Is a chocolate fountain "enough?"

We would probably forego the chocolate fountain and thus would not have dessert at all - but it's a know your crowd kind of thing. Rather than speaking with a bakery, you could do a cake/cupcakes from your local grocery store (if you have Publix, theirs are excellent) and that will keep your costs down - you could even do cookies or plated macarons versus a tower - which would also mitigate costs.

Every wedding I have been to has either had cake or a variety of options except for one where donuts were served instead of cake but they had tons of different donuts to pick from. I honestly wanted a chocolate fountain at my wedding but I was more than I wanted to pay. My advice is to have more than just the chocolate fountain as not everyone likes chocolate. Maybe look into getting cake or cupcakes from a grocery store rather than a fancy bakery, but I'd definitely make sure you have enough so each guest can have one piece of cake or cupcake.

My biggest concern is the holdup/bottleneck at the chocolate fountain. how many are you having? will the be spaced out enough that ppl lined up won't have to bump into each other? I think you need another dessert option unless there's a chocolate fountain on every table to something. Logistically it will be a nightmare and lost of people will end up not using it. Just what i've witnessed at other weddings!

I am one who doesn't think cake is required, but that some type of dessert is required for proper hosting. But a chocolate fountain is a really special case because lots of people avoid them completely (I am one of those). So that's great that you love it and are excited about it, but I think it would be the utmost of considerate hosting to provide some type of non-chocolate fountain dessert.

Definitely feel free to look into other, more affordable options than macarons or speciality bakery cakes. Your local area probably has at least one quality grocery store bakery where you could get cookies, cupcakes, mini tarts, or something else you and your future spouse can agree on.

I came here to say almost exactly what Maggie just said:
I don’t think cake is necessary. But I also don’t see a chocolate fountain as a real dessert but rather more of a novelty item. So I do think it would be a nice idea to add an another option

I think it's enough actually and like a self-serve table. If I were a guest and passed on the chocolate, I would just reach for the plain poundcake or rice crispy treats. Maybe you could ask your caterer to add even more of these (or larger slices), and place on a separate table close by. If you want to supplement, perhaps add strawberry compote (for the pound cake slices) and cut brownies (if your caterer allows outside food). Add coffee and tea service and enjoy. If you do add a cake, keep in mind you may have a cake cutting fee.

Oh, we have similar partners. My husband got his macaron wish. It was the cost of a cake. But, it was colorful and not messy when we fed each other.

I think a chocolate fountain is a fun addition but I would still be looking for a dessert. Doesn't have to be cake though. An ice cream bar, donuts, mini pastries, tiramisu, pie, cookies with tea and coffee. Costco has delicious large sheet cakes and other baked goods. But do what works best for you. Happy planning!

I think as long as guests can get to the treats without having to access the fountain you'll be fine.

I been to events with chocolate fountains (not weddings, but stuff like Easter brunches and whatnot) and I think what made them successful was that it wasn't the only dessert option there and the number of guests wasn't insanely huge. I think it should be okay as long as you have other desserts.

I would say at least have one more thing for same reasons as PPs have mentioned: not everyone likes chocolate and some May view the fondue fountain experience as a “hassle” and not touch it. It’s doesn’t have to be something expensive. Make it something that’s easy to just “grab and go”. Cupcakes, cookies, etc.

Great points from all!! Thank you!

I'm pondering mini cupcakes now... maybe nix the macarons, or have a few to decorate our small cake (and/or little gift boxes for our wedding party) instead of the expense and hassle of towers. Heck, if I feel ambitious enough I guess I could make them myself as I'm a great baker! BUT... my anxiety says "EHHHHHHHH," so I'd definitely need to play it smart and get some help from friends or family, which I could absolutely do.

And great idea about coffee/tea - we do have the option to set up a small hot beverage station, which I'm definitely leaning towards now, and especially with it being a Winter wedding.

I appreciate you all!

Okay, a fully stocked chocolate fountain sounds amazing and if our venue offered that I’d be all in 😂
I agree macarons AND cake AND a chocolate fountain is too much but I WOULD recommend trying to find another small/medium option. It could be a simple cake, cupcakes, or a macaron tower haha but I think YOU should choose what additional option YOU want, and not care what anyone but you and your fiancé pick, such as picking a cake just for the sake of tradition.

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Macarons actually freeze pretty well, so you could bake them yourself if you're up to it. I make them all the time, but I think they're way overrated.

I agree with Michelle. I would love to just pick some of the rice Krispy treats or fruit, and not so much dip. Adding extra to the side would be good.


Are either of you cake people? Originally I didn't want a cake, but then realized a lot if people like wedding cake. Everyone I've talked to has never had a bad cake and definitely had some really good ones. Now the plan is dessert table and a cake.

Whether a chocolate fountain is "enough" depends on the context and the purpose it serves. If you're planning a small gathering or a dinner party, a chocolate fountain can be a fun and unique addition to your dessert table. It provides a visually appealing and interactive way for guests to enjoy dipping fruits, marshmallows, and other treats into the flowing chocolate. However, if you're hosting a larger event, such as a wedding or a corporate party, a chocolate fountain alone may not be sufficient to meet the dessert needs of all your guests. In such cases, you may need to consider additional dessert options to ensure everyone has something sweet to enjoy.

Whether or not a chocolate fountain is "enough" depends on the context and purpose. If you're hosting a small gathering or party with just a few guests, a chocolate fountain can be a fun and interactive addition to your dessert spread. However, if you're planning a larger event or celebration, a chocolate fountain on its own may not be sufficient to satisfy all your guests' sweet tooth cravings. It's always a good idea to have a variety of desserts and treats available to accommodate different tastes and preferences.

"Enough" is relative. Personally, I'd be OK with cake only but not a chocolate fountain only, especially these days. Not everyone will go near a chocolate fountain, especially if it's not attended by staff. People double dip, or use the same skewer and that's not sanitary.