Dessert Bar Option for reception

wafflelove · December 2012

Hi all,
I was trying to get some feedback on whether you think this is a good idea for a reception dessert bar. I'm thinking of setting up a waffle bar using authentic belgian liege' waffles (sweet waffles) infused with the imported belgian pearl sugar and topped several different ways with strawberries/bananas, nutella, chocolate syrup, etc. These would be made to order and served right out of the waffle iron at the "waffle bar". The estimated cost is around $2K (to serve 100 people). If you have ever had one of these types of waffles, you will understand how delectable and unique they are. These are a brioche dough (vs. tradtional belgian batter based). Incredibly decadent! Any thoughts?

melb2013 · December 2012

That sounds amazing! If you can afford it, go for it! I'd be in heaven if I were a guest

HobokensFury · December 2012

I'd love a waffle dessert bar at the reception but I'd wonder why the waffles weren't "normal" if that makes any sense. I think the sophistication will be lost on most of your guests. I'd probably save money and go for the regular dough with all of the toppings.

wafflelove · December 2012

Trust me! You would definitely appreciate it after you tried one! ;)

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_dessert-bar-option-for-reception?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:5Discussion:7044c2ed-af6f-4a24-b5d8-f3e4f7f55602Post:a05e70bc-ff75-49d5-a6b1-709d31251e45">Re: Dessert Bar Option for reception</a>:
[QUOTE]Sounds delicious! But I'm not sure I could appreciate the difference between imported Belgian pearl sugar, and regular sugar.
Posted by Liatris2010[/QUOTE]

Giaspo · December 2012

OMG these waffles are amazing! We had a cafe in my town that sold these but they closed recently, and it is a shame because they were delicious. OP, it sounds like a lot of money but if it means a lot and is in your budget, go for it! Would this be the only dessert in addition to cake?

wafflelove · December 2012

I thought I might couple it with ice cream or gelato. It tends to go very well with these waffles. I'm also considering doing a breakfast bar option as well. These waffles make a great base for gruyere and serrano ham. Umm! I'm getting hungry already. Thanks for your thoughts. I really appreciate it!

SCD1126 · December 2012

please send me an invitation to your wedding :-)

QueerFemme · December 2012

I think it looks and sounds amazing. But I am not sure I'd want to spend 2k on one dessert item. No matter how amazing it is.

Knottie1450123632 · December 2012

i love waffles yummmmmm

Avion22 · December 2012

I think it looks amazing, but that is a LOT of money for waffles....

jessicabessica · December 2012

I have had those, they are amazing and I would be endlessly excited if I saw those at a wedding. They are expensive, but if they are within your budget and you want to spend the money on it, go for it. As a guest, I'd appreciate $2k spent on delicious waffles more than $2k spend on flowers.

Barbiiieee · December 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_dessert-bar-option-for-reception?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:5Discussion:7044c2ed-af6f-4a24-b5d8-f3e4f7f55602Post:c8b359f9-eda0-4b21-8d1d-3e2f71b21523">Re:Dessert Bar Option for reception</a>:
[QUOTE]I think it looks and sounds amazing. But I am not sure I'd want to spend 2k on one dessert item. No matter how amazing it is.
Posted by cmgilpin[/QUOTE]

<div>That's what I was thinking! They do sound really, really good, but personally, I think you can get a lot more for your money. Our caterer is giving us the option of a mini dessert buffet, in addition to our cake and it is about $8 pp, including coffee and it is a much bigger variety of things like mini tarts, cookies, cannoli, pies, cheesecakes, cream puffs and eclairs. For me, I think the price is too high for what it is. If it is in your budget and you love it, do it though.</div>

wafflelove · December 2012

It seems a little high to me also...but it does include waffles topped 5 different ways with fresh fruits and syrups/whip cream. They are also make to order which I think makes it a little different from normal dessert bars (i.e. grab and go). How much do you think would be reasonable? Maybe I can negotiate.

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_dessert-bar-option-for-reception?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:5Discussion:7044c2ed-af6f-4a24-b5d8-f3e4f7f55602Post:c8b359f9-eda0-4b21-8d1d-3e2f71b21523">Re:Dessert Bar Option for reception</a>:
[QUOTE]I think it looks and sounds amazing. But I am not sure I'd want to spend 2k on one dessert item. No matter how amazing it is.
Posted by cmgilpin[/QUOTE]

OwningAHome1981 · December 2012

This seems like a waste. Most guests are fine with wedding cake or ice cream or something.

