Creating A Wedding Candy Station: A Sweet Celebration

A candy station is a sweet way to treat your guests at your wedding. It can be a separate display or part of a dessert table, and it's a great way to offer your guests a variety of treats to choose from. The perfect candy buffet contains a colourful and well-stocked assortment of candy, such as chewy sour candies, rich chocolates, sucking candies, luxe truffles, and even nostalgic picks. You can also get creative with DIY decorations to match your wedding theme or colour palette.

Choose a colour scheme

Choosing a colour scheme for your wedding candy station is a great way to tie the display into your wedding theme and make it feel more personal.

If you're going for a particular aesthetic, you might want to stick to just 2 or 3 colours for a more polished look. For example, if you're going for a rustic wedding, you could opt for a vintage-style candy station with ribbons and bows in earthy tones. Or, if you're having a glamorous wedding, you might want to go for a glam candy station with gold and silver accents.

You can also choose colours that match your wedding colour palette or the colours of the candies you select. For example, if you're having a Christmas wedding, you might want to choose red, green, and white candies, while an Easter-themed wedding could feature yellow, pink, and purple treats.

If you're not sure where to start, consider choosing colours that are meaningful to you and your partner. You could select colours from your hometown or that remind you of your childhood. Alternatively, you can use colours that are simply your favourites!

Remember, the colour scheme of your candy station doesn't have to match your wedding colours perfectly. You can add pops of colour or stick to a monochromatic aesthetic. The most important thing is to choose colours that you and your partner love and that will make your guests feel excited about the treats on offer.

Select a variety of candy

Selecting the candy for your wedding station is an important step in the planning process. Here are some tips and ideas to help you choose a variety of treats that will delight your guests:

Choose a Mix of Flavours and Textures

It's essential to offer a variety of flavours and textures to cater to different tastes. Include a mix of sweet, sour, salty, and chocolate options. For example, combine chocolate-covered pretzels, chocolate-covered Oreos, and chocolate-dipped truffles with sour gummy candies, rock candy, and Jordan almonds. You could also add some salty snacks like trail mix or salted nuts to balance out the sweetness.

Consider Dietary Restrictions

Think about any dietary restrictions your guests may have. Offer a range of options that cater to common dietary needs, such as vegan, gluten-free, or nut-free treats. This will ensure that everyone can enjoy the candy station.

Personalise the Candy

Customise the candy with a personal touch to make it even more special. You can add stickers or tags with your wedding date, your names, or a meaningful message. You could also choose custom-printed candy with images, symbols, or phrases that reflect your wedding theme.

Include Nostalgic Treats

In addition to elegant and sophisticated options, add some nostalgic childhood favourites to the mix. Include treats like chocolate chip cookies, brownies, flavoured popcorn, or even old-fashioned hard candies. These familiar treats will bring back fond memories and add a playful element to your candy station.

Match Your Colour Palette

Incorporate your wedding colour palette into the candy selection to create a cohesive look. Choose candies in your chosen colours or add coloured ribbons, wrappers, or packaging to standard candies. This will make your candy station visually appealing and tie it in with the overall aesthetic of your wedding.

Offer a Mix of Classic and Creative Options

Provide a mix of classic and creative candy choices. While traditional options like chocolate-covered mints and Jordan almonds are always popular, you can also include unique treats like champagne-flavoured gummy bears, passion fruit marshmallows, or lavender caramels. This will add an element of surprise and delight to your candy station.

Remember to estimate the amount of candy needed based on your guest count, and don't be afraid to get creative with your selections! Your candy station is a great way to showcase your personality and treat your guests to a sweet experience.

Find the right containers

Finding the right containers for your candy station can make or break the aesthetic of your wedding candy bar. Here are some tips to help you find the perfect vessels for your sweet treats:

Variety of Heights and Sizes:

It is recommended to have a variety of heights for your containers to create a visually appealing display. Consider using jars, dishes, cake stands, and displays of varying heights. This will also help you maximise your space, especially if you have a compact table. You can even create your own fancy-looking containers by gluing together glass bowls and candlesticks bought from a dollar store.

Quantity of Containers:

The number of containers you need will depend on the size of your guest list. As a rule of thumb, you will need one jar of candy per 20 guests. For example, if you have 50 guests, you will need 5 jars of candy. However, it is always a good idea to have a little extra candy, just in case.

