Hire Ice Cream Van

Ready to Hire Ice Cream Van to make your next event extra special? Hiring an ice cream van is easier than you’d think. London alone has 44 ice cream vans ready to roll, and you can get quotes in just 30 seconds. Source

Ice cream vans have become the highlight at events everywhere. These mobile dessert stations have already delighted guests at more than 40,000 birthday parties! On top of that, they serve much more than simple vanilla cones. You’ll find artisanal gelato vendors who’ve earned 47 gold stars at the Great Taste Awards. Some vans even offer fresh waffles and unlimited ice cream rolls – there’s something for everyone to enjoy. See Ice Cream vans for sale

The cost of hiring an ice cream van starts at £3.10 per person and can go up to £980 per event based on what you need. Understanding these price factors is vital when you plan your budget. An ice cream van can turn your corporate function, wedding celebration, or children’s party into an unforgettable experience.

Let us guide you through everything about finding and booking the perfect ice cream van that will make your next gathering truly special.

Decide What You Need for Your Event

Take time to assess your event needs before rushing to book an ice cream van. This simple step will save you money and help avoid problems later. Let me guide you through the key factors that will help you pick the right ice cream service.

Type of event: wedding, birthday, corporate

Your event type plays a big role in choosing the right ice cream van. A vintage-themed van adds a nostalgic touch to weddings and creates perfect photo moments for the newlyweds. Birthday celebrations shine with personalised vans that match your theme – picture a pink Barbie-themed ice cream van at a child’s party! Company events might need branded options with custom signs or full vehicle wraps to match your company’s marketing.

Different events need different service styles:

• Weddings: You’ll need minimum 2-hour service with unlimited scooped ice cream
• Corporate functions: Staff incentive options work really well
• Birthday parties: Kids and adults love the nostalgic feel
• Festivals and fairs: You need vans ready to serve large crowds

Guest count and age group

Guest numbers directly shape pricing and feasibility. Most vendors won’t serve events with less than 75 guests. Wedding prices start at £495 for 100 guests with 2-hour unlimited service. The price changes by about £2 per person above or below this number.

Your guests’ age makes a big difference too. Kids usually prefer classic soft-serve while adult gatherings might enjoy artisanal flavours or frozen alcoholic cocktails.

Indoor vs outdoor setup

Unlike what most people think, ice cream vans work great indoors too. Indoor vans protect from bad weather and improve the atmosphere at intimate gatherings like company meetings. These setups work well in controlled spaces any time of year.

Outdoor venues offer more room for bigger crowds and create a fun summer vibe. You’ll need specific things though – vendors need a solid, level space (about 4×4 metres) and usually avoid muddy ground.

Your venue might have its own rules too. Some places limit serving sizes or ban certain foods under HFSS (high in fat, salt or sugar) regulations.

Explore Ice Cream Van Options

The ice cream van market has something for every event and taste preference. You’ll find plenty of options to choose from. This guide will help you pick the right van for your party.

Classic Whippy vans

Traditional Mr. Whippy remains a favourite at events. The quality difference between vendors is huge. Premium vendors serve rich, delicious soft serve ice cream instead of bland white cheaper alternatives. A good Classic Whippy van should have high-output machines that can serve large groups fast. Many classic vans give unlimited ice cream packages. These work great for weddings and corporate functions where guests want generous servings.

Artisan gelato and sorbet carts

Artisanal gelato carts bring a touch of luxury to any event. These elegant, compact carts can serve up to six different flavours of artisan gelato or sorbet. They fit perfectly in indoor venues where regular vans can’t go. Prices start from £95.30 for artisan gelato cart hire with one staff member for up to four hours. Most providers include cones, cups, napkins and spoons as part of the package. They also offer customizable signage options.

Eco-friendly and themed vans

Event planners can now book zero-emission ice cream vans that run on electric power. These eco-friendly vans produce no engine noise or exhaust fumes and work great even indoors. Themed vintage vans add a special touch – from 1950s classics to modern vans with retro-inspired designs. Companies like Netflix, Lloyds Bank and Specsavers have used custom-branded vans for their promotions.

Vegan and allergy-friendly options

Professional ice cream van services now offer detailed options for dietary requirements. Top providers serve vegan, vegetarian, halal, gluten-free, dairy-free and nut-free choices. Quality operators keep full allergen lists in their vehicles. This helps staff suggest safe options for guests with specific needs. Some services even let you create custom menus with flavours made just for your event.

Understand the Costs and What Affects Them

Ice cream van hire costs play a vital role in event budgeting and help you make smart decisions. The prices can vary based on many factors. Let’s look at what you might need to pay.

How much to hire ice cream van: per person vs per event

Ice cream van hire comes with two main pricing models. Private visit prices start at £150 and can go up to £900 based on what you need. Larger events usually come with a fixed fee plus per-person charges. A typical example would be a £100 base fee plus £3.50 for each ice cream during a 2-hour booking.

The per-person model ranges from £3.10 to £15 for each guest. A 100-person event usually costs £7-£10 per head. This setup works great for weddings and corporate events where you want everyone to enjoy ice cream without worrying about payment.

