Comparing prices for chocolate fountain rental online can be very confusing. One company will offer a “full service" medium fountain for $299.00 that includes chocolate for up to 100 people. Another company offers a medium fountain for $395.00 that is recommended for up to 300 guests. “Full Service" means that you are renting a fountain in your local area, and will be provided an attendant during scheduled hours (usually between 2.5 and 5). “Cash and Carry" means you will rent the fountain online and will set it up yourself. You must provide your own attendant, and be responsible for clean-up, removal and shipping.

I recommend that you contact a minimum of six vendors, both locally and online. One local rental that I contacted requested a $200.00 deposit due at the time of confirmation date. The remainder was due two weeks prior to the wedding. They also charge $50.00 per hour for additional time. Any wedding reception is held Monday through Thursday will receive 10% off of their rental.

Most companies do not supply the foods for dipping for the basic rental price. For an additional fee they will supply the food, elegant platters and serving trays, and garnishments to accompany the fountain. They also have toppers, similar to a wedding cake, which might include floral arrangements, personalized Bride/Groom nameplates, or a festive holiday design.

Strawberries, when they are in season, are the most popular fruit to be dipped in the fountain. Fresh pineapple (not canned), cherries, and frozen bananas are more requested than grapes or melons. Pretzel rods (not pretzel sticks, but the 5" pretzel rods) are the most popular non-fruit dipping item. Marshmallows are second only to pretzels in their popularity. Any kind of cookie�"homemade sugar cookies, macaroons, and Oreos are big hits for dipping in chocolate. Provide all of your favorite treats (anything that won’t crumble) and your own attendant, and the only expense will be the fountain and white, dark, or milk chocolate.