Candy Buffet: A Sweet Wedding Treat

A candy buffet is a fun and whimsical addition to any wedding reception, and it's something you can easily do yourself. It's a great way to treat your guests to some unique snacks and it can also serve as wedding favours. The first step is to decide on the style and size of your display, as well as the amount of candy you'll need. You'll also want to choose a variety of candy with different flavours, textures and types to cater to everyone's tastes. Don't forget to include some DIY decorations to match your wedding theme or colour palette!

Choosing a theme and colour scheme

A good place to start is by choosing a general theme based on colour or a particular pattern. You could also get specific with a fun theme. For example, you could choose a rustic theme with a barrel-shaped candy display, or a vintage theme with a welcome wagon as your display table. Alternatively, you could base your theme on a colour, such as pink and blue, or turquoise and lime.

Once you have a theme in mind, you can start planning the details of your candy bar. If you want your candy buffet to fit in with the rest of the reception, you can carry the general table décor over to your candy bar by using some of the same centrepieces from the guest tables. You can also incorporate coloured ribbons tied around containers and floral arrangements that match your colour scheme.

If you're looking to make your candy bar pop, consider adding a backdrop. You can use large pieces of fabric, gathered tulle, or burlap to create a backdrop, and then add decorations that coordinate with the rest of the reception décor. Banners, strings of lights, flowers, greenery, photos of the couple, and artwork can all be used to enhance the backdrop.

When it comes to the candy itself, choose two or three coordinating colours to create a fun and cohesive look. You can buy candy in single-colour packages, making it easy to stick to your chosen colour scheme. However, remember that anything goes, so include candies you really want to serve, even if they don't match your colours. If you want to include more than a few colours, stick to the same general type of colour, such as an assortment of pastels.

In addition to colour, you can also choose candy that ties into your theme. For example, if you're having a rustic wedding, you could fill metal buckets with candy, or use wicker baskets for wrapped candies. If you're having a glamorous wedding, you could serve candies with glitter accents or champagne-flavoured gummy bears.

By choosing a theme and colour scheme, you can create a stylish and cohesive candy buffet that your wedding guests will love.

Buying supplies and decorations

When it comes to buying supplies and decorations for your wedding candy buffet, there are a few key things to keep in mind. First, consider the overall style and size of your display, as well as the amount of space you have to work with. This will help you determine the number and size of containers you need, as well as the amount of candy and any other supplies. Speaking to an expert wedding planner can also be a good idea to get a sense of what you will need.

For containers, clear glass options are a popular choice as they allow guests to see the colourful candies, adding to the decorative look of the display. Choose an assortment of container sizes and shapes with wide openings so guests can easily access the candy. You can save money by using any glass containers you already have, such as bowls, clean vases, mason jars, or even large drinking glasses. If you need to buy containers, try thrift stores or second-hand shops for vintage candy shop decorations or displays. You can also look at dollar stores, restaurant supply stores, discount retailers, and craft stores for inexpensive options.

In addition to containers, you'll need scoops, spoons, and tongs in various sizes to allow guests to easily access the candy. Take-home containers such as cellophane bags or small decorative boxes are also a must, especially if you want guests to be able to take candy home as a party favour. You can add a personal touch by attaching a thank-you note to these containers.

Signs or labels are another important supply, especially if you have guests with food allergies or dietary restrictions. Simple cardboard tents or chalkboard-style labels can be used to indicate the type of candy and any potential allergens. You can also create your own signage or purchase templates from sites like Etsy.

To decorate your candy buffet, consider using a tablecloth, garlands, confetti, or other tabletop decorations that fit your wedding theme. You can also add a backdrop, such as a large piece of fabric or gathered tulle, to make the display more visually appealing. Banners, string lights, flowers, greenery, and photos of the happy couple can also enhance the overall look of the candy buffet.

When buying supplies and decorations for your wedding candy buffet, it's important to plan ahead and consider the amount of space you have, the number of guests you'll be serving, and any dietary restrictions or allergies that may need to be accommodated. By choosing a mix of colours, textures, and types of candy, as well as decorative elements that fit your theme, you can create a visually appealing and enjoyable candy buffet for your guests.

How much candy to buy

When planning a wedding candy buffet, it's important to consider how much candy you'll need to satisfy your guests' sweet tooth. Here are some tips to help you determine the right amount:

Guest Count and Container Size:

Start by figuring out how many guests will be attending your wedding. A good rule of thumb is to provide around a pound of candy per guest. However, if you have other desserts or your candy buffet is just an additional treat, you can reduce the amount. For example, Ashley Pate Newkirk, owner of Ash Events, suggests that couples have around half a pound of candy per guest if there will be other desserts available.

The size of your take-home containers will also impact the amount of candy needed. If you plan to provide large containers, you'll need to buy more candy to ensure your guests can fill them up. Similarly, if you have huge serving containers, you'll need a lot of candy to make them look full and appealing. Smaller containers that can be refilled throughout the event often work better.