Factors that influence pricing Hire Ice Cream Van

Your final ice cream van hire cost depends on these key elements:

• Guest count: More guests need more ice cream and extra staff
• Duration: Events that run longer cost more due to staff time and operations
• Location: Fuel costs matter—some vendors charge £2 per mile after a set distance
• Event timing: Weekend and holiday rates are higher than weekday prices
• Season: July and August bring higher demand and prices
• Menu selection: Special or artisanal items cost more than classic options

The service type also changes the price. Pre-paid services work differently from pay-as-you-go options where guests buy their own treats.

Hidden costs to watch out for Hire Ice Cream Van

The main price isn’t everything. Setup and teardown might add £50-£200 each. Engine costs need attention too—vans usually keep engines running for freezers unless they have electric power.

Getting multiple quotes helps spot hidden fees. Good vendors are clear about their prices and won’t surprise you with extra charges. Make sure to ask about:

• Travel fees outside their service area
• ULEZ charges or toll fees for London events
• Minimum guest numbers
• Power supply needs and costs

The best approach is to get quotes from 2-3 vendors. This helps you compare budgets accurately and avoid surprise costs on your event day. See ice cream vans for sale

How to Book the Right Ice Cream Van

Booking the perfect ice cream van takes good research and attention to detail. A reliable service will make your event run smoothly from beginning to end.

Where to find trusted suppliers

Your first step to book an ice cream van starts with finding reputable services. Platforms like Add to Event or Poptop UK let you access multiple vendors at once. You can submit your requirements once and get quotes from different providers quickly. This saves a lot of planning time. Many event venues keep lists of suppliers they trust and have worked with before – it’s worth checking with them too.

Questions to ask before booking

These significant questions need answers before you confirm your ice cream van hire:

• Can the vendor provide ingredient lists for allergen information?
• Do they have valid food safety and hygiene certificates?
• What’s their public liability insurance coverage (ideally £10,000,000)?
• Which payment methods do they accept (cash vs contactless)?
• Will they come to your location (some only travel 20-25 miles)?
• What’s their minimum guest requirement (many need at least 75 guests)?

Booking tips for peak seasons

Ice cream vans are in high demand during summer months, especially July and August. Book several months ahead for weekend events. Most vendors need a deposit (usually £100) to secure your date, and the balance is due 30 days before your event. Keep communication clear about timings, location details, and your menu priorities.

Reading reviews and checking credentials

Past customer feedback gives you great insights into service quality. Look beyond how nice the van looks to learn about their reliability and professionalism. Good operators display their food hygiene ratings proudly (look for 5-star rated services) and will show you their documentation when asked. Besides online reviews, ask for references from previous clients to check their track record.

Note that booking an ice cream van becomes easy when you follow these guidelines. Most good companies will let you see their van and taste their products beforehand, so you know exactly what you’re getting.

Conclusion Hire Ice Cream Van

Final Thoughts on Hiring an Ice Cream Van

An ice cream van adds a magical touch to any event and creates lasting memories for your guests. This piece covers everything you need to know about getting the perfect ice cream service for your special occasion.

Your event type affects the van you should pick by a lot. Vintage vans work great for weddings, while corporate events might need branded options. Guest count, age groups, and venue rules will help you pick the right choice.

Today’s ice cream van options definitely go beyond expectations. Classic Whippy vans bring back childhood memories, artisan gelato carts offer fancy choices, and eco-friendly vans are perfect for green events. Best of all, many services now offer vegan, gluten-free and allergen-friendly options.

Money matters are the foundations of your planning. Prices range from £3.10 per person to £980 per event, based on guest count, duration, location, timing, and menu selection. Make sure to get detailed quotes to avoid surprises later.

Booking needs your full attention, especially in summer. Check their credentials, look up reviews, and ask about allergen info, hygiene certificates, and insurance before you confirm.

Ice cream vans are a great addition to any event – from weddings to corporate functions to birthday parties. Nothing brings people together like ice cream! With good planning and these tips, you’ll soon see your guests’ faces light up as they line up for their favourite frozen treats.

FAQs Hire Ice Cream Van

Q1. How much does it typically cost to hire an ice cream van for an event? The cost of hiring an ice cream van can vary widely, typically ranging from £3.10 to £15 per person, or between £150 to £980 per event. Factors such as guest count, duration, location, and menu selection influence the final price.

Q2. What types of ice cream vans are available for hire? There are several options available, including classic Whippy vans, artisan gelato and sorbet carts, eco-friendly electric vans, and themed vintage vehicles. Many providers also offer vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-friendly options to cater to various dietary requirements.

Q3. How far in advance should I book an ice cream van for my event? It’s advisable to book several months in advance, especially for events during peak summer months (July and August) or on weekends. This ensures you have a better chance of securing your preferred provider and van type.

Q4. Can ice cream vans be used for indoor events? Yes, many providers offer indoor ice cream vans or carts suitable for controlled environments. These options work well for corporate meetings or events where weather protection is needed, though venue restrictions should be considered.

Q5. What should I ask before booking an ice cream van? Important questions to ask include: Do they provide allergen information? Can they show valid food safety certificates and insurance? What payment methods do they accept? Is there a minimum guest requirement? Always request comprehensive quotes to avoid hidden costs and check reviews from previous clients.