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Ice cream van hire
Ice cream van hire costs £300 to £600 for two hours of unlimited soft serve for up to about 100 guests, which works out at about £3 to £6 per head. Most vans set a two-hour minimum, and searches for ice cream vans peak in June, so summer weekends go first.
What this covers
What it costs. An ice cream van costs £300 to £600 for two hours of unlimited soft serve at a private event, and £450 to £850 for longer wedding bookings or larger crowds. Full cost breakdown.
What the job covers
- Two hours of unlimited soft serve after a summer wedding breakfast
- An ice cream van at a school sports day, selling to families
- A vintage van for a company summer party
- An ice cream cart indoors at a christening
- Soft serve with flakes and sauces at a garden party for 80
What is involved
The van arrives shortly before service, parks where agreed and serves soft serve in cones or tubs with flakes, sauces and sprinkles for the hire period. Wedding and party bookings are usually unlimited for the time booked; at fetes and public events the van sells to guests and the host may pay nothing. Some businesses offer scooped ice cream or gelato from a cart or tricycle, which suits indoor venues.
Soft serve contains milk, cones contain gluten, and sauces and toppings can contain nuts, so allergen information matters; many vans now carry a dairy-free option. The van's engine or a generator often runs the machine, and some venues do not want an engine running near guests, so ask how the van is powered. Demand is heavily seasonal, and many vans do not trade from November to February.
The practical check is where the van parks. It needs firm, level ground with access for a vehicle of its size, close enough to guests to be used but out of the way of speeches and photographs. A cart or tricycle can go indoors where a van cannot. caterers.trade lists only caterers rated 3 or above, or Pass in Scotland.
Choosing someone for the job
Ask whether the booking is unlimited or a set number of servings, and for how long. Ask what toppings and dairy-free options are included. Ask how the van is powered and where it needs to park. Ask what happens if it rains, since a van can serve under cover but guests may not queue. And ask for the council they are registered with, so you can check their food hygiene rating.
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Common questions
How much does it cost to hire an ice cream van for a wedding?
£300 to £600 for two hours of unlimited soft serve for up to about 100 guests, and £450 to £850 for longer bookings or bigger weddings. Extra time is usually charged by the hour.
How long do you hire an ice cream van for?
Two hours is the usual minimum and is enough for most weddings and parties. Longer events such as fetes can book the van for the afternoon.
Do ice cream vans do dairy-free or vegan ice cream?
Many carry a dairy-free option, but not all. Ask in advance, and for a milk allergy ask how the van keeps it separate from the dairy soft serve.
Where does an ice cream van park at a venue?
On firm, level ground with vehicle access, close enough to guests to be used. Check the venue allows vehicles on the lawn, and ask the van for its size.