Save On Wedding Costs And Have That Chocolate Fountain
|
Chocolate fountains, once a rarity at weddings, are becoming more common -- but no less beloved. Still, they pose a budget crunch for many brides, coming in at only slightly under the cost of the wedding cake -- and that's for a one-day rental!
If you're like us, there's something that just burns our little Yankee hearts about spending over $400 to rent a machine that granted, costs a little over ten times that, but gets rented out many times. And yet if you're like us, you really want a way to fit that chocolate fountain in.
We're both in luck, because higher-end chocolate fountains are coming to the home market and becoming more accessible ... even to skinflints!
What We Didn't Buy -- And Why
You've seen the early entrants, maybe on eBay -- inexpensive chocolate fountains made by lesser-known brands selling for about eighty bucks. You've probably thought of trying one out, just because the price difference between that and a rental machine was so astronomical.
We did too, but as we read about the small, cheap versions, we ran into a lot of complaints. One of the most worrisome was that the cheap fountains made such a loud grinding noise, you couldn't have a conversation standing next to one -- which was not the ambiance we wanted for our party.
Further, we weren't sure if we wanted to keep the fountain over the long term. We wanted to buy something with good resale value so we could recapture our money if needed.
Fortunately, as our deadline approached, Sephra -- the standard in high-end rental fountains -- began offering pre-orders on their first home market fountains. We snapped one up for about $250, an attractive fountain that holds five pounds of chocolate. The fountains were so new, we had to switch our order from the lovely cherry red we'd wanted to a stainless steel in order to get it in time. But we got it.
Showtime ... And a Few Tips
Once acquired, it was time to test it out in live conditions! The first party we unveiled it at was on the small side, with about 25 people. Set-up was simple. The experience did, however, teach us some tips:
Try out and get comfortable with your chocolate fountain before a really big affair. You won't really understand the logic behind the instruction book until you try it. For example:
1) The chocolate fountain really does need to be balanced to work properly. Sephra models offer adjustable feet to accomplish this. When we first set up our fountain, we were so busy we didn't level it, and it didn't flow well until a left brained type in shining armor fixed it for us. Then things worked 100% better.
2) When melting large quantities of chocolate, don't even bother with a double burner. You need a glass bowl and a large microwave, which your venue hopefully provides. Heat gently, as advised -- no higher than 50% power.
3) Also, Sephra provides you with a little tool for telling whether your chocolate's melted enough to flow well. Err on the side of "too melted" rather than "not enough." Especially given the minute or so it takes to transport it, the chocolate can easily get too thick for easy flowing.
With 25 very interested people, we nearly (but not quite) ran through our first five pounds of chocolate. So you can guesstimate needing a pound of chocolate per five invitees. Just be sure to have extra on hand.
We worried whether it would be difficult to refill the fountain -- for example, whether we would have to lug the whole thing back into the kitchen, disassemble, refill -- but it turned out to be dead simple. You just pour melted chocolate into the bottommost bowl.
Our Chocolatey Conclusions
Sephra is bringing larger versions of their fountain to the home market. For a large wedding or a party of several hundred, we would probably go with a larger version.
Yet you can also do very well with the five pound model. After all, it's hard to melt, carry and otherwise handle more than five pounds of chocolate at once (you wouldn't believe how many "chocolate chips" that is). All you need is someone willing to watch and refill periodically, which isn't hard. Pick someone who can get slightly messy without a problem -- not a bridesmaid in shiny taffeta.
If we'd had more time and a larger party, we'd probably get the largest fountain we could buy, care for it well, and resell it when the hoopla died down. That would save a huge chunk of change over the $400-500 one day rental, and bring the chocolate fountain within reach of a lot more brides (and happy guests).
And if you happen to fall in love with it and the day for selling it never comes?
Well, it happens. Just ask us.
About the Author
Blake Kritzberg is editor at "FavorIdeas.com." Stop by for a huge selection of wedding favors, Bridezilla's weekly adventures, and free resources for brides: save-the-date eCards, screensaver, wallpaper and web site templates.http://www.favorideas.com
For more on home market chocolate fountains, see: http://www.favorideas.com/chocolate.htm
|
|
|
How To Have A Sizzler Of A Honeymoon! Article No. 6
It wasn't the wedding of the century. Six people in all arrived at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York to watch the young man and woman exch...(related: Marriage Wedding)
Negotiation Strategies Especially For Couples
These guidelines will help you avoid the three most common negotiating mistakes couples make: 1) Failure to prepare before the negotiation with your partner; 2) Caving in too quickly to avoid tension or to keep the peace; and 3) Stubbornly pushing too hard for your own solution. Why Learn to Negotiate with your Partner? Conflict is inevitable for growth in your relationship. Many people are frightened of conflict because they can't negotiate. Once you learn to negotiate you won't be so afraid of conflict. Good negotiation leads to acceptable solutions that work for both of you and will strengthen your relationship. Your communication skills automatically improve as you develop good negotiating skills. The Difference Bet...(related: Marriage Wedding)
Wedding Colors
Is it to be a summer wedding or winter wedding? Do you have a particular favourite color? Does the bridegroom have a pathalogical dislike for a certain color?These a...(related: Marriage Wedding)
Fine Plus Size Mother Of The Bride Dresses
There are many choices available when shopping for fine plus size mother of the bride dresses. The styles and selections available in plus sizes are better than ever. There are many retailers who specialize in attractive full figure and plus size garments, as well as an increasing number of manufacturers who have begun to offer more variety in their sizing practices. Gone are the days when you had to be pencil thin to find the perfect, fashionable dress.The fashion industry seems to have woken up to the fact ...(related: Marriage Wedding)
Choosing Your Groomsmen: No Matter What They Say, Nobody Must Be In The Wedding Party
Your lovely fiancée has chosen her 'maids, and now you're stuck with the task of finding just the right number of family and friends to pair them with. How do you decide who makes the cut?
