Having a taco bar at a wedding is becoming an increasingly popular option for couples looking to serve fun, casual food at their reception. Tacos are a crowd-pleasing food that allow guests to customize their meals. However, there are some pros and cons to consider when deciding whether a taco bar is right for your wedding.
Pros of Having a Taco Bar at a Wedding
Here are some of the benefits of having tacos at your wedding:
- Tacos are casual and fun. They bring a laidback, festive vibe to the event.
- A taco bar allows guests to customize their food. There are many taco fillings and topping options to satisfy different tastes and dietary needs.
- Tacos are budget-friendly. You can save money on catering costs compared to a plated dinner.
- A taco bar is easy to execute. Taco ingredients are relatively simple for a caterer to make for a large group.
- You can add creative twists. Consider offering unexpected proteins like fish, pork belly, or jackfruit tacos.
- Tacos are finger foods, so they promote mingling. Guests can easily walk around with their tacos and connect with others.
- Kids tend to love tacos! A taco bar is a great option for child-friendly wedding menus.
The casual, build-your-own nature of a taco bar lends itself well to creating a laidback reception vibe. Tacos are customizable crowd-pleasers that can help you serve a delicious meal that satisfies various tastes and dietary needs. The festive finger foods encourage guests to mingle while they enjoy the casual fare.
Cons of Having a Taco Bar at a Wedding
However, there are a few potential drawbacks to keep in mind:
- Messiness – Tacos can be messy, so you’ll want plenty of napkins. Taco drippings may also stain formalwear.
- Seating logistics – Guests will be standing and walking around more, which needs to be accounted for in seating layouts.
- No plated presentation – Tacos won’t have the fancy plated presentation of a served dinner.
- Timeline logistics – The taco bar will need to be open for a longer duration so all guests can access it.
- Weather issues – Tacos may be difficult to execute well outdoors in hot or cold weather.
- Special diets – Even with many options, tacos may not work for those with certain dietary restrictions.
Tacos do come with some logistical considerations for seamless execution. The casual food and lack of plated service also won’t be right for couples desiring an elegant, formal dinner. Overall though, the pros often outweigh the cons, making a taco bar a fun wedding meal choice.
Taco Bar Menu Ideas
When planning your taco bar menu, consider offering:
- 2-3 protein options: Chicken, beef, pork carnitas, fish, shrimp, etc.
- Vegetarian protein option: Beans, jackfruit, soy crumbles, etc.
- Seasoned ground beef or turkey for taco fillings
- Soft tortillas – flour, corn, etc.
- Hard taco shells
- Taco toppings:
- Lettuce
- Tomato
- Onion
- Cheese
- Salsa
- Sour cream
- Guacamole
- Jalapenos
- Hot sauces
- Spanish rice and refried beans
- Churros for dessert!
Offering lots of flavors and topping options will let your guests customize their tacos. Make sure to have menu signs listing allergens and ingredients so guests can make informed choices.
Taco Bar Styling Tips
Style your taco bar spread for a festive, inviting presentation:
- Use colorful tablecloths, runners, napkins, and decor
- Display ingredients in rustic baskets, bowls, jars, etc.
- Include mini chalkboards or food name signs
- Decorate with cactuses, sombreros, papel picado banners
- Provide festive paper goods like patterned napkins
- Use grass skirts on the front of the taco bar table
- Display margaritas or other Mexican drinks nearby
The right styling and decor can really reinforce the casual Mexican fiesta theme. Get creative with colors, textures, props, and signage to liven up your taco bar.
Serving Logistics
Execute your taco bar successfully by considering these logistics:
- Hire enough staff to keep the food area well-stocked for the duration of the reception.
- Set up the buffet bar far from guest seating to prevent crowding.
- Offer cocktail napkins along with standard dinner napkins to help with messes.
- Place extra trash cans around the reception area.
- Extend your reception timeline to give all guests time to access the taco bar.
- If outdoors, provide heat lamps, fans, shade, etc. to keep food at safe temps.
With smart planning and sufficient staffing, your taco bar can run smoothly. Be sure to account for the extra time, space, and supplies needed when serving this style of buffet at a wedding.
Budget for a Taco Bar Wedding Reception
Now for the important part – how much does it cost to offer a taco buffet? Here are some typical taco bar wedding costs:
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Taco bar catering per person (including food, service, and supplies) | $15 – $25 |
| Buffet table rental | $50 – $100+ |
| Decorations like tablecloths, baskets, chalkboards, etc. | $100 – $300 |
| Plates, napkins, utensils for 150 guests | $300 – $500 |
| Extra staffing for buffet tending | $200 – $500+ |
The per person catering cost for a taco bar can be $15-25 or more depending on ingredients and service. When factoring in rentals, decor, supplies and staffing, the total budget for a taco buffet wedding reception feeding 150 guests would be around $4,000 – $7,000.
Choosing Taco Caterers for Your Wedding
Find experienced wedding caterers or taco specialists to handle your wedding taco bar. Here are some tips:
- Look for caterers familiar with taco bars for large events.
- Ask about their taco protein options and vegetarian offerings.
- Confirm they have enough staff to man the buffet all evening.
- Request photos of their previous taco catering set-ups.
- Ask how they keep tacos consistent when serving a large group.
- Inquire about their food handling processes and safety practices.
The right caterer will be able to serve fresh, customized tacos to all your guests efficiently. Make sure to sample their taco recipes before booking!
Conclusion
Serving tacos at your wedding reception provides a lively, casual dining option with wide appeal for guests. Though it requires some strategic planning, a taco buffet can create a fun, festive atmosphere for celebration. Just be ready with plenty of napkins!
Focus on picking crowd-pleasing taco fillings, lots of fresh toppings, and authentic decor. With smart logistics and an experienced taco caterer, you can throw a deliciously memorable Mexican fiesta wedding. Your guests will love being able to customize their tacos and mingle while enjoying the laidback vibe.
So don’t be afraid to think outside the banquet box! A wedding taco bar can be a creative, budget-friendly way to provide a unique, satisfying meal that will have your guests raving.