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A food truck or pizza stand turns the food into part of the party: guests watch their pizza being made, and the oven quickly becomes the place where everyone meets. A little planning makes sure everything works on the day. This checklist goes through it step by step.
1. Before you ask
- Date and time: when do you want to eat, and for how long?
- Venue: address, indoors or outdoors, own property, rented venue or public space?
- Guest count: a rough figure is enough, including children
- Role of the food: main meal, snack next to a buffet or midnight snack? More in How much pizza per guest.
- Budget and payment: do you pay, do the guests, or both? See What does pizza catering cost?.
- Ask the venue: are external caterers allowed, is there a fee?
2. When to book
| Occasion | Lead time |
|---|---|
| Summer wedding, Saturday | 6 to 12 months |
| Company party or summer party | 2 to 6 months |
| Birthday, garden party | 4 to 8 weeks |
| Weekday or winter party | often at short notice |
Saturdays between May and September go quickly, because that is also when markets and town festivals take place.
3. What is needed on site
- Space: level and firm. A gazebo needs about 3×3 m, a food truck much more plus room to manoeuvre.
- Access: can a car get to the spot, or does everything have to be carried? How far?
- Power: electric ovens need a suitable socket nearby. Ask which one exactly.
- Water: many caterers bring canisters for hand washing, ask anyway.
- Room for guests: in front of the oven, with distance from the hot side
- Waste: where do boxes and napkins go?
- Light: once it gets dark, the stand needs its own lighting.
4. Permits
On your own property or at a rented venue you usually need no permit for a pizza stand. Public land is different: for streets, squares and parks German towns often require a special use permit (Sondernutzungserlaubnis), and street parties may need to be registered as an event. Clarify this early with your town's public order office.
Business registration, hygiene and insurance are the caterer's job. You can still ask whether they have business liability insurance.
5. Questions for the quote
- How long do they bake, and what if the party runs longer?
- How much pizza is included, how many varieties, are there vegetarian and vegan options?
- Are travel, set-up and pack-up included?
- Are prices gross or net?
- Drinks: from the caterer, from you or from the venue?
- How long does set-up take, and when does the team arrive?
- What happens in rain or storm?
- Deposit, payment terms and cancellation?
- Extras such as music or a selfie spot?
6. On the day
- Name one contact person on site who shows the pitch and the power socket
- Keep access clear and sort out parking for the vehicle
- Tell guests in good time when the pizza will be served
- At weddings: point the photographer to the oven, it makes great pictures
The timeline
Frequently asked questions
How early should you book a food truck?
For summer Saturdays and weddings, six to twelve months ahead. For weekday parties and in winter a few weeks are often enough. Ask as soon as date and venue are fixed.
What does a pizza stand need on site?
Level, firm ground, access for unloading and usually a power connection. At TIAMO that means room for our 3×3 m gazebo and space for guests in front of it.
Do I need a permit for a food truck?
On your own property or at a rented venue usually not. On public streets and squares in Germany you often need a special use permit (Sondernutzungserlaubnis) from the town. Clarify this early with the local public order office.
Food truck or pizza stand with a gazebo?
A truck needs more space and vehicle access. A stand with a gazebo also fits into gardens and courtyards that no vehicle can reach.
Can a food truck go to any venue?
Not always. Some venues only work with fixed caterers or charge a fee for external ones. Ask the venue before you book.
Sources
- Foodtruck auf eurer Hochzeit: Das perfekte Catering für jeden Geschmack, Bridebook (bridebook.com)
We check facts against these sources. Spotted a mistake? Write to us and we will fix it.
