For event planners and venues
How many security guards do I need for an event?
Short answer
A common starting point is one officer for every 75 to 100 guests. Plan more when alcohol is served, the crowd is young, the event is ticketed, or the venue has several entrances or a large parking area. A 150-guest wedding usually needs two officers, and a 500-person concert usually needs five to eight.
Rough guide
| Event | Guests | Officers |
|---|---|---|
| Private party or wedding, alcohol served | 100 to 200 | 2 |
| Corporate event | 200 to 400 | 2 to 4 |
| School dance or graduation | 300 to 600 | 3 to 6 |
| Concert, festival or race | 500 to 1,000 | 5 to 12 |
Add officers for
- Each entrance that needs ticket or guest-list checks
- A parking lot out of sight of the venue
- Cash handling
- VIP or backstage areas
Your venue, insurer or permit may set a minimum, so ask them first. Then call us with the guest count and floor plan and we will give you a number. See event security.
This is general information from a security company, not legal advice. Laws change and details matter, so confirm anything important with your attorney.
Talk to the owner, not a call center.
Call any hour. Michael or a supervisor answers, asks a few questions, and you have a written quote within about two hours.