If having food from a food truck at your wedding is a must, there are a few things you should keep in mind. We tapped experts to compile a list of everything you need to know about this fun, interactive experience .

 

Know what the food truck can and can't do before you book it

 

When exploring food truck options be sure to know the limits of the truck before you book them. Can they prepare full meals or only snacks? If they're cooking full meals for your guests, you'll also need to find out how long it will take them.  A common mistake couples make is to expect one truck to feed the entire wedding with cocktails, dinner, and dessert.  Most food trucks only serve one type of food or one style of food. They don't offer full-service catering. Food trucks roll up, prepare and hand out amazing food and then roll away.

 

 

Don't Forget Other Important Information

 

Preparing the food is just one aspect of your wedding meal. You'll need to think about serving, busing, and cleaning, as well as dishes, silverware, and napkins. Ask the food truck what they provide ahead of time so there are no surprises on your perfect wedding day. If you want to upgrade the food service, ask if you can provide nicer plates and cutlery, as they may not have space for them

 

 

Know the Dangers

 

Food trucks are on wheels, which means they move around. It's important for you to understand that there is a possibility your food truck may not show up on your wedding day.  Since COVID has hurt the food truck business so much, it comes down to where they can make the most money that night.  If there's a random concert with lots of potential customers, they might not show.

Many food trucks may not even sign contracts or will include a clause that gives them the right to cancel at the last minute. All of these things come into play when you book your food truck, which is why it is suggested to work with an established company because they've worked with the best food trucks before.

 

 

Think about your venue and your guests

The idea of having a food truck cater on your perfect wedding day is exciting, but don't forget to think about how it will work. For example, you need to know exactly where the food truck is going to be parked before the big day. If there isn't a spot inside the venue,  parking nearby on the street works just fine. It is also suggested to work with your DJ to let your guests know about the food truck so they can enjoy it. Make sure guests have wristbands or tickets that show they are part of the wedding.

 

How much electricity your food truck needs will also affect where you put it. Food trucks need the power to operate: Some can plug in, some have generators and some need to be running their engine. If you want to run a food truck, it should be outside and well-ventilated, with the fumes going away from the guests. If you want your food truck inside, be sure they can pull in and that their exhaust faces out and that they can plug in, and that you or they have the right size extension cord and power needs

 

 

Do Your Research Ahead of the Wedding

 

The best way to find food trucks is to try them out when they're open to the public. Your friends and family can also help you find wedding food truck catering. Ask them if they've ever tried food from a food truck at a festival or while traveling.  Also, reach out to catering companies that interest you and ask if they have food trucks or if they can recommend some. And finally, ask other vendors you've already hired for your wedding for recommendations.

 

 

Plan for the weather

 

If you're having an outdoor wedding, you need to have a plan for everything in case it rains. Even if it rains on your perfect wedding day, you don't have to cancel your food truck wedding catering, but you do need a plan. Most food trucks can set up pop-up tents. If that isn't an option, work with your planner to find a backup plan.

 

 

Don't let your wedding have long lines.

 

Food trucks are great if you have a small number of guests, and the lines aren't too long. But if there are a lot of people on your perfect wedding day, you might want to combine food trucks with passed appetizers, snack stations, or even a full meal. Another thought? Hire a food truck for your rehearsal dinner or brunch after the wedding.