I just came across a good deal on a chocolate fountain. I was wondering does anyone here offer chocolate fountain rental options along with doing wedding cakes. i would think it would be a good investment, as they are very popular right now.
If you have done this.....
1. How much do you charge?
2. What do you offer with this ( food to dip)
3. any other thoughts or tips

Thanks!!!
Lisa

I don't do this, but know of places that do.

It depends on what size of fountain you have and how much chocolate it takes for the pricing. I've seen one place rent out a small one for $50 (just for the fountain) and one place for $150 (for the fountain only) but that was a large one.

Most places set out fresh fruit, cookies and pretzels to be dipped.

I was going to set out a small fountain for my brothers wedding but my SIL decided not to do to sanitation reasons and she was worried about chocolate getting on peoples good clothes (I think personally she was just worried about getting it on her wedding dress )

You could always do white chocolate too or even colour the cho. to one of the colours of the bridal party.

Just check around in your area for the going rate to get a ruff idea.

I own chocolate fountains and provide them for weddings. I dont' rent them out ..... my pricing packages include me and my staff being there to take care of the cake, the buffet, the fountains, etc. Besides, there is more to it than "melt some chocolate and slap it in there." It's not rocket science, but you need to know how to do it.

I own 2 small ones. They stand about 3 ft tall and are 4 tiers. I tell brides "Here is why the small ones are better......"

1) I don't have $4200 to buy a big huge 6ft fountain.
2) It takes a LOT more chocolate just to operate a large fountain. And at the end of the night, all of the chocolate goes in the trash and you, bride, are paying for that.
3) With 2 smaller fountains, your guests have more access to the fountains for faster serving.
4) It takes a LOT less chocolate to run the smaller ones. When I save costs, you (the bride) save money.

Based on my research, most places charge a fee for the fountain and the chocolate. Then there is a separate fee for the foods, or dippables, that go with the fountains. I've seen fountain costs in the range of $5-7 per person PLUS another $6-8 per person for food costs. That's potentially $11-15 per person! I price full buffets cheaper than that!

I charge $4.95 per person and that includes the food items (they get to choose 4). That's way lower than what I've found in my research, but my fountains are usually purchased with a buffet meal and the wedding cake, so it's a "snack" item and not intended to be a full meal. Also, at that price, I'm still making money so it's win-win for me and the bride.

The most popular dippables selected by my brides are strawberries (#1!), pretzels, marshmellows, bananas, brownies and Rice Krispie Treats (which can be purchased in a 12x18 sheet at GFS). I have a list of about 10 or 12 items they can choose from. I discourage items like pound cake (although I will provide it, if they want), but I explain that since this is a crumbly item, the crumbs will fall in the fountain and cause the chocolate to not cascade smooth .... it will be lumpy.

(The secret to preventing bananas from turning brown? After cutting, put them in a bowl of 7-Up for about 15-20 seconds. They can be out on the table for 20+ minutes before they start turning color.)

I order the chocolate that is specially made and designed to be used in chocolate fountains from my local cake supply store. One box, depending the number of guests, will last me 3 or 4 weddings. Even if a table is covered with a linen tablecloth, I ALWAYS put a plastic tablecover over it to protect the linen. Most places LUV that I do that. I only had one place who said they'd prefer I not use the plastic cover .... they didn't care how much chocolate was dripped all over their linen. Oh well! It's THEIR cleaning bill!

In answer to the question "I heard that fountains are replacing the wedding cake?" I respond with "You know who started that rumor? The CHOCOLATE FOUNTAIN PEOPLE!"

They are very popular. I find that young guests (under 30) will approach the table with "Oh boy a chocolate fountain!) and older guests (over 60) will approach the table with "Now what is this and how does it work?"

Sorry this got to be long, but it's the best investment I've made in my equipment. I actually own 4 fountains and they LONG ago paid for themselves! The only "problem" (and it's not really a problem, it's just how it is) is that I HAVE to have access to a kitchen and hot running water. I have to be able to melt the chocolate in a microwave (and frequently I bring my own microwave to the facility) and I HAVE to be able to wash the fountains before the chocolate cools and hardens. No kitchen access ..... no fountains for the reception .... no negotiation .... no exception.