How Many Food Trucks Do You Need for a 100-Guest Wedding in New Hampshire?
One of the first questions couples ask when considering food truck catering for their wedding is simple: "Can one truck actually feed all our guests?" It's a fair question—and the answer might surprise you.
Whether you're planning an intimate 50-person celebration at a lakeside inn or a 150-guest party at a barn venue in the Lakes Region, understanding how food truck service works will help you plan with confidence. The good news? A well-run food truck can handle more guests than most people expect.
Let's walk through how food truck capacity really works, what affects service time, and how to plan for a smooth, stress-free wedding meal—no matter your guest count.
How Food Truck Service Capacity Actually Works
Here's the thing most couples don't realize: food trucks are designed for efficiency.
Unlike a traditional buffet where guests serve themselves (often slowly), food truck service is handled by a trained crew. Each order is prepared quickly and handed directly to the guest. This means the line keeps moving at a steady pace.
A capable food truck with an experienced crew can typically serve 75 to 150 guests per hour, depending on the menu complexity and service style. For most weddings, that translates to getting everyone fed within 45 minutes to an hour—even with 100+ guests.
What Makes Food Truck Service Fast?
Prep work happens before arrival. Ingredients are prepped, sauces are ready, and the crew arrives with everything staged for quick assembly.
Streamlined menus. Wedding menus are often curated to 3–5 main options, which speeds up both ordering and preparation.
Dedicated crew. Unlike self-serve buffets, food truck teams control the pace and keep the line flowing.
No plating delays. Food goes from grill to guest in seconds, not minutes.
Planning for Different Wedding Guest Counts
Let's break down what to expect for common wedding sizes in the Lakes Region.
50 Guests or Fewer
For intimate weddings—think backyard celebrations in Wolfeboro, elopements at Lake Wentworth, or small gatherings at a private estate—one food truck is more than enough.
What to expect:
Full service completed in about 30–40 minutes
Plenty of time for guests to come back for seconds
Relaxed pace with minimal wait times
Great opportunity to offer a wider menu with more options
Small weddings are actually ideal for food truck catering because guests can take their time, chat with the crew, and enjoy the experience without feeling rushed.
75–100 Guests
This is the sweet spot for most food truck weddings. A single truck with a solid crew can comfortably serve 100 guests in about 45 minutes to an hour.
What to expect:
Steady, manageable line that moves quickly
Most guests through in under 5 minutes of waiting
Time for the couple to eat without stress
Room for seconds if your timeline allows
For a 100-guest lakeside wedding in Meredith or a barn reception in Gilford, one well-prepared food truck handles the job smoothly.
125–150 Guests
Larger weddings require a bit more planning, but one truck can still work beautifully with the right approach.
What to expect:
Service time of about 60–75 minutes for all guests
May benefit from a slightly simplified menu (3–4 options instead of 5–6)
Strategic timing becomes more important
Consider staggered table releases to manage flow
For weddings pushing toward 150 guests—say, a big celebration at a venue in Moultonborough or a farm wedding near Ossipee—you'll want to coordinate closely with your food truck vendor on timing and logistics.
175+ Guests
Once you're above 150 guests, it's worth discussing whether a second truck or additional service setup makes sense. This isn't always necessary, but for very large weddings with tight timelines, having backup capacity ensures no one waits too long.
Factors That Affect Food Truck Service Time
Guest count isn't the only thing that determines how quickly everyone gets fed. Here are the other factors to consider when planning.
Menu Complexity
A menu with simple, quick-to-assemble items (like tacos, sliders, or rice bowls) moves faster than a menu with made-to-order items that require more prep time.
Faster service menus:
Tacos and build-your-own bowls
Sliders and handheld items
Pre-portioned plates with set combinations
Slightly slower (but still efficient):
Items with multiple customization options
Dishes requiring last-minute finishing
Large portion sizes that take longer to plate
When planning your wedding menu, your food truck vendor can help you balance variety with efficiency.
