Why evening food matters
By the evening, guests who ate the wedding breakfast in the afternoon are hungry again, and evening-only guests may have arrived straight from work. Good evening food keeps people on the dance floor and stops the drinks going straight to their heads.
Popular ideas
- A fish and chip van: hot, filling and a talking point
- Bacon or sausage rolls: quick and loved by everyone
- Pizza: from a wood-fired oven or van
- A cheese table: a classic, especially if it doubles as your cake
- Burgers or hot dogs: easy to eat standing up
- Late-night sweets: doughnuts, s’mores or an ice cream van in summer
Hot or cold?
Hot food feels more generous later in the evening, especially in spring, autumn and winter. A fish and chip van serves food fresh from the fryer, so it never sits waiting.
When to serve
Usually between about 8pm and 9:30pm, after the first dance. Talk to your band or DJ about a short break or a slower set while food is served.
How much to order
Not every guest eats in the evening. Many couples cater for most, not all, of the evening guest list. Talk to your caterer about your timings and how much was served earlier.
Practical tips
- Put the van or table near the dance floor but not in the way
- Light the route and the queue
- Have napkins and bins ready
- Remember the band, photographer and venue staff
For a full guide, see a fish and chip van at your wedding.
Thinking about your evening guests
Evening-only guests are often colleagues, neighbours and friends who weren’t at the ceremony. They may have travelled straight from work, so they’ll be glad of a proper meal. Day guests, meanwhile, may only want a small portion. Food that suits both, such as fish and chips from a van, makes life easy.
Budget
Evening food usually costs much less per head than the wedding breakfast, and a van needs no extra crockery or staff from the venue. Ask whether your venue charges a fee for outside caterers, and include that in your comparison.
Late-night extras
Some couples add a sweet treat later in the night, such as doughnuts or the cutting cake served with coffee. Keep it simple: by midnight, guests mostly want something small and easy to eat on the dance floor.
Quick answers
Is a fish and chip van good for evening food?
It’s one of the most popular choices: hot, filling and fun.
Do all evening guests need feeding?
Usually most, not all. Ask your caterer.
Planning an event? Tell us about it and we’ll check the date and send a quote.