no two service packages should be either.

At Jack'd on the Rocks, every proposal is tailored to your event, venue, guest count, timeline, and vision.

Whether you're planning an elegant ballroom wedding, a rustic barn reception, a luxury corporate gala, a tropical-themed celebration, or a casual backyard barbecue, we'll customize our services to match your event.

Customization options include:

• Number of bartenders

• Event servers

• Portable bar rentals

• Signature cocktails

• Cocktail menus

• Service style

• Event timeline

• Bar layout

• Staffing levels

• Formal or casual service

• Professional bartender attire

Our bartenders' appearance can also be customized to fit the atmosphere of your event. Depending on the style of your celebration, our team may wear formal attire, dress shirts and ties, polos, or other approved uniforms that complement your event's theme and level of formality.

Our goal is simple: when guests look at the bar, it should feel like it naturally belongs as part of your event.

What You Provide

Because Jack'd on the Rocks operates as a dry-hire bartending company, clients are responsible for providing the beverages being served at their event.

This typically includes:

• All alcoholic beverages

• Mixers

• Juice

• Soda

• Tonic water

• Club soda

• Energy drinks

• Bottled water

• Ice

• Garnishes (unless otherwise agreed in writing)

We'll work closely with you during the planning process to determine exactly how much you'll need based on your guest count, event timeline, and beverage selections. Our goal is to help you purchase the right amount while minimizing unnecessary waste.

Professional Event Servers

Exceptional events require more than exceptional bartenders.

Jack'd on the Rocks also provides experienced event servers to help your event run smoothly from beginning to end.

Our servers can assist with:

• Passed hors d'oeuvres

• Buffet service

• Plated meal service

• Cake cutting

• Dessert service

• Coffee stations

• Water service

• Table clearing and bussing

• Guest assistance

• Vendor support

• Setup and light cleanup

Whether you're hosting a formal wedding reception, a corporate dinner, or a casual celebration, our event staff works alongside your caterer, venue, planner, and other vendors to provide a seamless guest experience.

Cocktail Classes

Looking for something fun, interactive, and memorable?

Our private cocktail classes are perfect for:

• Corporate team-building events

• Bachelor and bachelorette parties

• Birthday celebrations

• Bridal showers

• Holiday parties

• Date nights

• Client appreciation events

• Community organizations

Each class is customized for your group and can include:

• Cocktail history

• Professional bar tools

• Proper shaking and stirring techniques

• Garnishing

• Glassware selection

• Spirit education

• Classic cocktails

• Modern craft cocktails

• Responsible alcohol service

• Hands-on instruction

Whether you're a complete beginner or a cocktail enthusiast, we'll create an experience that's educational, entertaining, and unforgettable.

Bar & Restaurant Consulting

Hospitality is our passion.

In addition to private events, Jack'd on the Rocks provides consulting services for restaurants, bars, breweries, wineries, and hospitality businesses throughout Iowa.

Our consulting services include:

• Bar program development

• Cocktail menu design

• Beverage costing

• Menu engineering

• Bartender training

• Server training

• Guest service standards

• Standard operating procedures (SOPs)

• Inventory management

• Labor efficiency

• Opening and closing procedures

• Bar layout and workflow

• Hospitality coaching

• New restaurant openings

• Operational assessments

Whether you're opening a new concept, refreshing an existing beverage program, or looking to improve guest satisfaction, we'll work with your team to build practical systems that support long-term success.

Iowa Alcohol Licensing

Alcohol laws in Iowa can be confusing because every event is different.

Licensing requirements depend on factors such as:

• The venue

• Whether the venue already holds an alcohol license

• The type of event

• Whether alcohol is being sold

• How alcohol will be served

• Applicable Iowa law

For this reason, we strongly encourage every client to contact both their venue and the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division (ABD) early in the planning process.

Your venue can explain its policies and requirements, while the Iowa ABD can answer questions about state licensing requirements.

