A couples wedding day is one of the most important and probably the most indulgent day of their lives. A bride and groom will spend many months planning every detail of their forth coming day. Every detail including the food and drink that is chosen is of the upmost importance. One of the current popular additions for a wedding reception is a chocolate fountain hire often set up to run alongside the evening buffet.
The company that is hired will send a member of their staff an hour or so before the fountain is required. They will set up the fountain and its display. The attendant will operate the chocolate fountain for the duration of the hire period and ensure that everything is kept as tidy as possible. They will then discreetly dismantle all of the equipment at the end.
A chocolate fountain consists of a set of stainless steel tiers that are larger at the bottom than the top. Each tier is slotted over the central post and within this post there is an Archimedes screw. When the motor is switched on the screw spins around and this motion draws the chocolate upwards. Once it reaches the top of the chocolate fountain known as the crown, gravity causes the chocolate flow downward and gracefully over each tier. The chocolate collects in the bowl at the bottom and then flows upwards through the fountain over and over again. The flowing chocolate not only is a stunning centre piece but also perfumes the surrounding area with a fresh cocoa scent.
Many hire companies offer a full service hire which includes a range of fresh dips to accompany the chocolate fountain. The dip items are what guests can skewer and then dip into the chocolate before eating. Dips often include fresh fruit, marshmallows, sweets and biscuits. Items that will not crumble when dipped into the chocolate are best.
The quality of the chocolate chosen is very important and it is recommended to only use fountain ready chocolate. Fountain ready means that nothing is required to be added to it to make it flow. Other chocolates require a large amount of oil to be mixed in to loosen the chocolate. The finest chocolate that is available is Belgian and made by Callebaut. The fountain ready chocolates have soya included in their recipes to act as the emulsifier and because of this, it is suitable for vegetarians. There will be no guest at the wedding reception excluded from enjoying the delights of the chocolate fountain and its treats.
If using a fountain outdoors, it is important to set it up in an area where there is some shelter available to protect the unit against the elements. If it is cold outside, it is important to remember that this may affect the temperature of the chocolate and prevent it from flowing properly.
Wherever it is decided to set up the chocolate fountain, it will provide a talking point for all guests.