Food Truck Weddings: Everything You Need to Know

Food truck weddings have been growing in popularity over the years, and it’s easy to see why. Food trucks are convenient, doable for nearly any budget, and have lots of tasty options for both food and drinks. As far as we’re concerned, the sky's the limit when it comes to what you can serve and how you can use a food truck at your wedding. But with so many food truck choices available, it can be hard to know where to start. That’s where we come in.

In this post, we dive into everything you need to know about food truck weddings. We answer frequently asked questions about cost and the booking process. Then, we explore 15 ideas and tips and offer real-world examples for you to take inspiration from — or even book directly!

How much does a wedding food truck cost?

According to Social Tables, booking a food truck for a wedding can cost anywhere from $10 to $35 per person, depending on the type of cuisine. Sometimes, there will be a minimum amount that has to be reached, but expect the cost to be anywhere between $1,000 to $3,500 for a 100-person wedding. However, keep in mind that the cost of food trucks typically only includes the food, whereas catering companies often have additional services and items included in the cost, such as linens, chairs, tables, glassware, plates, servers, and so on.

How do you hire a food truck for a wedding?

First, think about what it is you want to serve. For example, will you be booking the food truck for cocktail hour, for the main reception meal, or for dessert? Do you want to go with themed Italian food or keep things more simple? Once you answer those questions, determine how many people will be at your wedding and begin searching. Narrow down your top few options and start reaching out to see if they’ll be able to meet your needs, such as the date, amount of people who will be served (more than one truck may be required), etc.

Pro tip: Websites like Roaming Hunger help users find the best food trucks in their area and gives them the option to fill out booking forms directly on the site.

Do wedding venues allow food trucks?

It depends on the venue. Some venues won’t allow outside catering at all, while others have specific rules about food trucks in general. The best way to figure this out is to reach out to your venue directly (before booking the food truck) to make sure that there won’t be any issues. In some cases, the venue may have a list of preferred food trucks that they've worked with before, which is a win-win!

Check out 15 of our favorite food truck wedding ideas, tips, and examples:

No matter what dietary restrictions, budget, or meal style you choose for your wedding menu, you’ll be sure to find an option or two on this list that will wow your guests.

1. Shuck trucks

It’s hard to beat fresh seafood at a wedding, but having an expert caterer onsite to shuck oysters, clams, and everything in between is even better!

Tips for this type:

• Always check with guests to see if they have allergies and if they’ve ever tried shelled seafood before. Your wedding is NOT the time to find out how they’ll react.

• Serve with plenty of organic lemon juice, garden-fresh herbs, ice-cold martinis, and/or dark red wine.

Example: The Shuck Food Truck rounds out their delightfully New England-inspired menu with Old Bay fries, lobster bisque, and a selection of fresh catch sandwiches.

2. Belgian waffles

Belgian waffles are a great late-night snack or brunch reception item. With both sweet and savory options available, guests will have plenty of variety. Some Belgian waffle food trucks combine salty snacks like herb fries to bring contrasting flavors into the mix.

Tips for this type:

• Choose one main savory option like bacon and pair it with one main sweet option like honey and condensed milk.

• Coffees, lemonade, and hot tea all pair well with this treat.

Example: Wafels & Dinges is a New York City-based icon. Their yellow food trucks are easy to spot and are filled with classic waffles with toppings like strawberries and ice cream, plus some delicious hot beverages to wash it all down with.

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Wafels & Dinges (@wafelsanddinges)

3. Ramen food trucks

If you’re looking for something slightly different, consider serving authentic ramen noodles in spicy, mild, and vegetarian versions. Guests can mix and match toppings like soft-boiled eggs, corn kernels, and pork.

Tips for this type:

• Noodles in general tend to be quite messy, so have plenty of napkins and bibs on hand for those who need it.

• Pair with sake, sushi, and Japanese beers.

Example: Shake Ramen in Los Angeles offers a fun, interactive twist on the traditional ramen experience. Their to-go style ramen cups are literally shakeable, which means guests can add any mix-ins they like and shake it all together themselves.