Why Don't We Obtain Liquor Licenses?

Jack'd on the Rocks is a dry-hire bartending company.

We do not own, lease, or control the venues where we provide bartending services.

Under Iowa Code § 123.31, applications for retail alcohol licenses identify the licensed premises and, when the applicant is not the property owner, identify that the applicant is the actual lessee of the premises. Because Jack'd on the Rocks is neither the venue owner nor the lessee of your event location, we do not apply for retail alcohol licenses on behalf of our clients.

If your event requires a temporary retail alcohol license or another permit, it is generally obtained by the venue or another legally eligible applicant with authority over the premises, depending on the specific circumstances of the event.

Because every event is unique, we cannot determine whether your event requires a license. That determination should be made by your venue and the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division.

Please note: The information provided on this website is intended for general planning purposes only and should not be considered legal advice.

Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division (ABD)

For official guidance regarding alcohol licensing, contact:

Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division

Phone: (515) 281-7400

Toll-Free: 866-469-2223

Email: licensing@iowaabd.com

Website:
https://abd.iowa.gov

Licensing Portal:
https://abd.iowa.gov/licensing

We encourage every client to contact both their venue and the Iowa ABD before finalizing their event plans if they have questions regarding licensing requirements.

Insurance

Your peace of mind is important to us.

Jack'd on the Rocks proudly maintains:

• $1,000,000 General Liability Insurance

• $1,000,000 Liquor Liability Insurance

Certificates of insurance are available upon request if required by your venue.

Some venues may also require the event host to obtain additional event insurance or host liability insurance. We recommend confirming all insurance requirements directly with your venue during the planning process.

Our commitment to professionalism extends beyond exceptional service. Maintaining appropriate insurance coverage helps protect our clients, our staff, and the venues where we work.

Why Choose Jack'd on the Rocks?

When you hire Jack'd on the Rocks, you're hiring more than bartenders—you're partnering with experienced hospitality professionals who are committed to creating an exceptional guest experience.

We understand that every event is unique, and we believe your bartending service should reflect that. From the first consultation to the final toast, our team is dedicated to professionalism, clear communication, and attention to detail.

Whether we're serving handcrafted cocktails at an elegant wedding, pouring local craft beer at a backyard celebration, or providing event staffing for a corporate gala, our focus remains the same: delivering outstanding service while allowing you to enjoy your event.

When you choose Jack'd on the Rocks, you can expect:

• Experienced hospitality professionals

• Friendly, knowledgeable bartenders and event staff

• Fully customizable service packages

• Professional appearance tailored to your event

• Reliable communication throughout the planning process

• Efficient and organized bar operations

• Responsible alcohol service

• A team that works seamlessly with your venue, caterer, planner, DJ, photographer, and other vendors

• Exceptional guest service from beginning to end

We believe the bar should be more than just a place where drinks are served—it should be an experience your guests remember.

Frequently Asked Questions

What areas do you serve?

Jack'd on the Rocks proudly serves Southeast Iowa and travels throughout the State of Iowa for weddings, private events, and corporate functions.

At this time, we do not provide services outside the State of Iowa.

Do you travel?

Yes. We regularly travel throughout Iowa.

Travel fees may apply depending on the distance to your venue.

What is dry-hire bartending?

Dry hire means you purchase all alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, while we provide the professional bartending service, bar equipment, and hospitality.

This gives you complete control over your beverage selection and budget while allowing us to focus on exceptional guest service.

Do you provide alcohol?

No.

Jack'd on the Rocks does not sell, purchase, transport, or provide alcoholic beverages.

Do you provide mixers?

No.

Clients provide all mixers, sodas, juices, tonic water, club soda, bottled water, ice, garnishes, and other beverages unless otherwise agreed in writing.

Can you tell us how much alcohol to buy?

Absolutely.

We'll gladly provide recommendations based on your guest count, event length, and drink menu.

Do I need a liquor license?

It depends.

Every venue and event is different.