Avion22 · December 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_dessert-bar-option-for-reception?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:5Discussion:7044c2ed-af6f-4a24-b5d8-f3e4f7f55602Post:1b0df30f-394c-4e92-81c2-e37a224ab982">Re:Dessert Bar Option for reception</a>:
[QUOTE]It seems a little high to me also...but it does include waffles topped 5 different ways with fresh fruits and syrups/whip cream. They are also make to order which I think makes it a little different from normal dessert bars (i.e. grab and go). How much do you think would be reasonable? Maybe I can negotiate. In Response to Re:Dessert Bar Option for reception :
Posted by wafflelove[/QUOTE]<div>
</div><div>I guess I would wonder how they break down the cost. I mean, even if you have 200 guests, then that's $10/waffle, which is REALLY REALLY high. But if that includes ingredients, getting equipment to your venue, hiring a few people to make/serve the waffles, gratuity, etc...then I dunno...maybe.</div><div>
</div><div>One thing to consider with made-to-order items -- the line is bound to get SUPER long as people wait for their waffles to be made. This could be a huge pain. As a guest, I don't think I'd wait in line for more than about 3-4 minutes for a waffle....so if you have 200 guests and half decide they don't want to wait in line, then you are now paying $20/waffle which is ridiculous. If you go with this, please talk to the caterer about how they will keep the line down so that people aren't waiting more than a few minutes.

</div>

jessicabessica · December 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_dessert-bar-option-for-reception?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:5Discussion:7044c2ed-af6f-4a24-b5d8-f3e4f7f55602Post:776f5ec5-c507-4936-8ca2-da4374847a88">Re: Dessert Bar Option for reception</a>:
[QUOTE]This seems like a waste. Most guests are fine with wedding cake or ice cream or something.
Posted by OwningAHome1981[/QUOTE]

<div>There are a lot of things about weddings that are extravagant. </div><div>
</div><div>I do think that $20 pp (the OP said $2k for 100 people) is a lot, though. The place where we got married had table-prepared desserts, such as crepes, in their restaurant for $8.50 pp. We didn't have that at our wedding, but I'm guessing the cost would have been similar. I would want several people making waffles at once and a plan for keeping the line down, as Avion said. Does the cost include anything else? If they won't go down on cost, could you get them to include ice cream and coffee/tea?</div>

wafflelove · December 2012

Yes, they are planning on being able to serve everyone within 45 minutes and they will staff accordingly so wait time should not be too long. The price includes everything but no beverages. That might be something I could ask to include. I honestly think that since this is fairly unique...it warrants a little higher price than most dessert options. These waffles are very different than what most people are probably thinking here. It is not just mix flour, eggs, sugar and water and bam...you have waffles. This dough is prepared using a much more laborious process and is made from scratch. Thanks for the suggestions!

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_dessert-bar-option-for-reception?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:5Discussion:7044c2ed-af6f-4a24-b5d8-f3e4f7f55602Post:26500338-9aa3-4541-807a-5402613c175f">Re: Dessert Bar Option for reception</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Dessert Bar Option for reception : There are a lot of things about weddings that are extravagant. I do think that $20 pp (the OP said $2k for 100 people) is a lot, though. The place where we got married had table-prepared desserts, such as crepes, in their restaurant for $8.50 pp. We didn't have that at our wedding, but I'm guessing the cost would have been similar. I would want several people making waffles at once and a plan for keeping the line down, as Avion said. Does the cost include anything else? If they won't go down on cost, could you get them to include ice cream and coffee/tea?
Posted by jessicabessica[/QUOTE]

Avion22 · December 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_dessert-bar-option-for-reception?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:5Discussion:7044c2ed-af6f-4a24-b5d8-f3e4f7f55602Post:201ac9ca-e920-4d3c-9bc4-18a324a622cc">Re: Dessert Bar Option for reception</a>:
[QUOTE]Yes, they are planning on being able to serve everyone within 45 minutes and they will staff accordingly so wait time should not be too long. The price includes everything but no beverages. That might be something I could ask to include. I honestly think that since this is fairly unique...it warrants a little higher price than most dessert options. These waffles are very different than what most people are probably thinking here. It is not just mix flour, eggs, sugar and water and bam...you have waffles. This dough is prepared using a much more laborious process and is made from scratch. Thanks for the suggestions! In Response to Re: Dessert Bar Option for reception :
Posted by wafflelove[/QUOTE]<div>
</div><div>Yeah, for $20 per waffle they'd pretty much need to have gold dust in them. I'd still want to see a price breakdown of how they justify that kind of cost. Are they importing expensive ingredients? How many man-hours go into the preparation of the batter and how much are they paying the preparers per hour? 45 minutes to serve 100 people still seems like a really long wait to me. Can they add another server or another station to cut that time even further?</div><div>
</div><div>If it's in your budget, then go for it. But again, as a guest, I would NOT wait in line 45 minutes for a waffe. </div><div>
</div>

jessicabessica · December 2012

You don't need to justify the cost to internet strangers. If it's worth it to you and you can afford it, then go for it.

I think another thing that would influence my decision is how many waffles they plan to have for each guest and how long the waffle station will be open. If guests will be able to get waffles throughout the reception (or the later part of the reception) and go back for seconds, that would make it a little less overpriced.

