General Advice

Food Truck Wedding Catering: The Ultimate Guide for 2024

by Kellee Khalil 29 Aug 2024 •5 min read

Food Truck Wedding Catering: The Ultimate Guide for 2024

Does the idea of a food truck wedding reception sound really appealing to you? How about for a casual, outdoor rehearsal dinner? Or for the very end of the night when all you can think about are some fries to soak up that champagne? If you're thinking about booking a food truck for any part of your wedding weekend, you've come to the right place!
We talked to some food truck caterers who run some of New York's hottest mobile eateries to get some tips for how to pull off the perfect wedding with food trucks involved. The great chefs behind Red Hook Lobster Pound, the Morris Truck, and Wafels and Dinges are giving us the scoop on a food truck wedding!
So if you are thinking about booking a food truck for your wedding, check out these tips to make sure that your wedding day is made even greater by the addition of a food truck.

How Does Food Truck Catering Work At Weddings?

Food truck catering offers unparalleled flexibility for your big day. As April Reed of Red Hook Lobster Pound explains, "Food trucks are versatile and fun and can accommodate any event situation, from cocktail hour to the after party." You can hire a food truck for the cocktail hour, dinner, dessert, or late-night snacks.

When to Rent a Food Truck for a Wedding

Planning is key when it comes to food truck weddings. Ben Latham of the Morris Truck suggests, "If you don't want to be stressed about food, go with a food truck! We'll take care of all the logistics."
Typically, you should start planning your food truck menu about five to six months before your wedding. This timeline gives you ample opportunity to customize your menu, attend food tastings, and finalize a delicious selection that everyone will love.
For seasonal options like ice cream trucks, booking even earlier is crucial. These trucks are in high demand during warmer months, so aim to secure your booking at least six months in advance.

Food Truck Catering Wedding Cost

One of the most attractive aspects of food truck catering is its cost-effectiveness. Food truck rentals for weddings typically range between $10-$25 per person, significantly lower than the average $85 per plate  for traditional catering. However, it's important to factor in potential extra costs.

Things to Know About Food Truck Catering For Your Wedding

Consider What You Want Out of the Truck

Before diving in, consider what kind of catering experience you want. Do you envision a full meal service or just snacks? Understanding your needs will help you choose the right food truck for your wedding.

Think About the Size of Your Guest List

Your guest count will significantly impact your food truck choices. Erica Vichnes of Wafels and Dinges shares, "Generally, we only send one [truck]. But if it's a party for over 600 guests, we usually need to send multiple [trucks]."
Reed from Red Hook Lobster Pound adds, "Incorporating more than one truck at your wedding gives you and your guests more variety for food. We find three trucks is a nice mix."

Consider the Season

The time of year can affect both your menu options and the logistics of your food truck setup. "If you're having an off-season wedding, a food truck can be a really affordable option," Latham points out. "We sometimes can make deals during our slower months—taking on smaller parties with smaller budgets."
Vichnes adds, "There is some flexibility [with our menu] based on party size and season. We're always happy to add a topping or two based on what's in season, whether it's peaches, blueberries, or an additional ice cream flavor."

Think About the Aesthetics

Don't forget the visual appeal of your food truck! These mobile eateries come in various colors and styles, making them a photographer's dream. Consider how the truck's appearance will complement your overall wedding aesthetic.

Popular Food Truck Types for Weddings

When planning your food truck wedding, consider these popular cuisine types that are sure to delight your guests:
  1. Tacos and Mexican cuisine
  2. Gourmet burgers
  3. Wood-fired pizza
  4. Ice cream and desserts
  5. Barbecue
  6. Seafood (especially for coastal weddings)
  7. Grilled cheese
  8. Asian fusion
  9. Gourmet hot dogs
  10. Waffles and breakfast foods
  11. Farm-to-table and locally sourced options
  12. Vegetarian and vegan specialties

Top National Food Trucks for Weddings

Here's a list of some popular food trucks across the United States that cater weddings. Keep in mind that availability may vary depending on your location:
  1. Kimchi Taco Truck (New York City) - Korean-Mexican fusion
  2. Coolhaus (Los Angeles, New York City, Dallas) - Gourmet ice cream sandwiches
  3. Chubby Wieners (Chicago) - Gourmet hot dogs and burgers
  4. Bernie's Burger Bus (Houston) - Gourmet burgers
  5. SPOT Gourmet Burgers, Steaks & Pork (Philadelphia) - Philly cheesesteaks and more
  6. Mama Toledo's (Phoenix) - Pies and desserts
  7. HipPOPs (Miami) - Handcrafted gelato bars
  8. Bacon Bacon (San Francisco) - All things bacon
  9. Der Pretzel Wagen (Indianapolis) - Gourmet pretzels and sandwiches
  10. The TIN Kitchen (Charlotte) - Gourmet tacos and sliders
  11. Mac Shack (Detroit) - Gourmet mac and cheese
  12. Sam Choy's Poke To The Max (Seattle) - Hawaiian poke bowls
  13. Basic Kneads (Denver) - Wood-fired pizza
  14. Sweetz Cheesecake (Washington D.C.) - Gourmet cheesecakes
  15. The Cod Squad (Boston) - Fresh seafood
  16. Red Hook Lobster Pound (New York) - Fresh lobster rolls and seafood
  17. The Morris Truck (New York) - Gourmet grilled cheese
  18. Wafels and Dinges (New York) - Belgian waffles and toppings
  19. Fete au Fete (New Orleans) - Cajun and New Orleans cuisine
  20. Itsa Pizza Truck (New York) - Wood-fired pizza with farm-to-table ingredients
  21. Mo's Food Truck (Oregon) - Seafood specialties
  22. Yum Dum Food Truck (Chicago) - Asian-inspired dumplings and baowiches
When choosing a food truck for your wedding, remember to consider your location, the season, and your guests' preferences. Many of these trucks are regional, so be sure to research options available in your specific area. Don't forget to read reviews, attend local food truck events, and if possible, taste the food before making your final decision.
Keep in mind that while these trucks have great reputations, it's always best to do your own research and communicate directly with the vendors to ensure they can meet your specific wedding needs. Happy food truck hunting!

Kellee Khalil
About The Author
Kellee Khalil is the Founder & CEO of Loverly. She lives in upstate NY with her fiancé and two dogs.
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