Some private events require no license, while others require the venue or another legally eligible applicant to obtain one.

We recommend contacting both your venue and the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division (ABD) for guidance.

Can Jack'd on the Rocks obtain my liquor license?

No.

Because we are a dry-hire bartending company and do not own or lease the event premises, we do not apply for alcohol licenses on behalf of our clients.

Are you insured?

Yes.

Jack'd on the Rocks carries:

• $1,000,000 General Liability Insurance

• $1,000,000 Liquor Liability Insurance

Certificates of insurance are available upon request.

Can you provide certificates of insurance to my venue?

Yes.

We're happy to provide certificates of insurance when requested by your venue.

Do you offer portable bar rentals?

Yes.

Portable bars are available for venues that do not have a permanent bar or for clients looking to create a dedicated beverage service area.

Do you provide event servers?

Yes.

We provide experienced event servers for weddings, corporate events, fundraisers, private parties, and more.

What can your event servers help with?

Our servers can assist with:

• Passed appetizers

• Buffet service

• Plated meals

• Cake cutting

• Coffee service

• Water service

• Table clearing

• Guest assistance

• Setup and light cleanup

Do you offer cocktail classes?

Yes.

We offer private cocktail classes for birthdays, bachelor and bachelorette parties, corporate events, team-building activities, holiday parties, and other special occasions.

Do you offer restaurant consulting?

Yes.

We provide consulting services for bars, restaurants, breweries, wineries, and other hospitality businesses, including menu development, staff training, operational consulting, and beverage program design.

Can you create signature cocktails?

Absolutely.

We'll work with you to design custom cocktails that reflect your personality, wedding theme, favorite spirits, seasonal ingredients, or event style.

Can I customize my package?

Yes.

Every proposal is customized.

Whether you need bartenders, servers, portable bars, cocktail classes, consulting, or a combination of services, we'll build a package specifically for your event.

Can your bartenders match my event theme?

Absolutely.

Our staff's appearance and service style can be tailored to complement your event.

Depending on the atmosphere, our bartenders may wear:

• Formal attire

• Dress shirts and ties

• Polos

• Coordinated event uniforms

• Theme-appropriate attire (when approved)

Whether your event is elegant, rustic, modern, upscale, or casual, we'll ensure our presentation reflects your vision.

How many bartenders do I need?

The number of bartenders depends on your guest count, beverage menu, and service style.

We'll recommend the appropriate staffing level to provide efficient service and minimize wait times.

Do you work with wedding planners and venues?

Yes.

We regularly coordinate with venues, planners, caterers, photographers, DJs, florists, and other vendors to ensure a smooth event.

Can I supply my own cocktail menu?

Absolutely.

You may choose your own menu, or we'll help you develop one.

Do you serve beer and wine only events?

Yes.

We provide service for beer and wine receptions as well as full-service cocktail bars.

Can you accommodate large events?

Yes.

Whether your event has 25 guests or 500+, we'll build a staffing plan to meet your needs.

When should I book?

As early as possible.

Popular wedding dates and weekends often book several months in advance.

How do I reserve my date?

Your event is officially reserved once:

• Your intake form has been reviewed

• Your proposal has been accepted

• Your contract has been signed

• Your required deposit has been received

Until those steps are complete, your date remains available.

Why should I hire professional bartenders?

Professional bartenders do much more than pour drinks.

They create an organized, welcoming atmosphere, serve guests efficiently, maintain responsible alcohol service, coordinate with other vendors, and allow you, your family, and your friends to enjoy the celebration instead of working behind the bar.

Let's Celebrate Together

Whether you're planning an intimate gathering or a large celebration, Jack'd on the Rocks is committed to providing exceptional hospitality, professional bartending, and personalized service every step of the way.

Complete our Private Event Intake Form to get started. We'll prepare a customized proposal, answer your questions, and help you create a beverage experience that perfectly complements your event.

We look forward to helping make your celebration unforgettable.