Food trucks have become a popular and exciting addition to wedding celebrations. They offer a unique way to showcase your personality and add an element of fun to your special day. If you love the idea of having a food truck at your wedding, you're not alone! Many couples are opting for this trendy and delicious option. However, there are some key items to note when booking a food truck for your wedding celebration. Here are some helpful tips and things to think through before booking, so your wedding runs smoothly and your guests leave full and happy. Let's also explore how this trend fits perfectly with The Highlands Estate.

• Showcase Your Personality: Food trucks allow you to infuse your wedding with your personal style. Whether you love gourmet burgers, artisanal ice cream, or exotic tacos, you can choose a food truck that reflects your tastes and interests. This personalization makes your wedding unique and memorable.

• Add an Element of Fun: Food trucks bring a casual and festive vibe to your wedding. The sight of a colorful truck and the aroma of freshly prepared food can create a lively atmosphere that encourages guests to mingle and enjoy themselves. It's a great way to break the ice and get everyone talking.

• Variety and Customization: One of the biggest advantages of food trucks is the variety they offer. You can have multiple trucks serving different types of cuisine, ensuring that all your guests find something they love. Many food trucks are also willing to customize their menus to fit your wedding theme or dietary requirements.

• Interactive Dining Experience: Food trucks create an interactive dining experience. Guests can watch their food being prepared, which adds an element of entertainment. This setup encourages mingling and conversation, making your reception more lively and engaging.

• Confirm Your Guest Size with the Company Ahead of Time: Ensure that the company you hire can serve all your guests in a reasonable timeframe. Some food trucks have a limit on the number of guests they can serve efficiently. You don’t want your guests to wait in long lines or stand around for hours waiting to eat.

• Consider Having More Than One Food Truck: Why not give your guests options? If you have two or three food trucks, you can accommodate any guest’s dietary restrictions, limit the number of guests each truck has to feed, and reduce lines and wait times. Keep in mind that guests may want to try different trucks, so it might be helpful to have quick bite-sized samples available or even stationed food so guests can try each truck.

• Limit the Number of Items on the Menu: Many food trucks have extensive menus, which can be logistically challenging when prepping food for a large number of guests. Consider limiting the menu to three or four items so guests still have options, but the chef can prepare accordingly.

• Place Orders Before Your Wedding: Consider having guests place orders ahead of time, either in their invitation or through a Google form. This way, the chef can prep meals ahead of time, note any dietary restrictions, and order the correct amount of ingredients so they don’t run out of that favorite item! If you don’t want to arrange ahead of time, maybe check in with guests when they arrive on site so there is at least some additional time for the kitchen staff to prep.

• What Other Items Do They Offer as Part of Their Packages?: Do you want to have food available at your cocktail hour? What about beer, wine, or liquor? Dessert? Confirm ahead of time what the food truck is able to offer. Whatever they do not offer, you will need to arrange through another vendor. Tip: Arrange for some stationed items to be placed around the reception so your guests can graze on these items first, allowing those long lines to ease at the start of dinner.

• Do They Have Support Staff?: Full-service caterers may be more expensive upfront, but they also come with staff, can provide bar services, dessert, arrange linens, plates, utensils, etc., so you know all things food and beverage are taken care of. Some food trucks may offer these items, but some may not. Confirm ahead of time what is included in the price. Do they set the tables for you when they arrive, or have linen rentals available? Do they have plates and utensils, napkins? Do they have support staff that will help serve the food? What about cleanup after the dinner service? These are all items you can arrange for through other companies if they do not provide them, but it may be slightly more work to manage all those additional items. Something to consider before booking.

• Do You Need Servers?: Do you want your guests waiting in lines for food? If not, you may want to confirm if the company has servers that can bring the food to your guests. If they do not, there are event staffing companies listed on our vendor list that can arrange these services.

• Confirm Their Power and Water Requirements: Do they run off of a generator? Do they need power or water hookups? We have power and water available as needed, but this is a great perk of a food truck! They are often self-contained, so you will not need to provide a catering tent or additional equipment for them. They may even have a generator and water storage on the truck, which means more power for your other vendors!

• Confirm Their Truck Can Make It Up a Hill: Our estate has some hills, and the access road to the reception terrace may not be ideal for some trucks. Before booking, confirm if the food truck can make it up and down a slight incline.

The Highlands Estate, with its stunning views and elegant facilities, is an ideal location for incorporating food trucks into your wedding reception. Here’s how this venue complements the food truck experience:

• Scenic Backdrop: Nestled in the picturesque hills, The Highlands Estate offers breathtaking views that enhance the overall ambiance of your wedding. Imagine your guests enjoying gourmet street food while taking in the serene landscape – it’s a perfect blend of rustic charm and modern convenience.

• Perfect Flow: Guest flow – how your guests move from one area to the next and how far away each area is, is an important consideration, especially with a food truck. Some venues restrict food trucks to inconvenient areas far away from where the guests will be dining – many times that’s an unappealing parking lot! With the dining terrace at The Highlands Estate accessible to most food trucks, your guests will be immersed in the experience, having the trucks just steps from their tables.

• Spacious Grounds: The estate boasts ample outdoor space, making it easy to accommodate multiple food trucks without crowding. This allows for a seamless flow of guests and ensures that everyone has easy access to the food options.

• Versatile Settings: Whether you’re planning a casual, bohemian celebration or a more formal affair, The Highlands Estate can adapt to your vision. Food trucks can be integrated into various settings, from garden parties to barn receptions, adding a unique twist to the traditional wedding setup.

• Personal Touch: The team at The Highlands Estate is known for their attention to detail and personalized service. They can help coordinate with food truck vendors to ensure everything runs smoothly, allowing you to focus on enjoying your special day.

To ensure your wedding runs smoothly and your guests leave full and happy, consider the following additional tips:

• Communicate with Vendors: Maintain open communication with your food truck vendors leading up to the wedding. Confirm all details, including arrival times, setup requirements, and menu options.

• Plan for Dietary Restrictions: Make sure to accommodate any dietary restrictions your guests might have. Discuss these needs with your food truck vendors to ensure there are suitable options available.

• Create a Schedule: Develop a detailed schedule for the day, including when the food trucks will arrive, set up, and start serving. Share this schedule with your vendors and wedding planner to keep everyone on the same page.

• Consider the Flow of Guests: Think about how guests will move through the space to access the food trucks. Arrange the trucks and seating areas in a way that promotes easy flow and minimizes congestion.

• Provide Entertainment: While guests wait for their food, consider providing entertainment options such as live music, lawn games, or a photo booth. This keeps everyone engaged and adds to the festive atmosphere.

Booking a food truck for your wedding can be an incredible way to showcase your personality and add an element of fun to your celebration. With careful planning and attention to detail, you can ensure your wedding runs smoothly and your guests leave full and happy. The Highlands Estate provides the perfect backdrop for this modern trend, combining stunning scenery with ample space and personalized service. By following these tips and considering the unique features of The Highlands Estate, your food truck wedding can be a highlight of your special day, leaving lasting impressions on everyone who attends. So, if you dream of having a food truck at your wedding, go for it – it’s a decision you and your guests will savor for years to come!