Buying Containers:

You can save money by shopping at thrift stores, dollar stores, or garage sales. You can also ask your friends and family if they have any jars or vases you could borrow. If you want to add a personal touch, consider buying containers that match your wedding colour palette or theme.

Filling the Containers:

When filling your containers, opt for less expensive candy to fill the larger jars and put the most expensive candies in the smaller jars. As a rule of thumb, one bag of candy should fit in a jar, so there is no need for supersized jars. You can also fill larger containers with inexpensive candy and use the premium candies as accents or in smaller quantities.

Labelling the Containers:

You may want to label each jar, especially if you are offering candies with common allergens like nuts. You can use sticker labels or print something on cardstock and tape it to the jars. This is also a great way to tie in your wedding colours or theme.

Create a display

Creating a candy station for a wedding can be a fun and interactive experience for your guests. Here are some tips to help you create a beautiful and eye-catching display:

Choose a Colour Scheme

Decide on a colour scheme that ties in with your wedding theme or colour palette. This will help to create a cohesive and elegant look for your candy station. You can choose two or three colours to create a polished look, or go with an "anything goes" approach if you prefer.

Select the Right Candy

Offer a variety of candies to suit different tastes. Include a mix of sweet, sour, and chocolate options, as well as some salty snacks like trail mix or salted nuts. You can also add some nostalgic childhood treats or go with a theme, such as a rainbow or monochromatic colour scheme. Consider the overall aesthetic and tie in elements of your wedding decor, florals, and linens.

Plan the Amount of Candy

Determine the amount of candy you need based on your guest list size. A good rule of thumb is to provide around half a pound of candy per guest if it is the main dessert option. If you have other desserts, you can reduce the amount of candy. For a wedding with 1-50 guests, aim for 5 jars of candy, and increase the number of jars by 5 for every additional 50 guests.

Display and Presentation

Use a variety of heights for your jars, dishes, cake stands, and displays to create a visually appealing setup. Look for containers or bags that match your colour scheme or add a personal touch with monogram stickers. You can also add scoops or tongs for hygiene, and labels or signs to identify each candy. Consider adding a backdrop or table decorations to enhance the overall presentation.

Source Your Candy and Supplies

Buy your candy in bulk from wholesale stores or online retailers to save money. Look for sales and discounts, especially after holidays, to stock up on discounted candy. For display cases and containers, check out affordable options at stores like TJ Maxx, Home Goods, or Marshalls. You can also get creative and upcycle items from your home or borrow from friends and family.

Set Up Timing

Don't set up your candy station too early in the day. It's best to have it out once dinner has started, so coordinate with someone who can set out the candy, jars, scoops, and bags for you.

Make it personal

Making your candy station personal is a great way to make your wedding extra special. Here are some ideas to achieve this:

Hometown Treats

Source candies from your hometown or places that are meaningful to you and your partner. This is a great way to bring in a personal touch and share a part of your life with your guests. It can also be a fun way to introduce your guests to new treats they may not have tried before.

Nostalgic Favourites

In addition to hometown treats, you can include nostalgic candies that you both enjoyed growing up. This could be anything from your favourite childhood sweets to treats you loved as a teen. It's a great way to add a playful touch to your wedding and spark conversations among your guests.

Photos and Memorabilia

Consider adding photos of you and your partner to the candy station. You can display them on the table or use them as part of the backdrop. This is a wonderful way to share your story and give your guests a glimpse into your lives. You can also include other memorabilia or vintage pieces that hold a special meaning for you.

Personalised Containers and Labels

Customise your candy station with personalised containers, bags, or labels. You can add your names, wedding date, or a special message for your guests. This can be as simple as a monogram sticker or a more elaborate design that ties into your wedding theme. It's a great way to add a unique touch to your candy station.

Signature Colours and Themes

Incorporate your wedding colours or themes into your candy station. You can use coloured candies, ribbons, or other decorations to tie everything together. If you have a specific theme, such as a rustic or vintage theme, you can also incorporate this into your candy station by using appropriate props and decorations.

Remember, your candy station should reflect your personalities and tastes. By adding personal touches, you can create a memorable and unique experience for you and your guests.

Frequently asked questions