Creating A Sweet Wedding Candy Bar

A candy bar is a fun, whimsical addition to a wedding reception, providing a variety of sweets for guests to enjoy and take home as favours. Planning a DIY candy bar is simple but does require some forethought to ensure a coordinated look and enough candy to satisfy your guests' sweet tooth. From choosing the right containers, scoops and decorations to deciding on a colour scheme and accounting for allergies, there are many elements to consider when creating a candy bar for your wedding.

Choosing the right candy

Variety is Key

Offer a variety of candies to cater to different tastes and preferences. Aim for 7 to 10 different types of candy, including a mix of flavours, textures, sizes and types. This will not only keep your guests happy but also create a visually appealing and interesting display. Don't forget to include something salty, like trail mix or salted nuts, for a nice contrast.

Consider the Colours

Choose candies that complement your wedding colour palette or theme. Selecting two or three coordinating colours will create a fun and cohesive look. If you want to include more colours, stick to the same general type, such as an assortment of pastels. You can also incorporate your wedding colours into the decor and signage around the candy bar.

Think About the Season

Consider the season and temperature when choosing your candy. For a summer wedding, opt for candies that won't melt in the heat, like hard fruit-flavoured candies or citrusy treats. For a fall wedding, pumpkin and cinnamon-flavoured candies are a great choice, while chocolate is ideal for cooler months.

Account for Allergies and Dietary Restrictions

It's important to accommodate your guests' dietary needs and allergies. Offer a variety of options, such as gluten-free, peanut-free, sugar-free and vegan candies. Label these clearly so guests can make safe choices. If you know of any severe allergies among your guests, it's best to avoid those allergens altogether.

Personalise Your Selections

Include your favourites, as well as your partner's and wedding party members'. It's a fun way to add a personal touch and ensure that everyone's tastes are represented. After all, it's your special day, and you deserve to be surrounded by all the things you love!

Plan Ahead

Know what types of candies you want and order them in advance to ensure availability and freshness. Aim to buy the candy 3 to 4 weeks before the wedding and store it in a cool, dry, dark location. For chocolate, consider storing it in the refrigerator to prevent melting.

With these tips in mind, you'll be well on your way to choosing the perfect candy for your wedding candy bar!

Containers and presentation

To create a cohesive look, coordinate your candy choices with the colour palettes chosen for your wedding. Create depth and height by using different-sized serving containers and constructing tiers out of tablecloth-covered boxes. Centrepieces such as flowers, candles, or even an aquarium full of colour-coordinated betta fish can bring cohesion to the different elements on your candy bar.

Consider using a tablecloth as a backdrop for the candy display, and add garlands, confetti, or other tabletop decorations. You can also add a personal touch by incorporating unique items with significance to you and your partner, such as seashells or figurines, or displaying photos around the table.

Don't forget to include signs near each bowl of candy to clear up any confusion and help guests with food allergies or dietary restrictions. Simple cardboard tents or chalkboard-style labels work well for this purpose.

Finally, provide take-home containers such as cellophane bags or small decorative boxes so that guests can take candy home as a party favour.

