Wedding food cart ideas: the 10 guests love most

Food carts have earned their place at weddings for a simple reason: guests wander over, chat to the operator, take photos and head back to the dance floor with something delicious in hand. Chosen well, they fill gaps the menu doesn’t, such as the wait during the drinks reception or the hunger that strikes at two in the morning. Here are our wedding food cart ideas: the ten guests love most, when to bring them out and what each one needs.

Before you choose: timing is everything

The most common mistake is picking a cart because it sounds tempting rather than thinking about when it will be served. A wedding has four moments when a cart shines:

• The drinks reception, while the couple are having their photos taken.
• Dessert, as an alternative or addition to the cake.
• The late-night snack, halfway through the party, when dancing works up an appetite.
• The children’s corner, so the kids have their own thing going on.

Carts for the drinks reception

1. Aperol spritz

Orange, bubbles and an Italian terrace feel. The Aperol spritz cart is one of the most photographed at spring and summer weddings. It brings Aperol, prosecco, soda, orange and ice. As it is alcoholic, have an alcohol-free alternative alongside.

2. Charcuterie

Cured meats, cheeses and bread served on the spot. The charcuterie cart suits a long drinks reception and pleases almost everyone. It contains milk and gluten, and may contain nuts and sulphites.

3. Fresh orange juice

Perfect for midday weddings, a next-day brunch or guests who don’t drink alcohol. Gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan.

Carts for dessert

4. Artisan ice cream

At summer weddings, the ice cream cart is a sure-fire hit. It holds seven 2.5-litre trays, so you can choose up to seven flavours. It is served in a two-scoop tub or a cone, with toppings.

5. Chocolate fountain

Strawberries, banana, peach, marshmallows and sponge to dip. A chocolate fountain works on its own or next to the cake, and it is one of the busiest tables once the dancing starts.

6. Soft-serve ice cream

Two flavours and a third lever that swirls them together. Each one is served in under 30 seconds, so queues don’t build up. The tubs can be personalised with your names.

Carts for the late-night snack

The late-night snack is where savoury carts really come into their own. It arrives halfway through the party, when dinner is a distant memory and nobody wants to leave the dance floor for long.

7. Hot dogs

Quick to serve, around 50 an hour, and easy to eat standing up. A vegan version is available on request. The cart needs about 30 minutes to heat up before the first batch, so let the operator know when the snack is due.

8. Mini burgers or pizza

For a heartier late-night bite, mini burgers are cooked to order, around 50 an hour, and the pizza cart is ideal for big groups. Both have a vegan option on request.

9. Popcorn

Sweet or salted, or even coloured to match the décor. The cart serves around 60 boxes an hour. With boxes printed with your initials, they also become a wedding keepsake.

Carts for the children

10. Candy floss

The candy floss cart is the children’s favourite, and plenty of adults’ too. There are flavours and colours to choose from: strawberry, watermelon, peach, melon, banana or apple. Pick your wedding colour and serve it in the kids’ corner or on the dance floor. It gives off no smoke, so it can go indoors.

How many carts to have

As a guide:

• Up to 100 guests: one well-placed cart is usually enough, such as popcorn or ice cream.
• 100 to 200: two carts at different moments, one at the drinks reception and one for the late-night snack.
• More than 200: two carts at once for the late-night snack to avoid queues, or a bigger format such as the XXL wagon.

Remember that each cart serves around 50-60 portions an hour. If the late-night snack lasts an hour and there are 200 of you, one cart will mean a queue.

Mistakes to avoid

• Serving the late-night snack too early, before anyone is hungry. One or two hours after the first dance is usual.
• Putting the cart far from the dance floor. If it is hidden, nobody goes. Keep it visible, but out of the way.
• Bringing out every sweet cart at the same time as the cake. They compete and food goes to waste.
• Forgetting guests with allergies. Ask for the ingredient sheet and mix options.
• Booking late. In wedding season, May to October, Saturdays get booked months ahead.

How to personalise them for your wedding

• A sign or vinyl with your names and the date on the cart.
• Popcorn boxes or cones with your initials or an illustration.
• Personalised ice cream tubs.
• Colours: popcorn or candy floss in your colour scheme.

For personalisation, allow at least two weeks before the wedding.

The practical side: space, power and outdoors

• Space: each cart needs its own footprint plus a metre of free space in front for the queue.
• Power: almost all need a 230 V socket nearby. Ask the venue where the sockets are and whether they can handle several appliances.
• Access: let us know about stairs without a lift or long gravel paths.
• Outdoors: if rain is forecast, the cart must be under cover.

You will find more ideas and photos on our wedding food carts page.

Frequently asked questions

Which cart is most popular at weddings?

For the late-night snack, hot dogs and popcorn; for a summer dessert, ice cream; and for the children, candy floss. If you only have one, choose the moment when it is needed most.

Do carts replace the caterer?

Usually they complement it. Carts are ideal for the drinks reception, dessert or late-night snack, but the main meal is normally provided by the venue’s caterer.

Do you cover weddings outside Barcelona?

Yes, anywhere in Spain. You can request a quote here with your date and venue.