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In the center of the courtyard space adjacent to the Betsy Ross House (where, weather permitting, we’ll be holding our cocktail hour), is a stone fountain.
Added during renovations in 1974, the fountain apparently has no connection to Betsy Ross (unless anyone can prove she was partial to felines, since three [bronze?] cast ones rest, rub and play in the stone ledges!).
Mr. Bruschetta and I agreed we won’t decorate the courtyard — it’s beautiful and historic without any embellishments — but I have been wondering how we should utilize the fountain. I’m hesitant to have it running: Something about guests in dressy attire and dirty running water doesn’t seem like the best combination. Since it’ll be light throughout the cocktail hour, floating candles in a pool of water seems unnecessary.
If water won’t work in the fountain…what about ice?
My foodie nature first thought of filling the fountain with ice to display a lavish raw bar.
But these aquatic delicacies aren’t always crowd-pleasing — or budget-friendly! And I don’t want to think about what a mess it’d be to have pricey seafood floating in half-melted sludge if we end up with a wedding day scorcher this August.
So then, I thought of an ice bar.
Just kidding! No, what I’m thinking of involves filling the fountain with ice, and placing bottled beverages in it: San Pellegrino, Coke and Diet Coke (a Mama Bruschetta must-have), and the like. We’ll have a bar outside for the duration of the cocktail hour, but this could be a cute way to provide easy access to non-alcoholic refreshments.
The only problem is, I’m lacking in the inspiration photo department. When I Google “fountain beverage display” I get a whole lotta these…
(source)
(Ack! The flowers! I didn’t know you had to buy a corsage for your beverage fountain!)
… when what I’m really looking for is a larger version of this.
Have you seen any unique ways of displaying beverages? Or, do you think I’m totally off-base, and that we should utilize the fountain in another way?
When we were originally touring our venue, they were setting up for an event that night, and the coordinator pointed to a canoe and said that this couple decided to put ice the canoe and put bottled beer in it =) It completely fits with the venue’s laid back vibe. I LOVE the idea of putting Ice in the fountain and using it for your beverages =)
You could float flowers in the fountain - magnolias, anything with big blossoms.
i think it’s a fun and unique way. will the venue folks let you do this?
What about floating flowers in the fountain? I’ve seen that done before and it looked gorgeous. I LOVE the idea of it being a soda fountain! It may be something you just have to see in your head, I can’t think of anywhere other than google that would have any images.
Awesome idea Brushetta! It was immediately what I thought of when I read you were looking for something to do with the fountain! Then again, I had a strange obsession with finding a cool way to display my Jones Sodas while I was planning….I ended up using an old rowboat. I think we got more compliments on that than anything!
Try googling something like “bathtub cooler”. It’s not exactly the same but getting close.
I like the floating flowers idea. As a self-diagnosed germophobe (which I know isn’t the correct term), I would freak out if there was food/drink in a fountain like that. Unless someone scrubbed the crap out of it and it sparkled. So….I vote for flowers. Sorry.
I love the soda fountain idea, such a nice play on words too! I think if your venue allows for it, go for it! That’s going to be A LOT of ice!
We have this awesome ginormous galvanized tub that we bought from Lowes last summer and we love filling it with ice and beer, soda ,etc for our summer parties. It’s so fun!
I think this is an amazing idea! And if you use the old fashioned coke and diet coke bottles it’ll be all the cuter!
I think it’s a great idea. I like lunapark’s idea of old fashioned bottles. You could even get some fun colorful ones from places like BevMo.
I prefer the floating candles/flowers idea. It’s such a nice fountain and those will do it justice.
kind of off topic (though drinks in the fountan sounds like a good use of the space!)
But i saw the title of your post and saw the photos of the Betsy Ross house and i immediatly thought of the Franklin Fountain about two blocks from there! YUM.
@tea: Good question. We have an appointment next week with our caterer to review details, and I’ll definitely bring this up!
@Caroline: @grumpybear722: @Grey56: @MissH: Floating flowers will make their appearance as part of our reception decor, so I’d prefer a non-floral filler for the fountain — but thanks the idea!
@Miss Duckling: Never heard of BevMo — thanks for the tip!
@SansSerif: Yum! See why I love Old City so much?!
I think I’m going to have to go with floating flowers on this one. Like a previous commenter, I would just be thinking of the fountain germs that were crawling all over my coke bottle.
My sister got married in a venue with an indoor fountain. They threw the switch on right before the ceremony without ever really doing any trials. The thing was so loud that I could barely hear the preacher (and I was the MOH!). I think if you use it, I would first do a trial to see how loud it is.
Nevermind…I just realized the courtyard is for your cocktail hour and not your ceremony.
I think your ’soda fountain’ sounds like a great idea, although ‘fountain soda’ is my FAV.
that’s a ton of ice! maybe even literally!
I think this is a fantastic idea….maybe you’re the first to think of it?
@Miss Duckling: I wonder if BevMo is a San Diego/Southern California thing. My fiance LOVES going there!
What a sweet cocktail hour venue! I don’t see anything wrong with just running the fountain - I think the spray of water will provide a nice background noice and make for pretty cocktail hour photos.
But if you do put drinks in the fountain, I’d make a cute old-fashioned “soda fountain” sign so that guests know what to do! And not sure what your colors are, but red and white Coke bottles will go nicely with the patriotic Betsy Ross house!
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Mrs. Bruschetta, Philadelphia Age and Occupation: 25, Communication Professional Fiance's Age and Occupation: 25, Physical Therapy Graduate Student Engagement Date: November 30, 2007 Wedding Date: August 2009 Venue: St. Thomas of Villanova Church & the F.U.E.L. House About Me: I’m a self-proclaimed grammar geek who loves singing (like, really belting it) in the car. My mister and I are planning a vibrant summer soiree celebrating our passions – including food and Philly – and when we make it official, we’ll have been together for eight years! Being super competitive is in my nature, and talking excessively is in my genes. I’ve got a terrible sense of direction, but can always easily find my way into Mr. Bruschetta’s arms.
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