Mixing With Mel- Mobile Bartending Service — Local services in Winchester

Posting with an update: Earlier this week Mel and I discussed my event over the phone. We agreed that there were things we both could have done better. She was very apologetic and willing to listen to my concerns. Instead of rushing to be defensive, Mel was very professional and genuinely interested in listening to ways our event could have gone better. I think it speaks a lot to her character as a person and as a business owner to have those tough conversations. In the end we both wished each other well with no hostility. It honestly made me feel a bit better about everything. It upsets me greatly to give this rating because working with Mel up until our wedding date was absolutely pleasant. She was responsive, communicative, and very collaborative with the planning process. She responded to my calls and e-mails promptly and worked with me to come up with a shopping list for our guests. She even complimented me on how organized I was when I met her on our wedding day. She also provided a small discount to us because of our wedding location.

Unfortunately, this was not the case throughout our event. Frankly, her staff was a bit rude and confrontational with our guests and my coordinator. They seemed to think there was a conflict with our contract but even after reading through our contract after our event, I’m still not sure what they were referring to. This caused them to close our entire bar for almost 40 minutes DURING our cocktail hour! Admittedly, we did request they start cocktail hour slightly early (maybe 15 minutes?) because our ceremony ended sooner than expected, maybe that is what was being referred to in the contract. They claimed they can only serve beer and wine during cocktail hour as well as only serving 2 drinks per guest but I have no recollection of that ever being discussed? It wasn’t in our contract. We also did not get a champagne toast, like we discussed. Despite not even making mixed drinks, there were still long lines at the bar.

At one point, I was told the staff even threatened to leave WITH the alcohol we purchased ourselves!! I had multiple guests complain about the bartending service, which as the bride/planner, is not what I want to hear on THE wedding day. Overall, there was just a bad vibe, like guests could tell something was off. I honestly was so disappointed with my service, which was surprising considering how considerate our communications were prior to the event. I will say, they did not leave despite their threats and completed the job which was nice but otherwise, not a...

Mel was wonderful to work with for our wedding. She was patient with all of my questions. She was prompt to respond to emails during the booking process as well as after we committed to working with her. She also chatted on the phone with us ahead of booking so we can get any questions answered. She provided guidance and thoughts as we worked through the signature drinks, because we weren't sure what cocktails would be the best fit for us. Her alcohol purchase recommendations and predications were spot on as well!

Mel also brought another bartender to the wedding to accommodate our guests and she was super sweet. Both ladies were great with our guests and really happy, friendly faces every time I visited the bar.

Mel also provided a detailed contract that laid out the expectations that we could have for her and the expectations she had of us- from the tip situation, to the times she would be where and when, what her service included, and what we had an obligation to provide (alcohol, liquor license)! I decided to add glassware about 2 months before the wedding, which we were also able to do. Mel delivered on everything she promised and went above and beyond to make sure her role in our day was a huge success. Mel even noticed that details are important to me and she worked to make sure that her bar decor blended so well with the wedding!

Thank you Mel and team!

Here are some photos of our signature cocktails, Mel's bar menu sign that she created to blend seamlessly with our decor, and the beautiful hydration station that...

D.A.H. Cuisines has had the pleasure of partnering with Melyssa 'Mel' of 'Mixing with Mel', and what absolute seamless execution her and her team provide! She and her team consistently delivers exceptional service and truly committed to ensuring every guest enjoys a top-notch experience. From their signature cocktails to flawless bar setup and presentation, they always goes above and beyond. And when I tell you the cocktails are soooo good!🤗 Delish!😋 It’s such a relief as a caterer to work alongside a bar team that values communication, reliability, and excellence just as much as we do!😉 We’re so grateful for their partnership and look forward to many more successful events...