Does planning your wedding have your head spinning? Does a food truck wedding grab your attention, but you're not sure where to start? Planning your wedding can be overwhelming, but food doesn't have to be. Here are 5 questions to ask yourself (and your spouse to be!) to determine if a food truck wedding is right for you.
#1 Does your venue allow outside catering?
If you are considering using food trucks for your event, the first question to ask is if your selected venue allows food from outside caterers. Sometimes this practice is encouraged, or you may be asked to pay a small fee, or worst case- this may be prohibited altogether. It's best to ask the management team of your venue about their policy before you commit to a location. The next item to consider if a food truck is allowed, is where you would like them to park. See your event coordinator for their recommendation so the food will be accessible, but not interfere with your event layout.
#2 How do you envision your guests being served their meals?
Buffet style, ordering from the truck, boxes set out for guests to grab and go, butler passed hors d'oeuvres - food trucks can serve in a multitude of styles! When weighing these options also consider how fast you would like your guests to be served. Depending on the size of your wedding, you may opt to have guests serve themselves at a buffet, or utilize wait staff to expedite service. Some brides want to treat their guests to a more genuine food truck experience by having them order directly from the truck itself. For this particular style, advance planning is recommended to help serve guests as quickly as possible.
#3 What is the best way to utilize a food truck at your wedding?
Food trucks can provide a variety of services ranging from simple appetizers to entree service at your rehearsal dinner or reception. If you are looking for an alternative to cake, dessert-focused food trucks can create a dessert buffet or personalized arrangement for your special day. Looking for a little more variety than a traditional wedding cake? Consider a sundae bar or cupcakes for guests to choose from! At Tampa Bay Food Trucks we offer not only food trucks for hire, but also comprehensive event planning services. Don't forget to ask us about bar and drink services, table and chair rental, catering management, or our DJ and portable dance floor. We can help you create the perfect event almost anywhere, and food trucks can be utilized for just about any event leading up to, during and after your big day as well - the stag, bachelorette and engagement parties, bridal showers, post-wedding brunch or even a late night reception snack. A food truck can even provide favors for guests as they exit your reception.
#4 What type of cuisine would you like to serve?
The street food scene in Tampa Bay are pretty unparalleled, meaning you have a long list of food trucks to choose from! Take some time to think about what cuisine reflects you as a couple, and that would be enjoyed by all of your guests. Are you looking for something culturally authentic? Or food with mass appeal? Some popular options include (but of course are not limited to) Asian fusion, Cuban, Filipino, Fish and Chips, Gluten-Free Options, gourmet comfort food, Greek, Hawaiian, Indian, Italian, Kid-Friendly Items, Korean Fusion, Latin, Macaroni and Cheese, Mediterranean, Mexican, Middle Eastern, Pizza, Seafood, Southern-Inspired Dishes, Spanish, Brazilian steak, Vegan/Vegetarian Accommodating Options, Waffles, and Wings. If you think that's a mouthful, that’s just the entrees. Round out your meal with something sweet such as Brownies, Cakes and Cupcakes, Cheesecakes, Coffee, Cookies, various Deep-Fried Desserts, Gelato, Gluten-Free Desserts, Milkshakes, Mini Donuts, Pies, Soft Serve Ice Cream, and Sorbet or a Sundae Bar! Have fun dreaming up a custom menu that best fits your day, and we will help pair you with a truck and chef who are best equipped to bring your ideas to life.
#5 What do your guest list and budget look like?
You may be thinking a food truck is cheaper than a traditional caterer. It can be, but that isn’t always the case. When comparing vendors be mindful of the total cost of service. Some catering companies will tack on extra fees at the end, not to mention mandatory gratuity. Our pricing is all inclusive, and the cost of hiring a food truck takes into account how many hours of service will be needed, as well as the number of guests and items being served. Details such as food and labor costs, mileage to the location, and more can also influence the cost of your catering. To get the most accurate quote, have a rough head count in place and be open to discussion with us. If a quote comes in higher than anticipated, we can help pinpoint if it's the number of guests, or selected menu items, or another factor that is driving the total cost, and help you determine if it's something that can be adjusted.
Looking to take the next step in your planning process? Check out our Wedding Catering page or call our wedding specialist Kim Sanders at 813-390-5671. You can also leave your information here to discuss how we can help plan your special day, and make it one your guests will rave about for years to come.