George Boyle
A wedding candy bar is a fun and whimsical addition to any wedding reception. It's a great way to offer your guests a variety of sweets and treats, and it can also serve as a beautiful and unique decoration. Planning a wedding candy bar requires some foresight and coordination, from choosing the right containers and decorations to selecting the perfect candies that fit your colour scheme and taste preferences. In this discussion, we will explore the steps to create a stunning and delicious wedding candy bar, ensuring your special day is filled with sweet memories.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Wedding favour |
| Cost | Around $1 per guest |
| Candy amount | 0.25-0.5 pounds per guest |
| Containers | Glass containers with wide openings |
| Candy type | Sweet, sour, chocolate, salty |
| Other supplies | Scoops, spoons, tongs, takeaway bags, labels, decorations |
| Allergies | Label allergens or leave off the table |
| Design | Visually stimulating, colourful, complement wedding colours |
| Display | Create depth and height with tiers and different-sized containers |
| Centrepiece | Flowers, candles, an aquarium |
| Timing | Set up after dinner |
What You'll Learn
Choosing the right candy
Variety is Key
It is essential to offer a variety of candies to cater to different taste preferences. Aim for 7 to 10 different types of candy, including various flavours, textures, sizes and types. This will not only keep your guests happy but also create a visually appealing and interesting display. Consider including a mix of sweet, sour and chocolate options, as well as something salty like trail mix or salted nuts, as suggested by wedding planner Jyl Deering.
Colours and Themes
Coordinate the colours of the candy with your wedding colour palette or theme. Selecting two or three colours that complement each other will create a cohesive and fun look. If you want to include more colours, stick to similar shades, such as pastels. You can also incorporate your wedding colours through ribbons tied around containers or floral arrangements.
Personalise Your Choices
Make sure to include the happy couple's favourite candies, after all, it is their special day! You can also ask the wedding party for their suggestions or expand the theme by including candies that represent the favourites of each member of the wedding party.
Consider the Season and Temperature
Think about the season and temperature when choosing your candy. For example, if you're having an outdoor summer wedding, avoid chocolate as it may melt. Instead, opt for hard candies or citrusy sweets. Conversely, if your wedding is indoors or during cooler months, chocolate candies are a great option.
Account for Allergies and Dietary Restrictions
Be mindful of any guest allergies or dietary restrictions. Label candies that contain specific allergens, and consider offering a variety of options such as gluten-free, peanut-free, sugar-free and vegan treats. If you know of any severe food allergies among your guests, it may be best to leave those particular candies off the table.
Plan Ahead
Know what types of candy you want and plan to buy them 3 to 4 weeks before the wedding to ensure freshness. Store them in a cool, dry, dark location to keep them fresh. For chocolate, you can even store them in the refrigerator to prevent melting.
Popular Choices
If you're looking for some inspiration, popular choices for wedding candy bars include candy-coated chocolates, chocolate-covered nuts or raisins, chocolate-dipped marshmallows or pretzels, hard fruit-flavoured candies, nostalgic candies from your childhood, and peppermint sticks or disks.
Remember, the candy bar is a reflection of the couple's tastes, so have fun and get creative with your selections!
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Containers and presentation
Trays and cake stands offer a different way to display candies. Place gourmet chocolates or wrapped candies on trays for a fun display. Spell out the word "Love" or your initials with letter-shaped dishes.
The shape of the table is another consideration. A round table encourages guests to choose candy from all sides, while a rectangular table works well if you want to push the candy buffet against a wall.
To create a cohesive look, use centrepieces such as flowers, candles, or even an aquarium full of colour-coordinated fish! Use your imagination.
If you want to elevate the look of your candy bar, use gold trays and metal boxes, or incorporate a rose gold metal fixture.
For a simple and elegant look, focus on a classic white colour scheme with a slight pop of colour as an accent.
Don't forget to include take-home containers for guests to fill with candy and take home as a party favour. Provide cellophane bags or small decorative boxes. Keep them small to preserve your candy supply. Add a personal touch by attaching a thank-you note to the containers.
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Buying supplies
Containers
Clear glass containers are ideal for displaying colourful candies. Look for an assortment of sizes and shapes with wide openings, so guests can easily access the treats. Save money by using any glass containers you may already have, such as bowls, clean vases, mason jars, or large drinking glasses.