I am pretty sure I know what kind of waffles you are talking about - yeast dough, pearl sugar - but I've only ever gotten them from a stand for < $5 each.

wafflelove · December 2012

Agreed. Most people are not familiar with this product and therefore feel like it is not worth it. But I like the uniqueness and quality/taste of imported from Belgium ;)

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_dessert-bar-option-for-reception?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:5Discussion:7044c2ed-af6f-4a24-b5d8-f3e4f7f55602Post:73e7a7fc-3f50-4a66-9dbe-65a2a9030746">Re: Dessert Bar Option for reception</a>:
[QUOTE]You don't need to justify the cost to internet strangers. If it's worth it to you and you can afford it, then go for it. I think another thing that would influence my decision is how many waffles they plan to have for each guest and how long the waffle station will be open. If guests will be able to get waffles throughout the reception (or the later part of the reception) and go back for seconds, that would make it a little less overpriced. I am pretty sure I know what kind of waffles you are talking about - yeast dough, pearl sugar - but I've only ever gotten them from a stand for < $5 each.
Posted by jessicabessica[/QUOTE]

QueerFemme · December 2012

Still... even if its imported products, and again, this does sound delicious and amazing, but it's a dessert option. Most people presumably will be full on whatever meal you are serving, and won't want to bother to stand in line for 30-40 minutes for a dessert waffle. If they had 3-4 stations and could serve everyone within 15 minutes, maybe.

If you want it, and you seem to be trying to justify it to us, I think you should do it. But, don't be surprised when you realize you have paid $2K to serve 40-60 people a waffle. I highly doubt 100% of your guests will bother getting one. Even if 70 of your 100 guests stand in line (which is a very high estimate), you just paid almost $30.00 per waffle.

I realize you really want to do this, especially based on your user name. So, if you want to do it that badly, knock yourself out.

wafflelove · December 2012

I'm more than likely going to do it and I'm not trying to justify it here...but merely trying to get some perspective on things I may not have thought about. Speaking of how many guest will actually eat dessert. What would you say out of 100 invited? Do you think 70 would be a good estimate? I assume some percentage will not want to eat dessert after cake and the meal.

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_dessert-bar-option-for-reception?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:5Discussion:7044c2ed-af6f-4a24-b5d8-f3e4f7f55602Post:2d373cc6-de94-44f0-bdc3-93ea6d940d8f">Re: Dessert Bar Option for reception</a>:
[QUOTE]Still... even if its imported products, and again, this does sound delicious and amazing, but it's a dessert option. Most people presumably will be full on whatever meal you are serving, and won't want to bother to stand in line for 30-40 minutes for a dessert waffle. If they had 3-4 stations and could serve everyone within 15 minutes, maybe. If you want it, and you seem to be trying to justify it to us, I think you should do it. But, don't be surprised when you realize you have paid $2K to serve 40-60 people a waffle. I highly doubt 100% of your guests will bother getting one. Even if 70 of your 100 guests stand in line (which is a very high estimate), you just paid almost $30.00 per waffle. I realize you really want to do this, especially based on your user name. So, if you want to do it that badly, knock yourself out.
Posted by cmgilpin[/QUOTE]

QueerFemme · December 2012

<div align="left">In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_dessert-bar-option-for-reception?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:5Discussion:7044c2ed-af6f-4a24-b5d8-f3e4f7f55602Post:d8b57436-1acf-420d-9c2a-63834e710e33">Re: Dessert Bar Option for reception</a>:
[QUOTE]I'm more than likely going to do it and I'm not trying to justify it here...but merely trying to get some perspective on things I may not have thought about. Speaking of how many guest will actually eat dessert. What would you say out of 100 invited? Do you think 70 would be a good estimate? I assume some percentage will not want to eat dessert after cake and the meal. In Response to Re: Dessert Bar Option for reception :
Posted by wafflelove[/QUOTE]

If you are inviting 100 people, there is a possibility that less than 100 will actually accept. So, lets say, 80-90 people attend. I would say no more than 50% will take a waffle. So, maybe 40-50, tops.</div>

femme55 · December 2012

For negotiation, maybe ask them for a breakdown of say, $8 per guest, and then a flat fee per server/station attendant. So if you have one station attendant, it's $150 flat fee, or 2 station attendants, $300 flat fee. This is in line with many special station add-ons I've seen for menus and I live in an expensive area. So if you have 100 guests and 2 station attendants, that's $800 + $300 = $1100, which is a heck of a lot better than $2k.

Giaspo · December 2012

I agree with cmgilpin.... There is a good chance many guests will not eat a waffle. How about this.... Could they do them as a take-away dessert as guests are leaving? That way, each guest will get one. It seems like many brides are doing fast food trucks after the wedding and, if I had a choice, I'd rather have a waffle than a hot dog. But that's just me.

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