4. Self-serve champagne trucks

Book a portable champagne, wine, and beer self-serve truck for both photo ops and convenient service. This idea works well for the summertime and can easily be converted into a non-alcoholic drink server for dry weddings.

Tips for this type:

• Pick a mobile bar that fits the theme of your wedding.

• Keep in mind that for many food trucks, you’ll be required to stock your own alcohol. However, many will provide staff, which is incredibly helpful.

Example: Get Cozy, which has locations throughout the country, offers vintage mobile bars that add to the decor of your wedding.

 

 

 

 

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5. Creative fusion food trucks

One of the most exciting things about having a food truck wedding is the variety. And if you can’t decide between two different cuisines, you’ll probably be able to find a wedding food truck caterer who offers both!

Tips for this type:

• In addition to flavors, consider which culinary elements best represent the culture or customs you and your partner deeply admire.

• Choose a fusion that is symbolic for you as a couple. You can include dishes from your cultural backgrounds, places you’ve lived, or where you met.

Example: The Kogi food truck blends Korean BBQ and Mexican food into delicious twists on well-loved classics your guests are sure to remember for years to come. Some of their inspiring menu highlights include kimchi quesadillas and short rib tacos.

6. DIY personal pizzas

Is your reception going late into the night? You’ll need to give your guests something to snack on. Try a cheesy classic each person can customize to fit their liking.

Tips for this type:

• Add some salads or greens to the menu for those who might want it.

• A lot of pizza wedding food trucks offer bartending services too, so keep that in mind when pricing out the rest of your refreshments.

Example: Craving some mobile wood-fired pizza? Stoked Pizza Co. has a specially-imported Italian oven plus tons of flexible options for dietary needs, staffing, additional catering, and more.

7. Gourmet tacos

Elevate street tacos into wedding-worthy entrees with fresh, organic ingredients and impressive meat or seafood options, or by pairing with a beloved local restaurant that offers food truck catering.

Tips for this type:

• Fresh cilantro, lime, and hot sauce are popular (and affordable) add-ons!

• Include heavy appetizers or burrito options to keep guests full and happy.

Example: Border Grill rounds out their authentic taco menu with ceviche, margaritas, and mojitos.

 

 

 

 

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8. Cocktail caravans

A styled vehicle with a window and room for a bar setup is all you need to DIY, but there are plenty of caterers who offer both expert staff and delicious menu options to fit any wedding style, budget, and location.

Tips for this type:

• Create a signature cocktail that represents you as a couple or come up with cocktails named after each of your pets.

• Lemonade stands converted into limoncello or adult beverage stands are a great alternative to renting.

Example: The Tom Collins Caravan Bar specializes in classic cocktails, provides your very own bartender, and makes for a picture-perfect photo background to boot.

Some additional food truck wedding ideas we love:

9. Mix and match pasta with homemade sauces like the Pasta Sisters Food Truck does.

10. Split lobster rolls with sides of clam chowder and corn on the cob like The Wicked Lobstah dishes up.

11. Dish California classics from the real In-N-Out so guests can enjoy the beloved burgers, fries, and shakes.

12. Scoop ice cream from providers like Van Leeuwen or your other favorite frozen dessert company.

13. Adulfity grilled cheese with tasty gourmet combinations with soups and unusual cheeses like the kind offered by Milk Truck NYC.

14. Bring back memories with carnival food like elephant ears, dipped apples, and popcorn from food trucks by companies such as Carnival Catering.

15. Binge bento boxes with plenty of fresh fishes, vegetables, and herbs like the creative team at Sushi and Seoul dishes out.

Plan the tastiest food truck wedding anyone has ever been to!

Now that you have an idea of what type of food truck you’d like to book (and maybe even a specific vendor or two), you’ll need to round out your wedding menu with some bonus treats. Check out these tasty wedding midnight snack ideas that will have guests going back for seconds and thirds.