Weddings are all about moments that sparkle, and what better way to add a touch of sparkle than with a mobile bar? Join us as we chat with Jennifer Karnehm, co-owner of The Phoenix Trailer, a mobile dry bar that’s rewriting the rules of wedding libations. More than just a mobile bartender, together with her husband Chris, Jennifer leads this innovative venture, offering their distinctive wedding bartending service with every sip.
The Phoenix Trailer – Mobile Wedding Bartender Service
1. When did you start your business?
We bought the trailer in February of 2023 and had our first party in May 2023.
2. What made you start a business providing bar service for a wedding?
When I was much younger, I worked for a wedding photographer and sometimes modeled wedding dresses for a wedding shop in my hometown. I always loved being part of a wedding. So when a friend of the family decided to sell her newly refurbished horse trailer bar which she used at weddings, I was instantly interested. I had watched her horse trailer bar for the year she had events and thought it was a fun and adorable bar and decided it would be something exciting I would like to do, especially since wedding season is during my down time as a teacher.
3. Describe your service/product you provide and how are you different from the rest?
The Phoenix Traveling Trailer is a dry bar, which means we do not provide the alcohol. The host provides whatever alcohol they want to have served at their wedding or event, and we serve it out of our adorable trailer. The way we are different from the rest is we bring the bar to your event and the trailer is quite an eye catcher. Additionally, we have a lot of fun bartending and I think the guests can tell.
Whether you’re having a wedding, private party, or any event where you want someone to take care of the drinks, we can do that for you. From helping decide how much alcohol to purchase, to keeping drinks cold, we do all the work so you can sit back and enjoy your event. And we don’t have to serve alcohol. We can do mocktails, hot chocolate bar, or anything you want. Inside the trailer, we have a 120 gallon built-in cooler that can hold almost 200 cans or bottles with ice, plus a two tap keg system.
When you book with us, we’ll set up, decorate, serve, and clean up so you can just enjoy yourself. Additionally, we have a sitting area with two cute chairs, a rug and an end table that we can put close to the trailer for guests to sit and enjoy drinks or while waiting.
4. When did you first realize you wanted to provide wedding bartending services?
As soon as I found out the trailer was for sale, I knew I wanted to use it to provide wedding bartending services. There’s no happier place than a wedding and I genuinely enjoy helping people make their most important day as easy as possible. Plus, everyone loves the bartender!
5. What is your favorite part of providing bar service for a wedding?
The best part is connecting with the bridal party, family, and guests. It’s just so much fun to meet all the people and help out with anything they need. I’ve always been a people person, and weddings are such a fun place for a server/bartender.
6. What’s the most memorable event (doesn’t have to be a wedding) you’ve done?
Well, since it’s Ohio, the trailer business is seasonal and this is only the beginning of our second year, but I would have to say my very first party was the most memorable. It was special because it was my niece’s graduation party and I was so excited to get started.
7. Just for fun, what is your favorite cocktail?
I like anything fizzy and sweet, but I enjoy trying all the cocktails! Recently, I’ve been enjoying a spicy mango margarita. I love the touch of spice!
8. Where do you go for inspiration?
To keep up with the wedding scene and learn about bartending trends, I always check social media to see what other bartenders are doing. And I especially pay close attention to the more established mobile bars to get ideas.
9. What are your favorite upcoming trends?
I love decorating and making the bar aesthetically pleasing, so one trend I am excited about is monochrome magic, connecting a color throughout the wedding and into the bar with a drink or drinks that match. And of course, personalizing the drinks for the bride and groom. Customizing any part of the bar for the wedding is an additional step of fun for me.
10. What’s your favorite part of your job?
The people! It’s always fun to chat with the guests while making drinks.
11. Is there a mistake couples sometimes make regarding the bar?
I think the biggest mistake people make is trying to cut costs by having their friend or relative bartend for them. And ice, there’s never enough ice.
12. Do you have any final advice for engaged couples?
Book earlier than you think is necessary. We already have weddings for 2025 on the books, and I hate to see couples wait and then get disappointed when their date is taken.
13. Besides weddings, what other types of events do you do?
In addition to weddings, we have done quite a few grad parties, backyard parties and private events for local businesses. We are excited for year two!
14. How should couples looking for bar service for their wedding get in touch with you?
On social media, you can find The Phoenix Traveling Trailer on Facebook, Instagram or Tik Tok (@the_phoenix_trailer). You can also check out our webpage and submit your information to request a quote at www.thephoenixtrailer.com, email Jen at info@thephoenixtrailer.com or call /text 937-304-9750 for more information.
Hearts, Joy, Love!
Jean
Author of “Wedding Invitations, RSVPs, and More! Oh My!” and “From ‘I Will’ to ‘I Do’”
Have questions about your wedding plans? Contact me today at jean@weddingsfromtheheart.net or by phone or text at 937-581-3647!