Signs and labels

• Informative Labels: Clearly label each type of candy to eliminate any confusion about what guests are choosing. This is especially important for guests with food allergies or dietary restrictions. Use simple and visible labels, such as cardboard tents or chalkboard-style signs, placed near each bowl or container of candy. Include the name of the candy and list any allergens or ingredients that may be of concern.
• Allergen Information: Be sure to label candies that contain specific allergens. If you know of any severe allergies among your guests, consider leaving those items off the table altogether. This will help create a safer and more enjoyable experience for all your guests.
• Take-Home Containers: Provide labels for the take-home containers as well. You can add a personal touch by attaching a "Thank You" note or a sweet message to these containers. This will not only inform guests about the option to take candy home but also make it a memorable keepsake.
• Decorative Signs: In addition to informative labels, you can add decorative signs to your candy bar. Create fun and whimsical signs with sayings like "Love is Sweet" or "Treat Yourself." These signs can enhance the overall aesthetic of your display and tie into your wedding theme.
• Colour-Coding: If you want to simplify the labelling process, you can colour-code your candies. Choose a specific colour to represent each type of candy or flavour. This will create a visually appealing display and make it easier for guests to identify their favourites.
• Theme-Related Signs: Incorporate your wedding theme into the signs. For example, if you have a rustic wedding theme, use wooden signs with handwritten labels. If your wedding has a beach theme, design signs with seashells or starfish decorations. This will help to integrate your candy bar seamlessly into the overall wedding décor.
• Directional Signs: Consider placing directional signs near the candy bar to guide guests towards the sweet treats. These signs can be placed at a distance, leading guests towards the candy bar, especially if it is located in a separate area. This ensures that no guest misses out on the delightful offerings.
• Font and Design: When creating your signs and labels, pay attention to the font and overall design. Choose a font that is easy to read and aligns with your wedding theme or style. You can also add decorative elements, such as borders, illustrations, or icons, to make the signs more visually appealing.
• Consistency: Maintain consistency in the labelling format throughout the candy bar. Use similar styles, colours, or themes for all the signs and labels to create a cohesive look. This will make your display look well-organised and professionally done.
• Language and Tone: Use a friendly and inviting tone in your signs. You can even add a touch of humour to engage your guests. For example, "Take a Walk Down Memory Lane with These Nostalgic Treats" or "Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth with Our Candy Creations."

Remember to include signs and labels as part of your planning process. They will not only provide important information but also enhance the visual appeal and overall guest experience of your wedding candy bar.

Decorations

The decorations for your candy bar should complement the candy selection and overall wedding theme. Here are some ideas to make your candy bar stand out:

• Tablecloth: Use a tablecloth as a backdrop for the candy display. Choose a colour or pattern that ties in with your wedding colours or theme.
• Garlands: Add garlands along the edge of the table or drape them across the front for a festive touch.
• Confetti: Sprinkle confetti or other tabletop decorations on the table to create a celebratory atmosphere.
• Backdrop: If your venue is indoors, consider adding a backdrop to draw attention to the candy bar. Large pieces of fabric, gathered tulle, or burlap in colours that complement your wedding palette can be used.
• Background Materials: Take the backdrop up a notch by incorporating decorations that match the rest of the reception décor. Banners, string lights, flowers, greenery, photos of the couple, or artwork can be used.
• Texture: If your candy selection is already vibrant and colourful, enhance the display with different textures such as pom-poms hanging above the table or creative containers like birdcages.
• Signs: Create fun signs with sayings like "Love is sweet" to invite guests to indulge in the candy bar.
• Personal Touches: Include small, unique items that are significant to you and your partner, such as seashells or figurines. You can also add photos around the table to make it more personal.
• Theme Integration: Tie your candy bar into your wedding theme by using coloured ribbons on containers and floral arrangements. Use similar centrepieces from the guest tables on the candy bar to create cohesion.
• Centrepieces: Use flowers, candles, or even an aquarium full of colour-coordinated betta fish as a centrepiece to bring cohesion to the different elements on your candy bar.

Amount of candy

The amount of candy you need for your wedding candy bar depends on several factors, and it's always better to have too much than too little. A good rule of thumb is to buy around a pound of candy per guest. You can expect guests to fill their take-home containers to the top, so if you plan to provide large containers, stock extra candy for the buffet.

For every 100 guests, you will need 25 to 50 pounds of candy. For 150 guests, you will need 40 to 75 pounds, and for 200 guests, 50 to 100 pounds.

The size of your serving containers also matters. Smaller containers that an attendant can refill throughout the night often look better on the table. If you have huge containers, you'll need a lot of candy to make them look full and pretty.

If you're serving candy as your only dessert, you'll need more of it than if you're also serving cake or other sweets. The number of children attending will also influence how much candy you need, as will how long the candy bar is accessible. If it's available all night, you may find your supplies low by the end of the evening.

You can save money by buying candy in bulk from stores like Costco or BJ's.

Frequently asked questions