has anybody ever used edible arrangements?

And also, could i diy something like these arrangements for cheaper than i'd wind up spending on these? this is the arrangement i was thinking of:

http://www.ediblearrangements.com/fruit-baskets.aspx?CategoryID=24&ArrangementID=209&Section=3 (the first one) it's #1207.

thanks!

(oh and ran out of room above to explain about avoiding dinner--i'm trying to start the wedding early, like around 2-2:30, and end the reception by 6 or 7. but like i said, i do want stuff like this available to snack on, and probably get some cheap party trays from brookshires or walmart or something also.)

I love edible arrangements I am having one at my wedding! they are always very yummy! And they come in all sizes. I suggest you find a edible arrangement store near you and go it and talk to them!

I have tried them and def LOVE them. They taste very fresh and also a great presentation. You can definitely DIY, I have seen people who does similar arrangements way more cheaper.

@anessa - can you estimate on how many i could serve from each arrangement? i'm probably going to get either the large or party size from the link i posted.

@dena - do you know of a link where i could find diy instructions? that would be amazing. (:

I think you could get away with the party size for 70 guests! I would just count for 70 guests even if you only have 55!

Plus if you go in, they can tell you all that and sometimes I think you can have a say in how it turns out!

I DIY-ed edible arrangements for my engagement party few months ago. I followed direction from this site http://www.diynewlyweds.com/2010/05/diy-edible-fruit-arrangement-bouquet.html I put one arrangement for one table for around 8-10 people and it was quite okay, some of them were not all finished. I was not serving dinner for my e-party as well and made a cocktail party instead, from 4pm to 7pm. I served cocktails, juice, and small cakes beside the fruit arrangement. I put glasses full of carrot and cucumber sticks served with different salsas. Plus you will still have the wedding cake to be served.

http://www.diynewlyweds.com/2010/05/diy-edible-fruit-arrangement-bouquet.html

takes awhile to make, get all your girls together and make an assembly line.

http://thestir.cafemom.com/food_party/119721/6_diy_edible_arrangements_perfect

http://ediblecraftsonline.com/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Vt6IF9qR0Y

many videos on here.

I think each person would eat 3-4 skewers one per table I think would be fine. (of the smaller size ones, like what you see when you click on the baby arrangement examples-sorry, didn't click on site to look at the party size.) 8 people... you are serving other stuff, or just the fruit????

They Taste delicious... Not Cheap if you buy from the store.

Here is a DIY video link:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Vt6IF9qR0Y

They are yummy we have one here in town but i dont know about the cost

I got one sent to my house when we had my son. Very yummy, the 2 of us finished it in 2-3 days. We just sent one after their daughter was born... Not cheap, very expensive IMO.... but it was a gift from the office, so we didn't pay for it out of our pocket, took everyone's contributions to go towards it.

more DIY

http://thebeautifulthriftylife.blogspot.com/2011/04/diy-edible-arrangement.html

oh... make some veggie ones too??

http://www.diylife.com/2011/05/03/edible-arrangements-make-a-fruit-veggie-or-cupcake-bouquet/

http://www.yumsugar.com/How-Create-DIY-Floral-Arrangement-Fresh-Edible-Vegetables-5657746

I have used them for birthday arrangements smaller ones start at around $40 and feed about 8 ppl. I would order a bigger one of course and they go up arout $100 or more, but they are very much worth the cost!! Delicious and super fresh, the pineapples are so good! I like your idea!

I've used them for events, and they are actually very expensive. For what you woudld spend on them, you could do a light meal or heavier appetizers.

I won't get into the ettiquette of feding guests, because I think you already know it's the right thing to do... But if you choose to ignore it- I don't think this is the way to go to save money.

I agree with Meghan B. They are absolutely delicious, especially when you include the chocolate but you could probably spend the money on different foods and get more. I would go the DIY route with some cookie cutters and fruit.

For your event, you'd probably need some of their larger arrangements. I had thought of using them so I did some research. They *had* (idk their prices now) arrangements for about $65 that would serve 8-10 people. I was going to put one on each table, and I had 8 tables. So, do the math. You can do fruit and cheese platters for WAAAAAY less than that

I just had my hometown reception for about 60 people. We did everything ourselves except for the cake. Brisket, chicken, salads, rice, punch, beer/wine.

PM me if you think that would be a route you'd like info on

Forgot to mention appetizers and cocktails before dinner.

Those are good, but I think they are quite expensive.

They are delish! I love them.... buuuut.. they are kind of pricey! if you are trying to cut costs, I suggest getting a couple cookie cutters, and melon ball-maker-things, and make your own! It's super easy, and you'll save SO much money!

good luck!!

I've made food topiaries before, which could be another option and WAY cheaper than those arrangements. Here's a picture that's probably the best picture I can find, but I never do a pattern. You cover a styrofoam ball with a green, leafy lettuce, then use frilly toothpicks to put all sorts of things on there. Cheeses, salami, cherry tomatoes, mini pickles, artichoke hearts, cocktail wieners, etc. It's an alternative to a meat & cheese tray.

http://www.ifood.tv/blog/how-to-use-an-edible-topiary

Thanks for the ideas, ladies! i was planning on just getting one big one to set up somewhere everybody could get to it, but now i'm kinda torn between making my own mini ones or buying smaller ones for each table!!

I agree, I kind of think that they are kind of expensive. I think you could do it cheaper yourself and even get some other food. Good luck with your planning. I know how it is to do this on a budget