Creating A Wedding Sweet Table: A Step-By-Step Guide

Wedding sweet tables are a delightful addition to any wedding reception. They're a fun way to add a touch of personality and satisfy your guests' sugar cravings. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or prefer a professional service, creating a sweet table for your wedding is a great way to showcase your favourite treats and add a unique element to your celebration. From elegant dessert bars to rustic dessert tables, the options are endless. So, get ready to indulge your guests and make your wedding extra sweet!

Choosing a theme

• Colour Scheme: Choose a colour scheme that complements your wedding colours. This can be as simple as using pink, the main wedding colour, as the anchor for the dessert table, with pastel pink icing, pink wrapping, and pink garnishes. You can also incorporate your wedding colours into the display by using coloured candies, frostings, or decorations.
• Seasonal Themes: Consider a seasonal theme that reflects the time of year. For example, a pastel-coloured candy bar for spring, a summer-themed ice cream sundae bar, or a hot chocolate bar for a winter wedding.
• Retro or Nostalgic: A retro or nostalgic theme is a fun way to incorporate your favourite childhood treats. This can include classic candies such as drumsticks, refreshers, and flying saucers, or treats like churros or ice cream sandwiches. You can also display them in vintage-style glassware or on a vintage dresser.
• Cultural or Heritage-Inspired: Honour your cultural heritage or family traditions by incorporating them into your dessert table. For example, a Mexican Pan Dulce Bar or Italian cookies can be a delicious way to share a piece of your heritage with your guests.
• Elegant and Sophisticated: For a more elegant and sophisticated theme, consider a floral chandelier or decadent floral arrangements to draw attention to the dessert table. Silver and gold metallic accents can also add a touch of sophistication.
• Rustic or Country: If you're going for a rustic or country theme, use wooden boxes or slices to display your desserts. Include pies, cobblers, and other treats made from family heirloom recipes. Add some greenery or vines for a softer, more rustic look.
• Boho or Disco: For a boho-themed wedding, incorporate organic shapes and textures. Use coordinating icings to ensure all the desserts feel cohesive. For a fun twist, add some disco elements like hot pink and orange trays, and sprinkle in a few mini disco balls.
• Chocolate Lovers: Create a dessert table dedicated to all things chocolate. Include a variety of chocolate treats such as truffles, brownies, chocolate-covered strawberries, or even a chocolate fountain with dippers like fruit, brownies, and pretzels.
• Fruit-Forward: Showcase the season's freshest fruits by incorporating them into your dessert table. This could be in the form of fruit tarts, chocolate-dipped fruits, or even a build-your-own fruit crisp or cobbler bar.

Remember, your wedding sweet table should reflect your personality and style. Don't be afraid to get creative and mix and match different elements to create a unique and memorable display for your guests to enjoy.

Selecting a layout

Space and Location:

Before deciding on a layout, it's essential to know the space you're working with. Consult with your venue to find the best location for the table, ensuring it has enough room to accommodate your chosen layout.

Table Shape and Size:

The shape and size of the table will impact your layout. Common options include long rectangular tables, multiple smaller tables, or even creative alternatives like vintage dressers or antique desks. Consider the number of guests and the variety of sweets you plan to display when choosing the size and shape of your table.

Display Options:

There are several ways to display your sweets:

• Tiers and Levels: Create visual interest by using tiered cake stands or elevating certain sweets on platforms or crates of varying heights. This approach adds dimension to your table and makes it easier for guests to see and access the treats.
• Containers and Serveware: Choose containers such as jars, vases, or stands that fit your theme. Opt for clear containers like glass jars to beautifully showcase the sweets. Consider using a combination of modern and rustic serveware to create a unique and elegant display.
• Backdrops and Decorations: Enhance your layout with a backdrop, such as a floral wall, a music-themed banner, or a large arbor. Add decorations like floral arrangements, garlands, bunting, or signage to frame your table and tie it into your wedding theme.

Sweet Placement:

When placing your sweets on the table, consider grouping similar items together or arranging them by colour to create a cohesive look. For example, you can place cupcakes, pies, or cookies on trays or cake stands at different levels to add depth to your display. Intersperse taller items, such as flowers or votive candles, among the sweets to add height and elegance.

Practical Considerations:

Keep in mind the practical aspects of your layout:

• Allow for ample space around the table to prevent overcrowding and ensure a smooth flow during dessert time.
• Consider the timing of setting up the table. It's best to coordinate with your wedding planner and caterer to ensure the sweets are displayed just before dessert time, so they remain fresh.
• If you're having a cake, decide whether to display it on the same table or separately. A small cake-only table might feel cluttered with other desserts, so combining the cake and sweets on a longer table can be a good option.

Buying enough sweets

When it comes to buying sweets for your wedding, the general rule of thumb is to provide at least 100g of sweets per guest. This means that for a guest list of 100, you will need approximately 10kg of sweets. However, it's important to keep in mind that your guests may eat more than that during the wedding and may also take some home as a post-wedding treat.

To manage costs, consider offering a mix of affordable sweets with smaller quantities of premium options. You can always refill containers with less expensive sweets if needed. A good variety of sweets will ensure that there is something for everyone to enjoy, and you can choose from retro classics, gourmet options, or a combination of both.

