As one of the biggest investments and most important factors in a wedding, we sure don't talk enough about food here on Bridal Musings.
(That's probably for the best though – I scoffed a massive bag of popcorn just putting together this post!)
We've chatted before about food trends at weddings and when it comes to hot (meal) ticket items, hog roasts, pie pops, and dessert tables have all been growing in popularity over the last few years.
And a cool new trend is set to join them, it's all about the food trucks!
Photo by Sara K Byrne Photography via Bridal Musings
Street food has been enjoying a massive surge of late in cities across the world. Every city has its own delicacies, in New York it's the hot dog, LA loves a taco truck, Hanoi boasts the Banh Mi, Amsterdam has chips and peanut mayo, and here in London? Well, it ranges from cod ‘n chips or kebabs to pulled pork or pies, (and everything in between). I've become rather partial to a Fish Dog of late!
These trucks might be more used to feeding festivals and farmers' markets, but they've started honing their skills and catering for weddings too. Cool, casual, and totally tasty, food trucks can be a quirky, memorable and an often budget-friendly way to feed your guests at a laid back wedding.
What could be a more personal touch to the food at your wedding, than having it supplied from your favourite local Friday night food truck?
Photo by Sara K Byrne Photography via Bridal Musings
Top Tips for Having a Food Truck At Your Wedding
– This might seem like a no-brainer, but make sure you'll have enough food. Some of your guests may have big appetites (people often won't have had lunch or even breakfast before the wedding) so be sure to have a burger/taco/donut contingency so that your hungry guests can go for seconds.
– Think about sides and toppings. Talk to your food truck vendor about additional extras, they may serve up one specialty dish, if that's the case, perhaps feature a buffet table with salads and sides alongside the truck.
– Choose standing-friendly food. Food trucks are perfect for late night eats and cocktail hours, if this is the case, be sure to choose small dishes that your guests can manage (with a glass of bubbly in hand!).
– Talk to your truckers. Food truck owners may be used to serving big groups of people over the course of a day, but there is a certain standard of service (and speed) expected at weddings. Chances are you're a casual couple if you're opting for street food, but be sure your vendors know what's expected (napkins, presentation, time-frame), and have enough staff and supplies to meet the demands of your guests.
Photo by Sara K Byrne Photography via Bridal Musings
– Check with your venue. Ask about permission for parking/trading outside your venue, you might even need to enquire about electricity hook-ups. Make sure there's room for your truck to park, with space for your guests to queue outside.
– Pick vendors you love and have a report with. Street food vendors tend to be some of the friendliest people around, and they're passionate about food, select somebody whose dishes you've tried and loved, to make your wedding day food extra special.
– Depending on your friends or family, food truck refreshments might seem a little unconventional. Perhaps let your key guests know in advance what to expect, so they'll get into the spirit of casual dining. It's good to have signage, or someone with a mic on hand to let guests know when and where the truck is, so you don't have to herd your guests yourself!
– Don't forget to take some photographs in front of your food truck. It's the perfect chance to get some quirky, candid snaps during the day.
– Finally, as with any al fresco element, think of the weather. What if it rains, is baking hot, or super windy on your wedding day? Consider all options when choosing where to position your truck, and how to plan the logistics.
So, without further ado, check out ten of our favourite ways to feature a food truck at your wedding.
1. We All Scream
Photo by Markow Photography via Bridal Musings
Photo by Jose Villa Photography via Style Me Pretty
Fun, tasty, and the perfect photo op, an ice-cream truck at your wedding is probably the easiest of the bunch to pull off.
They're readily available and pretty inexpensive. While there are some event specific ice-cream carts (like this cutie above!) which you may need to hire for a set time or price, local Mr Whippy style ice-cream trucks will often happily take time away from the local seaside/park for the promise of a 75-cone sale.
2. Coffee Stop
Photo by Photophilcro via Style Me Pretty
Are you and your other half caffeine addicts? Why not treat your guests to your favourite pick-me-up at your wedding?
Lots of coffee companies will send out carts or trucks to local events, try serving them with wedding cake, doughnuts, or cookies instead of the typical cocktail hour.
3. Burger Bus
Photo by Joielala Photography
When it comes to street food, the burger reigns supreme. Pulled pork, falafel, chicken or beef, chat to your caterer about creating your favourite combos.
One tip though, perhaps opt for mini sliders rather than bigger buns, especially if it's part of your cocktail hour or evening bites, rather than a main sit-down meal.
4. Just Desserts
Photo by Laura Gordon Photography via Style Me Pretty
Photo by Eliza Claire via Love My Dress
Yum! As you know, dessert tables have become incredibly popular over the last year or so, the next step in this trend? Dessert trucks!
Imagine how chuffed your guests would be with a truck pulled up filled with sweets, cupcakes or donuts! This is such a nice way to break up your dinner and prevent food comas from sitting down too long over your eats!
5. Bar on Wheels
Photo via Tom Collins Caravan Bar
We're a little bit in love with the idea of having a bar truck at a wedding – it's so blooming cool!
If your wedding venue site doesn't have its own bar facilities, a truck is an easy and less-expensive way of managing the logistics, while also making a fun feature for your guests.
6. Chip Van
Photo by Belatheè via Style Me Pretty
Is there any greater late night snack than the humble French fry? We don't think though.
Keep it simple with your local fish and chip van for the wee hours, or go for gourmet with some chic chip cones at your cocktail hour. Our personal favourite? A gravy-laced poutine, there's no finer street food after you've spent the night on the dancefloor!
7. Pizza Party
Photo by Anne-Claire Brun via One Fab Day
Photo by Steve Steinhardt Photography via Style Me Pretty
We've noticed a bit of a trend for pizza being served at weddings lately, and why the heck not. It's delicious, it's affordable and it's versatile – plus you're *almost* guaranteed all your guests will love it.
Choose a selection of options for meat-eaters and veggies, and don't forget a gluten free or vegan option if you need them too. Dish it out by the slice, or pass around the boxes for your guests to share, perfect for casual wedding dining.
8. Taco Truck
Photo by Wildflowers Photos via Wedding Chicks
Photo by Ashley Kickliter via Ruffled
We love tacos! And by the looks of lots of the menus we see from our real weddings, you guys love them too!
While there aren't as many taco trucks on this side of the Atlantic, they're on many a street corner in cities across the US. Self-contained and easy(ish!) to eat standing up, these make tasty, laid back eats for cocktail hour, or a fun addition to a fiesta style buffet.
9. Doggy Bag
Photo by Forever Photography Studio via Style Me Pretty
We just adore the idea of a couple hopping out of their wedding car in all their regalia to grab a hot dog en route to the reception. But why not share the love and bring the hot dog cart to your guests instead?
Set up a station with ketchup, onions and mustard, and let your guests dig in. We can't think of a more fun wedding day snack.
10. Pie Time
Photo by Neil Thomas Douglas Photography via Rock'n'Roll Bride
Okay so pies aren't very well-known Stateside but over here in England, they're a pretty big deal! We're not talking apple or pecan either, we're talking beef and stout, chicken and leek or feta and squash (we're hungry at the thought of it!)
Pie, mash and gravy will be a big hit with your guests, and provide a hearty feed to keep them going 'til the wee ones on the dancefloor.
Photo by The Bird & The Bear via The Wedding Chicks
So let us know, would you feature street food at your wedding? If you had a food truck at your big day, we'd love to hear about it!
For ideas on wedding day eats, check out these ideas for Food + Drink for your big day.
