The appearance of food trucks at weddings has not
necessarily taken us by surprise, more like created joy in us. This is because food
trucks pulling up alongside a reception space are, at the very least, welcomed
with smiles and – usually – clapping. Therefore, when a bride or groom requests
one at their wedding, we are more than happy to work to accommodate their
request.
Why Food Trucks?
One reason why food trucks have become the rage is because
of their relative ease in organizing. Since food trucks often only operate
until about two on most days, their earnings are relatively steady and somewhat
limited to what can be sold during their normal hours of operation. Typically,
food truck owners are happy to drive their vehicles up alongside any reception
location to earn the extra money that comes along with a special request.
Moreover, income from a food truck appearing at a wedding
reception is guaranteed because most food trucks have a minimum that they
charge. This guarantees that the appearance is worth the food truck owner’s
time.
Food truck owners also know the city’s permitting
requirements. Although acquiring a permit is the couple’s task, food truck
owners can point them to where and who to ask for such a permit. They can also
tell couples exactly what type of permit to acquire. However, the increase in
food truck appearances at our weddings has also resulted in us having extensive
knowledge about permitting issues.
How Food Trucks?
We recommend that food trucks appear at your reception after
the main meal. Essentially, one of the best ways to use a food truck is as a
late-night treat or even a sending-off (i.e., favor) gift. In this use, you
send your guests home with full tummies and your guests receive a unique “thank
you” for attending your celebration.
There are, of course, other times when a food truck can
appear at your reception, but this is the main time that the appearance of a
food truck is most appreciated and useful. The exact timing of its appearance
depends on your reception hours.
We do not recommend that a food truck appear outside your
ceremony location either before or during the ceremony. This just creates a
mess and distracts from your exchanging your vows. It is, however, acceptable
to use food trucks to supply your cocktail hour food. To provide a variety of
appetizers, though, you usually must have multiple trucks.
What Food Trucks?
There really is no limit as to what type of food truck you can
have at your wedding. Choosing the type of truck is similar to choosing what
type of food to serve at your reception:
- What do most people like to eat?
- What options are available from a food truck? For example, is there a vegetarian option?
Our advice is to stay clear of anything in which the only
option is very spicy. Make sure that what the truck serves is something
appealing to the majority of your guests. Since dessert food trucks (cupcakes, pies, etc.) are also available, you could also offer your guests a late-night, sugary treat.
Happy Eating!
