Feast on wheels: The real cost of hiring a wedding food truck
From artisan doughnuts to street food favourites, discover the true cost of hiring a food truck for your wedding.
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Whether you’re seeking savoury snacks for the evening,sweet treats for dessert, or mouthwatering mains, food vans can be a wonderful choice for weddings. From authenticItalian wood-fired pizzasand gourmet burgers to indulgent crêpes and cupcakes, you’ll be spoilt for choice. But how much does a food truck cost and what can you expect for your budget?
With more than a decade of experience helping couples find theirperfect wedding caterers, we looked at the numbers behind the bookings. After analysing quotes from 50 different food van vendors over the last year, we reveal the average cost of a food truck for a wedding.
What factors affect the cost of hiring a food van?
No two food vans will offer the same price, which is why you should consider some of the key factors that affect pricing before booking.
Menu complexity
The heart of any food truck is its menu, and the more elaborate it is, the higher the cost. Simple menus featuring just one or two crowd-pleasers like burgers or loaded fries tend to be budget-friendly. But if you’re dreaming of gourmet options – think fresh seafood or creative international dishes – expect the price to rise. More complex dishes require skilled chefs, premium ingredients, and extra prep time, all of which add to the overall cost.
Guest numbers
The size of your guest list naturally plays a part in costs. The larger the group, the more food, staff, andequipmentwill be needed which can increase the price. That said, some food trucks offer discounts or better deals for bigger bookings so be sure to keep this in mind when connecting with food truck vendors.
Location
The location of your wedding can also impact the cost. If your wedding is off the beaten track, expect higher travel fees. Similarly, parking availability and venue access can affect how easily the truck can set up and operate, sometimes requiring extra staff or extra time, which again influences pricing.
Décor
Most food trucks come wedding-ready with simple yet delicate decor. But if you’re looking for bespoke decor to match your wedding theme, expect to pay a little extra. Customwedding decorlike branded signage, matching menu designs, and your choice offlowersadds flair but also adds to the cost.
Booking Terms and Payment Structure
The way food trucks charge can vary widely, which also affects the overall price. Many food vans require a small one-off hiring fee plus a minimum spend, where your guests pay individually for their food. Higher deposits are often refundable if your guests meet spending targets. Other food trucks charge a straightforward price per head. Understanding these terms early on will help you avoid any unwanted surprises on the day!
How much does it cost to rent a food truck for a wedding?
Based on our analysis ofwedding catering costs, the average price to hire a food van for your wedding is £10-£15 per head.
| Price point | Cost per head | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Average | £10-£15 | - Varied menus like wood-fired pizzas, tacos, fish and chips, gourmet burgers - Full service with on-site prep and stylish presentation - Plenty of staff and bespoke décor options |
| Budget | £1-£5 | - One or two simple items like hot dogs, burgers, or doughnuts - Ideal for smaller gatherings or as a fun snack option - Basic setup with limited staffing and décor |
| Premium | £15-£20 | - Bespoke menus with multi-course options or dessert stations - Includes live cooking, custom setups, and themed décor - All-inclusive service covering staff, transport, and branding |
Average
Theaverage cost of hiring a food truckfor a wedding is £10-£15 per head. In this price range, expect to enjoy a comprehensive service from an array of deliciously diverse food trucks, from fish and chip vans to taco trucks and beyond.
Budget
If you’re planning a smaller gathering and fancy giving your guests a quick evening snack, lower-priced food trucks offer excellent value. For £1-£5 per head, you can enjoy simple, tasty treats like artisan doughnuts, classic burgers, or hot dogs. These setups tend to be casual, with fewer staff and minimal decoration. You’ll usually pay a small, one-off hire fee on the basis that your guests will then buy their own food.
Premium
On the other end of the spectrum, premium food trucks take things to the next level. For £15 to £20 per head, indulge your guests with a bespoke culinary experience. Picture multi-course menus or elegant dessert stations, complete with live cooking displays to add a little theatre to your special day.
Find the perfect food van for your wedding
Whether you're planning an intimate gathering with your nearest and dearest or a grand celebration, you’re sure to find a food van to suit your special day. To help you discover food trucks within your budget, simplyfill in the formand receive bespoke quotes from experienced food van vendors near you.
