29/09/2026
Should I hire a food truck or a caterer?
Food trucks-
Pros
• Fun and interactive: Creates a relaxed, social atmosphere that gets guests up and mingling.
• Fresh food: Meals are cooked to order rather than sitting under heat lamps.
• Budget-friendly base cost: Food often ranges from $12 to $22 per head. Might have a minimal fee for driving to your venue (gas money).
Cons
• Long lines: One truck typically serves 100 to 140 guests max, causing wait times unless you hire multiple trucks. We recommend 1 food truck per 75 ppl. If the food trucks prep time is less than 4 minutes they can handle more.
• Hidden rentals: You usually need to hire separate staff for table clearing, trash removal, and plate rentals. These are sometimes provided by the venue.
• Weather and space limits: Requires flat outdoor parking, power hookups (some trucks come with their own generators), and a backup plan for rain.
Traditional catering-
Pros
• All-inclusive service: Covers linens, plates, glassware, setup, and full cleanup.
• Simultaneous dining: All guests get served at the same time, keeping wedding program timelines and speeches on track.
• Formal fit: Ideal for indoor venues, multi-course meals, and strict dietary plating.
Cons
• Higher cost: Averages $75 to $140 per person, plus service fees.
• Less interactive: Plated or standard buffet meals feel more structured and traditional.
• Pre-made feel: Food is often prepared off-site hours ahead and held at temperature.