The Usual SuspectsRemember: No matter what your family or friends say, there aren't people who "must" be in the wedding party. Select buddies you're close with-not guys you feel obligated to ask. If you...(related: Marriage Wedding)
Wedding Flowers: How It Emulates Your Personality
Your wedding day, what is presumed to be the happiest day and the start of your new life. The excitement of all the preparations, and so many things to do to make it perfection. Choosing the perfect flowers is an important part of not only the reception, but also the actual service itself. I think you would find it extremely rare not to see flowers at a wedding.There is a long history with flowe...(related: Marriage Wedding)
How A Marriage Counseling Secret Can Save Your Marriage
How do you react if your spouse announces "I want a divorce" or something similar? With shock? Surprise? Outrage?If these are your reactions, you've got plenty of company. Thousands of spouses each year have this same experience. Many surprised partners in this situation begin to grill their unhappy mate with questions like "What in the #%& do you mean you want a divorce? After all I've done for you!"Unfortunately, this approach doesn't make the dissatisfied spouse change her (or his) mind. If anything, it makes them ...(related: Marriage Wedding)
Symbolism Of Wedding Rings
"The meeting of two personalities is like the contact of two chemical substances; if there is any reaction, both are transformed." -C.G. JungRings have been exchanged as a symbol of the bond of marriage for so long, and in so many different cultures, that the origin of the practice is obscure. Certainly, the circle of a ring represents undying love and the continually renewed vows of the married couple. Circles have long been archetypes for not only timelessness, but also wholeness and homecoming. ...(related: Marriage Wedding)
Marital Fulfillment: Tips For Intercultural Couples
Through my personal & professional coaching practice, marital issues often come up as factors affecting a client's personal & career goals. Intercultural relationships is an area of personal experience, as my own marriage is one such relationship. It is commonly known that these relationships have unique concerns due to differences in upbringing, culture and language.For the vision of one person lends not its wingsto another person.Kahlil Gibran, The ProphetThe area of Japan in which my husband (Japanese) and I (American) live is a stunning example of how one spouse's vision ca...(related: Marriage Wedding)
Marriage Counseling Tips: 7 Ways To Handle Conflict In Marriage
How do you handle arguments that lead to heated exchanges with your spouse? Do you value being right over preserving the quality of your relationship? And how long do you stay angry after you've had a fight?How you answer these questions offers a clue into how secure your marriage is. Unfortunately, too many married couples let unbridled confrontations tear the fabric of their relationship.Every couple has misunderstandings, miscommunication, and disagreements. It's human nature to see things from your own viewpoint. And it's easy to forget that your spouse's viewpoint is just as valid as yours.Here are some tips when prepari...(related: Marriage Wedding)
Belize Honeymoon Resorts
The enchanting Belize honeymoon resorts captivate every visitor through the appealing secluded jungle atmosphere as well as the beautiful hideaway crystal-clear beaches. One of these resorts would be the Turtle Inn Resort Located in Placencia in Belize, which promises a stay within the natural wonders of the tropical coast. This resorts promises fine luxury amenities, spa activities, fine dining and plenty of land and sea adventures. Another destination would be the Cahal Pech Village Resort, which offers customized packages for a most memorable honeymoon in Belize. The Maruba resort Jungle Spa is a boutique hotel that offers a mix o...(related: Marriage Wedding)
Get Swept Away On Your Wedding Day: Rent A Sailboat Or Yacht!
For a day you'll never forget on that special occasion, take a once-in-a-lifetime voyage to the world's waters ? rent a sailboat or yacht for your wedding ? or for your closest loved ones. Imagine saying your vows while sailing across the ocean blue ? either on a bright morning or a lovely afternoon, just as the sun is setting ? it's sure to be an occasion both you and all your guests on board will never forget!From the Gulf of Mexico to the Pacific Rim to the Atlantic shore, sailboat and ya...(related: Marriage Wedding)
site-map - Copyright © 2006 | Contact Webmaster | Weddings & Honeymoons | All Rights Reserved. | Marriage Wedding