A Complete Guide to Hiring an Ice Cream Van for Your Wedding

Abbie on 05 February, 2026 | No Comments

Planning a wedding involves making hundreds of decisions, from the venue and the dress to the guest list and the menu. Couples are increasingly looking for ways to inject personality and fun into their special day, moving away from rigid traditions toward more relaxed and enjoyable experiences. One trend that has maintained its popularity is hiring an ice cream van. It offers a nostalgic touch that appeals to guests of all ages, serving as both a dessert option and a memorable entertainment feature.

This guide provides practical advice on why you might choose this option, the logistical challenges you must manage, and the steps required to secure a reliable vendor. By understanding the practicalities, you can decide if this addition fits your wedding plans and budget.

The Appeal of Serving Ice Cream

Serving ice cream from a vintage or modern van offers several distinct advantages over traditional dessert courses. The most obvious benefit is the atmosphere it creates. Weddings can sometimes feel long, particularly during the gap between the ceremony and the evening reception. An ice cream van provides a focal point during this lull, encouraging guests to move around, mingle, and engage in conversation while queuing for a treat. It breaks the ice effectively and keeps energy levels high before the evening festivities begin.

From a photographic perspective, these vehicles offer excellent visual opportunities. A vintage vehicle provides a colourful, retro backdrop that contrasts well with formal wedding attire. Photographers often use the van to capture relaxed, candid moments of the couple and their guests. Furthermore, it serves as a cost-effective alternative to a plated dessert. Plated meals require service staff, cutlery, and strict timing, whereas an ice cream van operates on a self-service basis, reducing the pressure on your venue’s catering team and potentially lowering your overall catering costs.

Important Logistics to Review

While the idea is charming, the reality involves specific logistical requirements that you must check with your venue early in the planning process. Access is the primary concern. Vintage vans and modern units are often wider and taller than standard vehicles. You need to confirm that the entrance gates, driveways, and designated parking areas at your venue can accommodate the vehicle’s dimensions. If your reception is in a marquee in a field, you must also consider ground conditions. A heavy van can easily get stuck in soft mud, which would cause significant disruption.

Power supply requires equal attention. Traditional vans often need to keep their engines running to power the freezers and soft-serve machines. This generates noise and exhaust fumes, which may not be suitable for quiet, enclosed courtyards or venues with strict noise restrictions. However, many modern operators offer electric hook-up options, allowing them to plug directly into the venue’s power supply. This creates a silent, fume-free operation. You must verify if your venue has an appropriate outdoor power source and if the van operator creates specifically what creates the necessary cables to reach it safely without creating a trip hazard.

Making Your Final Choice

Hiring an ice cream van is a fantastic way to add charm and enjoyment to your wedding day. It offers a refreshing alternative to heavy desserts and provides a shared experience that guests often remember fondly. However, success lies in the planning. By confirming access and power requirements with your venue and choosing a fully insured, hygiene-rated professional, you avoid common pitfalls. With the logistics managed effectively, you can look forward to enjoying a sweet moment on your big day without any unwanted surprises.