From tasty tacos to petite pastries, the food truck phenomenon has taken the wedding industry by storm. While this trend is certainly here to stay, modern-day couples are looking for additional ways to create a reception with difference. To help you pull out all the stops, Melbourne Wedding & Bride explores some of the most popular specialty carts for hire, and offers some helpful advice to ensure your wedding reception stands out from the crowd.

Meals On Wheels

Whether you have a penchant for Asian-inspired fare or good old-fashioned American grub, there is a food truck to satiate even the most discerning palates. While food trucks generally call to mind messy ‘street eats’ many now serve high-end dishes, which look right at home at a black-tie event. Many popular eat-in restaurants are also starting to launch their own food trucks, so next time you’re at your favourite dining spot, ask if they have one in the works.

So that your guests don’t get hungry, we recommend hiring at least two different vendors to ensure they aren’t waiting for too long, and that there is something for everyone. Whether you want to keep on trucking throughout the entire reception or prefer to provide some post-ceremony hors d’oeuvres, be sure to ask the business about their menu options. While many companies are more than happy to create a custom menu specifically for your event, others may prefer to stick to a set menu. It’s also a good idea to let the business know of any allergies or special dietary requirements as early on as possible. To keep you on track of your budget, make sure you check whether the utensil and plating options are included in the price or whether they’ll come at an additional cost. For a cohesive dining experience, chat with each vendor about using the same serveware.

When offering food-truck fare, you have two dining options: setting up a long line of tables so guests can have a sit-down style meal, or placing the utensils and napkins in a central location and encouraging guests to stand and chat while they eat. For a more casual style, opt for the latter, while the former will help achieve a more refined setting. If you’re planning on a sit-down reception, ensure the tables are positioned at a small distance away from the food trucks, as operating noise can be quite loud. 

You’ll also want to make sure there is enough room for you guests to queue up and order.

Sweet Treats

For those with a sweet tooth, there are plenty of specialty trucks that are dedicated to serving only the sweetest of treats. From cupcakes and cookies baked fresh in a quaint little caravan, to shaved Italian ice and artisanal ice cream lovingly scooped from a European-style cart, there is a truckload of dessert options for you to choose from.

For those planning a summer wedding, make sure that your vendor has an appropriate storage unit for cold treats such as ice creams, slushies, and snow cones to avoid a wedding meltdown.

If you’re after something a little more traditional, a retro candy bar will not only provide a sweet finish to your main course, but can also double up as your wedding favours.

Sip, Sip, Hooray

It’s equally important to provide an assortment of beverages so your guests aren’t left feeling parched during the celebration. Providing a touch of old-world charm, prosecco vans are the latest wedding sensation. Reminiscent of yesteryear, many mobile beverage bars are beautifully styled, providing a vintage aesthetic that transports you back to the 30s.

However, if the thought of bubbles leaves you feeling a little flat, there are plenty of libation stations to suit all kinds of tastes, whether you’re frenzied for frosè or mad about martinis. If you’re after something a little more bespoke, why not hire a trained mixologist to create a signature wedding cocktail inspired by you and your partner.

For an interactive experience, incorporating a wine, beer or whisky tasting into your reception will allow guests to sample a few different drinks and learn some fun facts about their favourite drop. Many local breweries and wineries are now purchasing vehicles specifically designed to provide on-the-go tastings. However, you’re not restricted to serving just alcoholic beverages; you can also hire a coffee cart for all your caffeine requirements. If you’re dreaming of a winter wedding, consider serving piping hot chocolate or a soothing chai latte to help keep your guests toasty.