Creating Custom Candy Bars For Your Wedding Day

Planning a wedding can be stressful, but a DIY candy bar is a fun and whimsical element to add to your wedding reception. It's a great way to treat your guests to unique snacks and favours, and it can be easily done on a budget. A candy bar is a table where your guests can grab different types of sweets to take home, and it can be designed to match your wedding theme or colour palette. It's important to ensure your venue has enough space for a candy bar and to plan the details of the display, including containers, candy, scoops, take-home bags, and decorations. You'll also want to consider the amount of candy needed, accounting for the number of guests, the duration of the candy bar, and any dietary restrictions. With some planning and creativity, you can make your wedding candy bar a sweet success!

Choosing the right candy

Variety is Key:

Offer a range of candies with different flavours, textures, sizes and types. This ensures that there is something for everyone, and it creates a visually appealing display. Aim for 7 to 10 different types of candy, including some unique options like chocolate-covered pretzels, chocolate-covered Oreos, or even nostalgic childhood treats.

Colour Coordination:

Select candies that complement your wedding colour palette or theme. Candy comes in almost any colour, so it's easy to customise your buffet. Choosing two or three colours that match your scheme will create a fun and cohesive look. If you want more variety, stick to the same general colour family, such as pastels.

Consider the Season:

Think about the time of year and choose candies that are appropriate for the temperature. For an outdoor summer wedding, avoid chocolate, as it may melt. Instead, opt for hard candies or citrus-flavoured treats. In the fall, pumpkin and cinnamon-flavoured candies are perfect, while winter weddings could feature festive, seasonal options.

Account for Allergies:

It's important to consider any dietary restrictions or allergies your guests may have. Offer a variety of options like gluten-free, peanut-free, sugar-free, and vegan candies, and label them clearly. If you know of any severe allergies, it's best to avoid those allergens altogether.

Personalise Your Choices:

Include your favourite candies and those of your partner. You can also ask your wedding party for their suggestions to make it even more special. This adds a personal touch and ensures that the candy bar reflects your tastes.

Plan Ahead:

Know what types of candies you want and order them in advance. Some specialty candies may take time to manufacture and ship. Aim to buy the candy 3 to 4 weeks before the wedding to ensure freshness. Store it in a cool, dry, and dark location until the big day.

By following these tips, you can create a wedding candy bar that is not only delicious but also visually stunning and reflective of your unique style.

Containers and utensils

Containers

Clear glass containers are a popular choice as they allow colourful candies to add a decorative look to 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 large drinking glasses. For a rustic wedding, fill metal buckets with candy, using a cloth liner to keep unwrapped candies clean. Wicker baskets are also a good option for wrapped candies. Trays and cake stands are another way to display candies, especially gourmet chocolates or wrapped sweets.

Utensils

Provide assorted scoops, spoons and tongs based on the type of candy you're offering. Choose serving utensils that are small enough to fit into the containers yet large enough to retrieve the candy easily.

Timing and placement

Timing:

It is recommended to set up the candy bar after the wedding ceremony, preferably once dinner has started. This ensures that the candy bar remains fresh and untouched until the guests are ready to enjoy it. It also avoids any potential mess or crowding around the display during the ceremony.

If possible, have a coordinator or designated person set out the candy, jars, scoops, and bags at the appropriate time. This ensures that the display looks its best and is fully stocked when guests arrive.

Consider the duration the candy bar will be accessible. You may choose to open it after dinner or at the end of the reception to create a more controlled environment and avoid running out of candy too early. Simply post a kindly worded sign informing guests of the opening time.

Placement:

When planning the placement of your candy bar, choose a location that is easily accessible yet out of the way, to avoid congestion. It is often placed near other desserts and food tables, leaving enough space around the table for a good traffic flow.

The shape of the table can also make a difference. A round table encourages guests to access the candy from all sides, while a rectangular table works well if you want to place it against a wall.

Before committing to a location, ensure your venue has sufficient space for the candy bar. Even a compact table or corner can work, especially if you use pedestals of different heights to display the jars and create a visually appealing setup.

Additionally, consider the overall flow of your wedding. The candy bar should complement the other elements of your reception, such as the dessert table, dance floor, and seating areas. Ensure that there is enough space for guests to move around and enjoy all the activities without feeling cramped.

In summary, timing and placement are crucial aspects of creating a successful wedding candy bar. By setting it up at the right time and in the right location, you can ensure that your guests have a delightful experience while also maintaining a smooth flow to your wedding festivities.

Decorations and themes

Firstly, consider the colours of your candy. Brightly-coloured candy that complements your wedding colours or theme is a great way to create a cohesive look and is perfect for photos. You can also use coloured ribbons tied around containers to integrate your theme. If you have a colour scheme in mind, you can buy candies in single-colour packages to easily stick to your palette.

Next, think about the types of containers you will use. Clear glass containers allow the colourful candies to be seen and add a decorative look to the display. Choose an assortment of 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 large drinking glasses.

You can also add a backdrop to your candy bar to make it stand out. If your venue is indoors, you can use large pieces of fabric, gathered tulle, or burlap hung on the wall behind the table. You can then take this to the next level by adding fun decorations that coordinate with the rest of your reception décor, such as banners, strings of lights, flowers, or photos of the happy couple.

To create depth and height to your display, construct tiers out of tablecloth-covered boxes and use different-sized serving containers. Centrepieces can also bring cohesion to your candy bar. Consider using flowers, candles, or even an aquarium full of colour-coordinated fish!

Finally, don't forget to include signs near each bowl of candy to clear up any confusion about what treats you are offering, and to let guests know about any allergens. Simple cardboard tents or chalkboard-style labels work well.

Allergies and dietary restrictions

When creating a candy bar for your wedding, it is important to be mindful of your guests' allergies and dietary restrictions. Here are some tips to ensure that everyone can enjoy the treats:

Know Your Guests' Dietary Restrictions

It is essential to understand the dietary needs of your guests. Some common dietary requirements include food allergies, food intolerances, coeliac disease, veganism, vegetarianism, pescatarian, halal, and kosher diets. Be sure to include a line on your wedding invitations or RSVP cards asking guests to inform you of any dietary restrictions. This will help you plan and ensure that everyone can enjoy the candy bar.

Choose the Right Candy

When selecting candies for your wedding candy bar, opt for a variety of options to accommodate different dietary needs. Offer gluten-free, peanut-free, sugar-free, and vegan candies. Clearly label each candy to indicate any potential allergens, such as nuts or dairy. This will help guests make informed choices and avoid any allergic reactions.

Provide Alternative Treats

In addition to the candy bar, consider providing alternative treats for guests with dietary restrictions. For example, you can offer fresh fruit, gluten-free cookies, or vegan cupcakes. This ensures that everyone has something to enjoy, regardless of their dietary needs.

Notify Your Venue and Caterer

It is crucial to inform your wedding venue and caterer about any dietary restrictions well in advance. Provide them with a list of allergens that must be avoided and work with them to create a safe and enjoyable candy bar for all your guests.

Create a Separate Display

If possible, create a separate display for candies that cater to specific dietary restrictions. For example, you can have a "gluten-free" section or a "vegan" section within your candy bar. This makes it easier for guests with dietary restrictions to find suitable treats without worrying about allergens.

Avoid Cross-Contamination

Pay close attention to the risk of cross-contamination, especially when dealing with nut or shellfish allergies, as these can be life-threatening. Keep candies with common allergens separate from other treats to avoid any accidental exposure. Use separate utensils and containers for different types of candies to prevent cross-contamination.

Frequently asked questions