Question 1

What is Sips & Co.?

Accepted Answer

Sips & Co. is a signature mobile bar service based in Metro Detroit. We launched in 2023 with our 16-foot Cocktail Trailer, and have since grown to offer a full lineup of handcrafted bar rentals, professional bartending service, and curated drink programs for weddings, showers, corporate events, and private celebrations across Southeast Michigan.

Question 2

Do you provide the alcohol?

Accepted Answer

No. Per Michigan state law, mobile bars cannot hold a liquor license without a brick-and-mortar location, which means we cannot provide, sell, or accept payment for alcohol.

What we do instead is build you a personalized shopping list during our consultation. This lists the exact brands and quantities we recommend for your event, so you can purchase everything yourself from a trusted local source. We handle the rest.

Question 3

Why is my investment based on guest count, and what happens if your count changes?

Accepted Answer

Your investment is based on guest count because your beverage program, shopping list, staffing, and prep all scale with the size of your event. It helps us tailor the experience with precision instead of overbuying or underplanning. If your guest count changes, let us know as soon as you can and we’ll update your proposal and shopping list before event day. Cheers.

Question 4

What's actually included in my package?

Accepted Answer

Your signature experience package includes the bar rental, your TIPS certified bartender for four hours, all bar tools and professional equipment, liquor and general liability insurance, full setup and tear-down, a custom drink menu, a self-serve water station, and your personalized shopping list.

Your drink program covers ice, garnishes, fresh-squeezed juices, house-made syrups, tossware, cocktail napkins, and straws. Together, these two pieces cover everything you need to run a polished bar service. The only thing you'll provide is the alcohol itself.

Question 5

Where are you located? Do you travel?

Accepted Answer

We're based in Metro Detroit and serve all of Southeast Michigan. The first 30 miles of travel from our home base are included at no charge. Beyond that, we add $2 per mile each way.

For events more than two hours from us, we'll discuss lodging arrangements during your consultation. We've happily traveled across the state for the right event.

Question 6

How far in advance should I book?

Accepted Answer

As early as possible. Peak wedding season (May through October) books up quickly, especially for the Cocktail Trailer. We're currently accepting inquiries for 2026 and 2027.

If your event is sooner than that, reach out anyway. We may still have availability and we'll always tell you straight if your date is open. A 30% retainer secures your date, with the balance due 14 days before your event.

Question 7

What if my venue already has a bar?

Accepted Answer

No problem at all. Our Bartender & Event Staff option is designed exactly for this. You provide the bar (or use what your venue has), and we bring the TIPS certified bartender, all the tools and equipment, the insurance, the setup, and the personalized shopping list. Same Sips & Co. service experience, no rental needed.

Question 8

Can the Cocktail Trailer fit at my venue?

Accepted Answer

The Cocktail Trailer is 16 feet long, 7 feet wide, and just over 8 feet tall, with an additional 3 feet of clearance needed when the service window is open. We need a flat surface to park on and a clear path to drive in and pull away. If you're unsure whether your venue will accommodate it, send us photos or your venue's name and we'll help you figure it out.

Question 9

Does the Cocktail Trailer need electricity or water?

Accepted Answer

The trailer has a fully functioning sink with its own water supply and electrical hookups, so it's largely self-sufficient. For longer events or those using exterior lighting, we may ask to plug into a standard outlet. We bring our own extension cords. We're happy to walk through your venue's setup with you during our consultation.

Question 10

Are you insured? Are your bartenders certified?

Accepted Answer

Yes to both.

We carry both general liability and liquor liability insurance, and we're happy to add your venue as an additional insured if your venue requires it. Every Sips & Co. bartender is TIPS certified, which is 
Michigan's alcohol service training program.

Our team is trained to serve responsibly, manage pace, and recognize when guests have had enough.

Question 11

Can you accommodate a fully alcohol-free event?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Our Mocktail Menu is built specifically for dry events, alcohol-free celebrations, or hosts who simply want every guest to have a beautiful drink option. We craft three custom mocktails with the same intention, fresh juices, and house-made syrups we use for our signature cocktails. The bar itself, the service, and the experience are identical — just alcohol-free.

Question 12

What if it rains?

Accepted Answer

Michigan weather is famously unpredictable, and because we book months in advance, we can't accommodate cancellations due to rain. What we can do is work directly with your tent vendor to find the right size shelter for our bar setup. If you're planning an outdoor event, we recommend building a weather contingency plan into your overall event timeline.

Question 13

Does Sips & Co. offer cash bars?

Accepted Answer

We do not offer cash bars. In Michigan, mobile bars cannot sell or accept payment for alcohol, so your event is set up as a hosted bar. You purchase the alcohol, and we take care of the personalized shopping list, bartending service, tools, and polished setup. If your event has a special license pulled for the day, we'd be happy to discuss what's possible. Otherwise, all events are run as open bars with the host providing the alcohol.

Question 14

How do you handle the shopping list?

Accepted Answer

After your consultation, we build a fully personalized shopping list based on your guest count, drink program, and event style. It includes exact brands, recommended quantities, and where to purchase. You handle the purchase (per Michigan law), but we walk you through every detail. From experience, this approach actually saves clients money because you choose your own price points and avoid markups.

Question 15

What size liquor bottles should I buy?

Accepted Answer

For larger events (50+ guests), we recommend 750mL or 1 Liter bottles for the fastest, smoothest service. 1.75L handles also work, especially for budget-conscious events. Your shopping list will specify exactly what works best for your event size and drink program.

Question 16

What's your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

Once your retainer is in, your date is reserved exclusively for you and we turn down other inquiries for it. For that reason, retainers are non-refundable. If your plans change, your retainer can be transferred to a new date, subject to availability.

Question 17

How do I book?

Accepted Answer

Start with our inquiry form, which captures your event date, guest count, package interest, and a few other details. We'll respond within 48 hours with availability and a tailored proposal. Once you're ready to move forward, we'll send a contract and collect your 30% retainer to secure your date. From there, we work together to design the perfect bar experience for your celebration.

Question 18

Do you offer add-on beverage stations like coffee, slushies, hydration, or BloomBar setups?

Accepted Answer

Yes. In addition to our core mobile bar service, we can tailor your event with options like a coffee bar, slushie machine, hydration station, or BloomBar depending on your needs. These add-ons are a beautiful way to create a more layered guest experience and keep everything cohesive.

Question 19

Can you customize the drink menu for our event?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. We love creating drink menus that feel personal to your celebration, whether that means signature cocktails, a seasonal menu, a mocktail moment, or drinks that reflect your colors, theme, or story. Our goal is always a polished menu that feels thoughtful and memorable.

Question 20

Do you handle setup and breakdown on event day?

Accepted Answer

We do. Our team arrives prepared, sets up the bar experience, manages service, and takes care of breakdown so you can stay focused on hosting. If your venue has specific load-in, access, or timing requirements, we’ll work those details out in advance.

Question 21

How much service time is included with my package?

Accepted Answer

Service time is customized to your event, so we build the bar experience around your timeline. We’ll confirm arrival, setup, service window, and breakdown during planning so everything flows smoothly. If your event needs extended coverage, we can usually accommodate that as well.

Question 22

What does the consultation and proposal process look like?

Accepted Answer

After you reach out, we review your event date, guest count, venue, and overall vision. From there, we walk through the best bar setup and drink program for your celebration and send a tailored proposal within 48 hours. Once you’re ready, we finalize the details and make sure everything feels clear and seamless.

Sips & Co

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