Remember yourself, as a child, being set free in a candy store? Nothing was more appealing than a table set up with a variety of candy, in all shapes, sizes, and flavors, wasn’t it? That is why, in the last several years, the candy buffet has become a very popular wedding trend! Couples are for going the individual wedding favor. Instead, they are satisfying their guest’s sweet tooth by allowing them a trip to the candy buffet! Want to create your own? Well, here is a step-by-step guide on how the professionals create an “eye candy” buffet!
First step: the table choice, placement and display. There are many different shapes and sizes of buffet tables to choose from. Tables such as: serpentine, c-shape, oval, round, or a rectangle. Want to make your table the focal point of the room? Mix-and-match these tables to come up with your own table creation! However, before deciding on which tables to use, consider the size of the room and how many guests you are inviting. All you need in someone to knock over the buffet! Also, before placing your table in the space, consider the best place to set the table, in the room. If you have candy that will melt, I suggest not placing your table next to a window, directly under the sun, or in a non-air-conditioned room. Remember – – you want, “the chocolate melting in your mouth and not in your in your hands!” Do you want table cloth suggestions? First suggestion, unify the room with one linen choice! However, consider the linen pattern on the table cloth! You want your containers to lay flat! Also, you might want to consider the color of the tablecloth vs. the candy color! The reason – – you want the color of the candy to pop! Thus, adding a focal point to the room! To personalize the table design, decorate the table with candles, flowers, pictures, labels, signs, themed props, and runners. Make sure that you keep the candy away from the candles, too! Again, you don’t want your candy to melt! To add interest to the table, add boxes at different heights. That way your containers could be placed at different levels, adding interest to your table. Keep in mind your wedding theme, when picking boxes, however. For example: if you having a country themed wedding use small crates, wood boxes, hay bales, or white milk glass cake plates.
Second step: pick your candy containers. Clear glass, crystal, or plastic containers are always the best pick. The reason – – you can see the color of the candy! Pick a variety of different sizes, shapes, and heights, to add interest to your table. You might want to find containers with lids, for unwrapped candy. Where to find such containers? You can find Apothecary jars at: www.amazon.com, www.koyalwholesale.com, or other websites. Also, you can find containers, vases, or Apothecary jars at stores in your area, such as Williams-Sonoma or Pottery Barn. How many to purchase? First, for art sake, order an odd amount. If you are inviting one hundred guests, order five containers, seven jars, for one hundred and fifty, and eleven plus jars for two hundred and more guests. Now, don’t forget the utensils! You will need either small silver scoops or tongs. You can purchase scoops and tongs online or purchase them at any local store near you. Need suggestions? www.beau-coup.com has reasonably priced candy scoops and tongs, for your event!
Third step: pick your candy! When picking your candy, keep in mind your wedding theme, color scheme, flavor, texture, size, and guest’s food restraints. First, I recommend that you and your fiancée sit down and make a list of your favorite candy. Next, go online and find your favorite candy, in your color scheme. Also, you might consider your theme, when picking your candy! For example: I recommend a coconut, pineapple, mango, or banana flavored candy, for a tropical themed wedding. To add interest to the table, pick candy with different textures and sizes. Popular candy favorites, that won’t break the bank, and offers a variety of colors to choose from, are: Jelly Beans, M&M;’s, Taffy, Jordan Almonds, Rock Candy on a stick, and Gummy Candy. When picking your candy, keep in mind your guests’ food allergies and diet restrictions. For example: if you offer candy with nuts, I recommend adding a label to the jar! Other allergies and diet constraints to consider are: gluten-free, sugar-free, and vegan. Also, I would stay away from candy that stains lips, hands, and clothing. All you need is your wedding pictures documenting the candy you offered! How much candy to order? First, you need to answer two important questions before ordering your candy: 1) On the day of your event, when is your candy buffet going to be set up? 2) How long to you want it sitting out? Well, to make sure you have enough candy, here is the rule of thumb: purchase five to ten different types of candy, fifteen to twenty pounds of each candy, and a minimum of ½ to ¼ pound per person. So, if you are having a wedding of two hundred guests, I recommend purchasing a variety of one hundred pounds of candy. However, I don’t recommend purchasing candy online. Why? Because the bags are very heavy and the shipping could be costly! Many large stores, such as Wal-Mart, Target, and Michaels sell wedding candy. If you can’t find the color of candy that you desire and have to purchase candy online, purchase five pound bags. However, consider the weather, when having your candy shipped. All you need is your candy melting in a mail truck! Give yourself three to four months or a minimum of sixty days, when purchasing your candy. Or, you will be paying for express shipping, adding more to your wedding expenses. If you are on a budget, purchase large wrapped candy instead of small candy. Large candy will take up more space, in your guest’s bags. Speaking of a wedding budget – – If you are on a very tight budget, a candy buffet will cost more than individual wedding favors. Figure about $2.50 to $3.00 per person. Of course, this depends on the candy you purchase. Where to purchase candy, in bulk, online? Here are a couple websites and stores that I recommend: Sweet Factory or the Candy Warehouse! Both have a large variety of candy, in many different colors! Also, the Candy Warehouse carries old childhood favorites or penny candy, for couples who are having vintage wedding themes!
Fourth step: personalize your candy buffet! First, you need to decide on your guest’s goodie bag. Pick a container that will fit the candy that you purchased. Also, you don’t want them too big! All you need is the children taking all the candy, before everyone has a trip to the buffet! There are so many choices of candy containers! Consider your theme, color scheme, and budget, when choosing your candy bags. You can personalize your bags or boxes with your monogram or your name and date. Use a stamp, sticker, ribbon, or a tag tied with raffia, to personalize the containers. Also, you can personalize the candy jars themselves by adding stickers, with the name of the candy, and colored ribbon. Again, adding themed props, flowers, candles, pictures, table linen, and runners could also personalize your candy buffet.
If you follow these four easy steps, you too can have a professional looking wedding candy buffet! If anything, you guests would get to be a kid again. Excited about being set free in a candy store! Enjoy!
Sources:
“Oh, Sugah!! Your Fabulous Wedding Candy Buffet,” www.big-wedding-tiny-budget.com
Kristin Crosby I Do Wedding Essentials, LLC, “Creating a Candy Buffet,” www.monkeysee.com
Amy O. Piper, “Candy Buffet,” nhweddingmagazine.com
“How to Plan a Candy Buffet,” www.sweetfactory.com
“Candy Buffet Favor,” www.giftypedia.com
