Chocolate Fountain, part 2

Posted Wednesday, November 28, 2007 7:49 AM

Has it really been over a month since I last posted on this thing?  Yeah.  I can believe that.  A lot has happened since mid-October, including selecting our chocolate fountain vendor and setting a date for our engagement photo session.

I looked into 3 different fountain companies, all based in Southern Cali.  The first one was Gourmetchocolatefountains.com.  On the website, the following information is given: 3 hours with an attendant and the package comes with marshmallows, pretzels, skewers, and napkins.  Price?  $500, not including tax or a 15% service charge.  They do not charge a travel fee.  Once I finished my research, however, I didn't even call this company because I didn't really see the point.

The second company I came across was PureBlissChocolate.com.  I had email and phone contact with Lynette.  This was the information I received: 2.5 hrs (not including setup or cleanup time) with an attendant for a 4 tier fountain.  Prices vary depending on whether or not you supply your own dipping items.  If you want them to take care of everything, it's $350 for the fountain + $2.25pp for the dipping items.  If you choose to supply your own goodies, it's $395 and you will need to supply your own napkins.  A travel fee of $50 applies to areas outside of the OC. 

The last place I encountered was Coverednchocolate.com.  I had email contact with Sean and this is what he had to say: 3 hours with an attendant, skewers provided, 34" fountain.  Dipping items were priced at $1.95pp.  Supplying my own dipping supplies would mean that I would have to supply my own napkins and display dishes.  They do not charge a travel fee.

I decided to go with PureBliss because of the quick responses I would get whenever I had any questions, I wouldn't have to supply my own display dishes, and they were reasonably priced!  I made my initial calls/emails in mid October and committed to a vendor just a week or so before Thanksgiving.  I just hope that the level of service follows through; I read some favorable reviews here on The Knot.  I sent in my deposit check before Thanksgiving and followed up with Lynette today to see if it was received.  She told me she'd email or call me after 3pm and I never heard back from her! 

Stay cool.  She was probably busy.

Thanks, A, for researching all those vendors for me :)