Candy
The amount of candy you need will depend on the number of guests and their sweet tooth! A good rule of thumb is to buy around a pound of candy per guest. Choose colourful candy that coordinates with your wedding colours and theme. If your wedding is outdoors on a hot day, avoid chocolate, which may melt, and opt for hard candies instead.
Scoops and Tongs
Provide assorted scoops, spoons, and tongs to keep things hygienic and safe. Ensure the serving utensils are small enough to fit into the containers but large enough to easily retrieve the candy.
Take-Home Containers
Some guests may want to take candy home as a favour or memento. Provide small cellophane bags or decorative boxes for this purpose. Add a personal touch with a thank-you note attached to the containers.
Labels and Signs
Labels and signs are important, especially if any candy contains allergens. Simple labels or cardboard tents can be placed near each bowl of candy to inform guests of the ingredients and to help those with allergies.
Decorations
While colourful candy is decorative in itself, you may want to add extra decorations to enhance the display. Use a tablecloth, garlands, confetti, or other tabletop decorations to create a beautiful backdrop for the candy. You can also incorporate your wedding colours, florals, and other decorative elements to tie the candy bar into your overall wedding theme.
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Storing supplies
Storing your candy and supplies is an important step in the process of creating a wedding candy bar. You'll want to make sure that your candy is stored in a cool, dry place before the wedding and on the day of the wedding. This will prevent it from melting, especially if your wedding is outdoors or in a warm location. Chocolate, for example, can be stored in the refrigerator.
If you are providing takeaway bags, boxes, or ribbons, these can be set up in advance and stored with your decor, table, and empty jars. This will save you time on the day of the wedding. You can also prepare any labels or signs in advance and store them with your other supplies.
It's important to note that you should not set up your candy bar too early, especially if it includes chocolate or other meltable candies. Wait until dinner has started, and have a coordinator or helper set out the candy, jars, scoops, and bags for you.
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Timing the setup
Start planning early: Although it may be tempting to dive straight into buying candy, take the time to plan your candy bar first. Decide on a theme, colour scheme, and the types of candy and containers you want. This will help create a cohesive and polished look for your display.
Buy your supplies in advance: Once you have a plan in place, start purchasing your supplies, including containers, candy, scoops, takeaway bags, and decorations. Buying in bulk from wholesale stores or online can often save you money. Aim to have everything you need at least a few weeks before the wedding.
Store your supplies safely: Designate a cool, dry, and dark location to store your candy and other supplies before the wedding. This will help keep the candy fresh and prevent melting, especially if you have chocolate.
Set up the basics the day before: If possible, set up the table, decorations, empty containers, and any other non-perishable items the day before the wedding. This will save you time and reduce stress on your wedding day.
Timing on the day: As for the day of your wedding, it is recommended to set up the candy bar once dinner has started. Coordinate with your venue or caterer, or enlist a friend or relative, to ensure the candy, scoops, and bags are set out at the appropriate time.
Enjoy your sweet creation: With your candy bar all set up, you and your guests can now enjoy the delicious treats! Don't forget to capture some photos of your beautifully designed display.
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Frequently asked questions
A good rule of thumb is to buy around a pound of candy per guest. You can also provide about 1/4 to 1/2 pound of candy for each person.
Include a variety of sweets, such as sweet, sour, and chocolate. You can also offer something salty, like trail mix or salted nuts. Choose colourful candy that coordinates with your wedding design.
You will need containers, such as clear glass containers, bowls, mason jars, or large drinking glasses. You will also need scoops, spoons, or tongs, as well as take-home containers like cellophane bags or small decorative boxes. Don't forget to include signs to label each bowl of candy, especially if any candy has nuts or allergens.
Coordinate your candy choices with the colour palettes chosen for your wedding. Create depth and height in your display by using tablecloth-covered boxes and different-sized serving containers. Consider using centrepieces such as flowers, candles, or an aquarium full of colour-coordinated fish.
Choose a location that is easily accessible yet out of the way. You can set up your candy bar near other desserts and food tables, leaving enough space around the table for good traffic flow.