Variety of Candy:

It's essential to offer a variety of candies to cater to different tastes and preferences. Aim for 7-10 different types of candy, including various flavors, textures, sizes, and types. This will keep your guests happy and create a visually appealing display. Think about including chewy sour candies, chocolates, sucking candies, luxe truffles, and nostalgic picks.

Allergies and Dietary Restrictions:

Try to offer a range of options to accommodate guests with dietary restrictions or allergies. Provide gluten-free, peanut-free, sugar-free, and vegan options, and label them clearly. If you are aware of any severe food allergies among your guests, it's best to avoid those allergens altogether.

Seasonality and Location:

Consider the season and location of your wedding when choosing candy. For warmer months or outdoor venues, hard candies are a good choice as they are less likely to melt. For indoor or cooler venues, chocolate candies are a delicious option.

Buying in Bulk:

To save money and ensure you have enough candy, consider buying in bulk from wholesale stores or online retailers. Places like Amazon, Costco, and BJ's offer great options for purchasing large quantities of candy at a lower cost.

Storage and Freshness:

Plan to buy your candy 3-4 weeks before the wedding to ensure freshness. Store it in a cool, dry, and dark location. If you're concerned about melting, you can even refrigerate chocolate candies.

In summary, creating a wedding candy buffet that will impress your guests involves careful planning and consideration of the amount and variety of candy, as well as practical factors like storage and freshness. By following these tips, you can ensure your guests have a sweet and memorable experience at your wedding.

Choosing the right containers

Variety of Sizes and Shapes:

Aim for a variety of container sizes and shapes to create a visually appealing display. Smaller bowls are ideal for holding smaller candies, while a few larger containers can accommodate bigger items. This variety adds interest and ensures guests can easily access the treats.

Wide Openings:

Select containers with wide openings so guests can effortlessly scoop out the candy. Containers with narrow necks might look interesting, but they can be cumbersome for guests. Opt for openings that are large enough to accommodate the scoops or tongs you provide.

Glass or Clear Containers:

Clear glass containers are a popular choice as they showcase the colourful candies, adding to the decorative look of the display. If you prefer, you can also choose coloured glass or opaque containers that complement your wedding colour palette.

Trays and Cake Stands:

In addition to traditional containers, consider using trays and cake stands to display certain candies or treats. These can be especially useful for presenting gourmet chocolates, wrapped candies, or other individually packaged items.

Themed Containers:

If your wedding has a particular theme, try to find containers that tie into it. For example, if you're having a rustic wedding, you could use metal buckets with cloth liners or wicker baskets for your candy buffet.

Save Money with Secondhand Containers:

Creating a candy buffet can be expensive, so consider thrifting or using secondhand containers to stay within your budget. You can often find inexpensive glass containers at thrift stores, dollar stores, or discount retailers.

Container Quantity:

Ensure you have enough containers to hold all the candy you plan to offer. As a general rule, provide about ¼ to ½ pound of candy per guest. You may also want to have a few extra containers on hand in case some candies are more popular than others.

Setting up the buffet

The first step in setting up a candy buffet for a wedding is to decide on the style and size of the display. This includes choosing a theme, which can be based on colour, a particular pattern, or a specific idea. For example, a vintage feel with ribbons and bows, a mid-century modern vibe with glam, or a simple theme using the couple's initials. The next step is to ensure the venue has enough space for the candy buffet, and to choose a location that is easily accessible yet out of the way. A round table works well if guests will be accessing the buffet from all sides, while a rectangular table is a better option if it will be pushed against a wall.

The amount of candy needed depends on how many guests will be attending and how much candy is expected to be consumed. A good rule of thumb is to provide about 0.25 to 0.5 pounds of candy per person, so for every 100 guests, there should be around 25 to 50 pounds of candy. It is also important to consider the size of the take-home containers and whether guests will be taking candy throughout the event or only at the end.

When it comes to the candy selection, it is a good idea to choose a variety of colours, flavours, textures, sizes, and types to cater to different tastes. Candy that coordinates with the overall wedding design or colour scheme can also be chosen. It is also important to offer options for guests with dietary restrictions or allergies, such as gluten-free, peanut-free, sugar-free, and vegan options. If there are any known life-threatening allergies among the guests, it is best to avoid those foods completely.

The containers for the candy should be clear glass or acrylic so that guests can easily see the candy and choose their favourites. An assortment of container sizes and shapes with wide openings is ideal, and it is recommended to have scoops, spoons, or tongs for serving. Take-home containers such as cellophane bags or small decorative boxes should also be provided, along with ribbons or twist ties to seal them.

To add a special touch to the candy buffet, decorations such as a tablecloth, garlands, confetti, or other tabletop decorations can be used. Signs or labels should be placed near each bowl of candy to identify the contents and provide allergen information. A backdrop, such as a large piece of fabric or gathered tulle, can also be added to draw attention to the display.

Finally, it is a good idea to have an attendant to monitor the candy buffet, refill containers, clean up spills, and help guests as needed.

Frequently asked questions