Guest Flow and Line Management
How guests approach the truck matters. A disorganized crowd takes longer to serve than an orderly line.
Tips for smooth guest flow:
Release tables in groups rather than announcing "dinner is served" to everyone at once
Position the truck where there's room for a line to form without blocking other areas
Have your DJ or coordinator make clear announcements about when to head to the truck
Weather and Venue Layout
New Hampshire weather can be unpredictable, especially for outdoor weddings near Lake Winnipesaukee. Rain, wind, or extreme heat can slow things down slightly as guests navigate the elements.
Venue layout also plays a role. If the truck is positioned far from the reception area, factor in extra walking time. If it's right next to the tent or barn, service will flow faster.
Time of Day and Guest Energy
Evening receptions with hungry guests tend to move quickly—everyone's ready to eat! Midday events or cocktail-style receptions where guests have been snacking might see a slower, more leisurely pace at the truck.
Tips for Smooth Food Truck Service at Your Wedding
Whether you're hosting 50 guests or 150, these strategies help everything run smoothly.
1. Coordinate Timing with Your Venue and Photographer
Build food truck service into your timeline intentionally. Most couples allow 60–90 minutes for dinner, which includes time for guests to get food, eat, and mingle before the next event (toasts, dancing, cake cutting).
Let your photographer know when food service starts so they can capture candid shots of guests at the truck.
2. Consider a Staggered Release
Instead of sending all 100 guests to the truck at once, release tables in waves. This keeps the line short, reduces wait times, and creates a more relaxed vibe.
Your DJ, band, or coordinator can handle this easily: "Table 1 and 2, you're up first!"
3. Plan for the Wedding Party and Family
Decide in advance when the wedding party and immediate family will eat. Some couples prefer to have them served first so they can relax and enjoy. Others let them join the flow naturally.
Either approach works—just communicate it to your food truck vendor and coordinator ahead of time.
4. Build in Time for Seconds
One perk of food truck catering is that guests can come back for more. If your guest count is on the smaller side, let people know seconds are welcome. It's a fun, generous touch that guests remember.
5. Have a Backup Plan for Weather
For outdoor weddings in the Lakes Region, always have a rain plan. Food trucks can operate in light rain, but heavy storms may require adjusting the truck's position or timing. Discuss contingencies with your vendor during planning.
When You Might Need More Than One Truck
For most weddings between 50 and 150 guests, one food truck is plenty. But there are situations where adding a second truck—or a complementary setup—makes sense.
Consider a second truck or station if:
Your guest count exceeds 175–200
You have a very tight timeline (under 45 minutes for dinner service)
You want to offer two completely different cuisines (savory + dessert, for example)
Your venue layout makes it difficult for one truck to serve efficiently
A popular option for Lakes Region weddings is pairing a main food truck with a separate dessert station—like a shave ice bar for a sweet finish after dinner. This splits the crowd naturally and gives guests two experiences to enjoy.
Why Couples Choose Food Truck Catering for New Hampshire Weddings
Beyond the practical logistics, food truck catering brings something special to a wedding celebration.
It's interactive and memorable. Guests love the experience of walking up to a truck, watching their food prepared, and choosing exactly what they want.
It fits the Lakes Region vibe. Outdoor weddings, barn venues, lakeside celebrations—food trucks match the relaxed, natural beauty of New Hampshire perfectly.
It supports local and small businesses. Choosing a family-owned food truck means your wedding dollars stay in the community and support local farms and suppliers.
It reduces stress. With a dedicated crew handling everything from setup to cleanup, you can focus on enjoying your day instead of worrying about catering logistics.
Ready to Plan Your Lakes Region Food Truck Wedding?
If you're dreaming of a wedding near Wolfeboro, Lake Winnipesaukee, or anywhere in the Lakes Region, we'd love to chat about how PEAKS Food Truck can make your celebration delicious and stress-free. Whether you're hosting 50 guests or 150, we'll work with you to create a custom menu and timeline that fits your day perfectly.
Reach out through our Contact page to check your date and start planning.
