Guide to Having Food Trucks at Weddings

Food trucks have become a popular trend in wedding catering, offering a unique and fun dining experience for couples and their guests. If you’re considering having food trucks at your wedding, this comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from the benefits to important considerations and helpful tips.

Why Food Trucks at Weddings are Worth It

Food trucks bring a fresh and exciting element to wedding receptions. They offer a variety of benefits that make them an attractive option for couples looking to create a memorable dining experience:

• Diverse Cuisine Options: Food trucks can offer a wide range of cuisines, from Mexican and BBQ to Asian fusion, gourmet burgers, and even specialty desserts or cocktails. This variety allows you to cater to different tastes and dietary requirements.
• Unique Experience: Food trucks create a fun, casual atmosphere that encourages guests to mingle and explore different food options. It’s a conversation starter and can add a lively, festival-like vibe to your reception.
• Flexibility: You can hire multiple trucks to serve different courses or cuisines, keeping the lines moving and offering guests more choices. You can
• Types: There are so many types of food trucks that add fun to your big day. For example, you could have a main course truck, a dessert truck (hello ice cream truck?!), and even a mobile bar.
• Cost: Depending on your location and guest count, food trucks can be a more budget-friendly option compared to traditional catering services, with costs typically ranging from $10 to $35 per person.
• Vibes: Food trucks can add fun vibes to your wedding, serving as both a catering service and a decorative feature that fits well with many wedding themes here in Colorado – especially outdoor, off-grid, camping or rustic settings.

What to Consider Before Hiring a Food Truck for Your Wedding

While food trucks offer many advantages, there are several factors you need to consider to ensure smooth service on your big day:

• Guest Count: As a general rule, plan for one food truck per 75-100 guests. For larger weddings, multiple trucks are recommended to reduce wait times and offer more variety.
• Booking in Advance: Secure your food truck(s) at least 6-12 months before your wedding date, especially if you’re getting married during peak season. Trucks may line up for festivals and events well in advance, and this helps them plan their schedules and secures your date so you can get the trucks you want.
• Menu Planning: Communicate with your food truck vendors about dietary restrictions and preferences. Ensure there’s enough variety to accommodate all your guests’ needs. Trucks will often limit their menus so that the service moves more quickly – see if that’s something they offer.
• Service Style: Most food trucks offer casual, buffet-style service. If you’re looking for a sit-down dinner style, discuss this with potential vendors to see if they can accommodate or if additional planning is needed. (Sit down service is where they deliver plates to your guests at their seats – typically a more formal dinner service than we’re used to out here in Colorado outside the higher end ski resorts!)
• Logistics: Consider the space required for the truck(s), power supply needs, and any necessary permits. Ensure your venue can accommodate these requirements.
• Weather Contingencies: Have a backup plan in case of inclement weather. This could include pop-up canopies, umbrellas, or the ability to move trucks closer to covered areas.
• Additional Rentals: Most food trucks don’t provide tables, chairs, or other dining equipment. Plan to rent these separately or check if your venue provides them.
• Timeline: Food truck service often takes longer than traditional catering. Factor this into your reception timeline to ensure a smooth flow of events.

Tips for Having Food Trucks at Weddings

To make the most of your food truck wedding catering, consider these helpful tips I’ve picked up in my decade-plus of experience photographing non-traditional wedding days:

• Advance Orders: If possible, have guests pre-select their meals. This can significantly speed up service on the day of the event. Add this section to your RSVP, and have them due well in advance of when the trucks need the info – we all know how hard getting RSVPs back is!
• Organized Service: Consider using a ticket system or serving by table to manage lines and ensure everyone gets served efficiently. By having tickets for guests on their seat, you ensure no one doubles up on food and your truck runs out (that really happens!)
• Clear Communication: Inform guests about the food truck concept in advance. Include menu options in your wedding invitations or on your wedding website. Get them excited and familiar with the options so they’re not staring at a menu for the first time when they get to the order window!
• Extended Service Time: Plan for a longer dining period in your reception timeline. Food trucks typically serve for 1-2 hours during a reception.
• Variety is Key: If budget allows, consider hiring multiple trucks with different cuisines to offer more options and reduce wait times. The lines will be faster, more kitchens will be serving, and guests will love having diverse options for food!
• Backup Plans: Discuss contingency plans with your food truck vendors in case of rain, mechanical issues, or other unforeseen circumstances. It’s usually not the end of the world, but having a plan in place will keep everything stress-free!
• Bussing and Cleaning: Arrange for a team to handle bussing and cleaning throughout the event, as food trucks typically don’t provide this service. Most food truck weddings will hire a coordinator to help with these things!
• Supplies Check: Confirm what supplies the food truck will provide and what you need to supply, such as plates, cutlery, napkins, serving utensils, and beverages.

Overcoming Common Challenges to Food Trucks at Weddings

While food trucks can create a fantastic wedding experience, it’s important to be prepared for potential challenges:

• Space and Setup: Ensure your venue has adequate space and the right setup for food trucks. This includes level ground, proper access for the trucks, whether or not there’s power, and sufficient space for guests to line up.
• Power and Water: Check if your food trucks need access to power or water and make necessary arrangements with your venue.
• Noise Concerns: Be aware that some food trucks use generators, which can be noisy. Discuss this with your vendors and venue to find the best solution if you’re worried about it.
• Weather Issues: Have a solid backup plan for inclement weather, whether it’s moving trucks closer to shelter or providing covered areas for guests.
• Timing and Flow: Work closely with your wedding planner or coordinator to ensure smooth timing between your ceremony, cocktail hour, and food truck service.

Food trucks at weddings offer a unique, fun, and often cost-effective alternative to traditional catering. They provide flexibility in menu options, create a casual and interactive dining experience, and can be a great fit for various wedding styles, especially outdoor or more relaxed celebrations.

However, successful execution requires careful planning and consideration of logistics, guest experience, and potential challenges. By taking into account the tips and considerations outlined in this guide, you can create a memorable and delicious dining experience that your guests will be talking about long after your big day.

Remember, the key to a successful food truck wedding is clear communication with your vendors, careful planning, and a willingness to think outside the box. With the right preparation, food trucks can add a delightful and delicious twist to your wedding celebration, creating lasting memories for you and your guests.