When selecting your sweets, consider the following:

• Retro favourites like Drumsticks, Refreshers, and Flying Saucers
• Classic sweets such as jelly beans, marshmallows, and cola bottles
• Chocolate options like Maltesers, M&Ms, or Ferrero Rocher

If you opt for chocolate, ensure that it is kept cool as warm temperatures can cause it to melt.

You can source your sweets from bulk suppliers, such as Candy King Parties, Swizzels, Hancocks, and Amazon. Don't forget to check supermarkets and pound shops for smaller quantities, or consider a Costco membership for access to larger bags and boxes.

To ensure you buy enough sweets, calculate the number of guests you expect to attend and multiply that by 100g. This will give you an estimate of the total weight of sweets you need to purchase.

For example, if you anticipate 150 guests, you would need approximately 15kg of sweets: 150 guests x 100g of sweets per guest = 15,000g (or 15kg) of sweets.

By following this calculation, you can ensure you have a generous amount of sweets for your wedding sweet table, leaving your guests with a sweet impression of your special day.

Picking containers

Picking the right containers for your wedding sweet table is essential to its overall aesthetic appeal and functionality. Here are some tips and ideas to help you choose the perfect containers:

• Traditional Jars and Vases: Opting for traditional containers like jars and vases is a classic choice. They come in various shapes, sizes, and materials such as glass or ceramic. Ensure they fit your theme and complement the table setting. If you want your containers to look full, try placing an upturned glass inside larger containers to push the sweets towards the edges.
• Stands and Platforms: Using stands or platforms of varying heights can add visual interest to your sweet table. Look for stands that match your theme, such as rustic wooden stands or sleek metallic ones. This approach also makes it easier for guests to see and access the treats.
• Tiered Displays: Consider using tiered stands or cake stands to create a sense of height and elegance on your sweet table. They are perfect for displaying items like cupcakes, macarons, and small tarts. Tiered displays can also help optimise space on your table.
• Trays and Platters: Trays and platters are ideal for presenting bite-sized treats like cookies, brownies, or chocolate-dipped fruits. Look for trays that complement your colour scheme or theme. You can also use trays with compartments to offer a variety of treats on a single platter.
• Antique or Vintage Containers: If you're going for a rustic or vintage theme, consider using antique or vintage containers such as wooden boxes, barrels, or dressers. They add a unique, eclectic touch to your sweet table while showcasing your treats in style.
• Creative Containers: Think outside the box with your container choices. For example, you could hang doughnuts on a wall for a gravity-defying display or use a vintage cart to serve as a mobile dessert station. Get creative and choose containers that reflect your personality and wedding theme.
• Label Allergens: Remember to consider dietary requirements and label any sweets containing allergens. Place clear signs near the containers to inform your guests about potential allergens and offer vegetarian or vegan options to accommodate different dietary needs.

Adding decorations

Flowers and Nature

Flowers and nature-inspired decorations are a popular choice for wedding sweet tables. Consider using floral arrangements to add a romantic and elegant touch to your display. You can team up with your florist to incorporate flowers into your sweet table, creating a cohesive look with your wedding centrepieces. If you're going for a more rustic or bohemian theme, opt for greenery and eucalyptus branches to bring a softer, natural feel to your table. For a unique twist, try a crescent moon-shaped flower arrangement as a focal point, perfect for a celestial-themed wedding.

Colour Schemes

Using a colour scheme that complements your wedding colours will make your sweet table stand out. For instance, you can use your main wedding colour as an anchor, just like the couple who chose their wedding colour, pink, as the unifying element for their dessert buffet. Another idea is to opt for a monochromatic display, such as a macaron tower in black and white hues, for a modern and elegant look. Alternatively, you can go for a colourful setup with an array of vibrant, eclectic treats.

Backdrops and Signage

Creating a backdrop for your sweet table will make it a focal point of the reception. You can use a banner with a fun message, such as "These are a few of our favourite things", or opt for a more elegant approach with a hand-lettered dessert table sign. A music-themed backdrop with lyrics is perfect for a music-loving couple, while a framed sweets display with a custom sign adds a bit of personality.

Levels and Displays

Using different levels and displays will make your sweet table more engaging and visually appealing. Consider using cake stands, platters, and tiers to showcase your treats. A dessert wall or a vertical display is a trendy option that saves space and makes it easy for guests to pick their treats. For a quirky presentation, hang doughnuts on the wall for a gravity-defying display.

Props and Furniture

Incorporating props and furniture will enhance the overall atmosphere of your sweet table. For a rustic touch, use wooden crates, barrels, or antique furniture to display your treats. If you want to add a whimsical element, consider a dessert cart or a gelato cart for a mobile sweet treat station.

Final Touches

Adding some final touches will complete the look of your sweet table. Fairy lights, bunting, and ribbons can bring extra charm to your display. For a whimsical touch, include some balloons in your colour scheme. Don't forget to provide scoops, tongs, and paper bags for your guests to enjoy the sweets hygienically and take some treats home.

Frequently asked questions