How Sweet It Is: Building the Candy Buffet of Your Dreams
You're not alone. More and more brides want to see a tower of sweets at their reception.
Motives differ: some like how buffets allow guests to hunt and pick according to their personal sweet tooth.
Others like the fairytale flavor. Candyland, Babes in Toyland, Willy Wonka: some of our earliest dreams of abbondanza involve forests where gumdrops hang from trees, chocolate runs in rivers and pillars are peppermint sticks.
And if that makes you nervous, rest assured you have company. Because a candy buffet isn't free. Like any other "wow" aspect of a wedding, it's part of your overall investment. And while the waitstaff might pass the hors d'oeuvres and the venue lay out the linens, you could be on your own when it's time to design the candy buffet.
But not to worry: here are some tips from the pros for translating that bountiful delight in your head into a mouth-watering reality at your wedding.
The Secret to Sweetness
Scan all those photos of candy buffets throughout the web, and you'll quickly spot two things.
One, buffets are monstrously popular. And two, while some are a feast for the eyes, others seem to fall short of the heights their planners must have hoped for.
So what's the secret?
Here's number one: buying enough candy. Sounds simplistic, but it's key.
"The first thing I tell brides — you really can't do candy as a hard commodity. It's more a decoration," says Jon Prince, president of online candy giant CandyFavorites.com.
"I talk to hundreds of brides. They'll say, 'I'm having 200 guests, and I want to give each guest 3 ounces, so I guess I need about 37 pounds of candy.' Sounds reasonable, and 3 ounces might be enough to actually satisfy your guests, but visually? It won't be enough to make a presence."
Prince suggests that instead of seeing candy by the numbers, brides take an aesthetic approach. "You choose the flowers because they're beautiful," he says. "The candy buffet should be too."
And unlike flowers, Prince adds, candy serves double duty as an edible item. "Still, you have to budget the candy buffet into your wedding expenses. It doesn't work well as an afterthought."
But what about the wedding planners who suggest buying a pound of candy per person?
Prince says buffets work best when you plan by the eye, not the numbers.
"To make it look gorgeous, I'd start with the table, not the guest count. I'd take five to 10 types of candy, and buy 15 to 20 pounds each, whether you actually need that much or not."
He adds, "When it comes to candy, the more the merrier. If you have a large table overflowing with candy, you have presence. The biggest disappointment I hear is that the candy buffet didn't look substantial."
Like a Kid in a Candy Store? Here's What to Buy
Okay, so now you have a handle on those numbers. But between the heaping bins at upscale food markets and the galaxies of candy choices online, which temptations do you choose?There aren't any hard-and-fast rules, says Prince.
Not really, he says. Instead, it's the season's colors and themes that are driving brides' choices.
To illustrate, Prince describes an all-white Miami wedding where the couple set up 20 to 30 pounds each of white candies, placing the unwrapped varieties in jars, martini glasses and other interesting containers, and piling custom-wrapped mint rolls in front. "It looked fantastic," he says.
Mark Kingsdorf of The Queen of Hearts Wedding Consultants concurs: it's the themes that shape candy buffets. "And like everything else in weddings, candy buffets are getting more and more personalized, with more and more variations.
"Of course, 'Everything old is new again,'" he adds. "So you see things like retro candy buffets. At one wedding we did the candy bracelets and necklaces on the elastic cords; the little waxed bottles filled by sugar water.
"There are very few themes you can't do with candy. Beach weddings are fun, with all those boardwalk choices: saltwater taffy, caramel apples, fudge, peanut brittle."
"I like to focus," explains Prince, "but the focus can be anything. Candies you personally like, or a theme, or a texture. If you're having an all-white wedding, you'll want an all-white candy buffet. If you're having a destination wedding in an exotic location, you could choose dramatic, Caribbean types: Island Punch Jelly Belly beans.
"In the end, you want 'presence.' Mies van de Rohe once said 'Less is more,' but he definitely wasn't talking about candy buffets."
Fashion a Feast for the Eye
You're set. You've narrowed down your choices... and you've got the goods. Now how do you add those visual touches that turn your buffet from "aww" to "jaw-dropping"?
"Basically — and this is a good idea — the couple matched their candy containers to their floral vases."
Don't have quite that much fine crystal waiting in the wings? Here's a budget-friendly alternative from Kingsdorf. "Find some interesting containers: different shapes, different heights. Personally, I've used a dozen different containers from Ikea, and the most expensive one was about $10."
He adds that clear containers are best, to show off the contents, and that container mouths should be wide enough for the scoops.
"A nice bunching fabric gives you spill and texture. Put some of your containers on top of that."
The final touch? A floral arrangement. Or more cheaply, some complementary pillar candles in your wedding colors.
Kingsdorf adds that your most personal touch could be the candy bags. "At one of the weddings I did recently, the couple went to a dollar store and got a bunch of takeout containers in red, one of their colors.
"They personalized each container with a little sticker, which was inexpensive and very cute. Anyone could do the same thing: use a tag or little rubber stamp, or stickers.
"Just find a way to add that custom touch."
It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World (for Candy)
So why are candy buffets so sizzling hot these days, anyway?
Simple: they're a huge hit with guests. "Favors can be a tough choice," points out Kingsdorf. "Depending on your guests, you might find yourself picking up a ton of personalized CDs or bottle stoppers at the end of the night. But when it's edible, people eat it ... or take it home. I think a lot of brides are cueing into that."
Prince adds, "It's just a trend people are enjoying right now.
"But when you really dig down," he muses, "it's not about the product at all. It's about nostalgia.
"In a lot of weddings, two people are taking a major step toward adulthood. The candy buffet lets them connect back to any fond memories they have of childhood.
"Candy is powerfully reminiscent," he concludes.
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Hi Ladies,
Quick question about the buffet.. guest count is around 350-380. How many different jars do you think I need? I keep looking at pictures and I know they are all different, but I want the WOW factor that keeps getting mentioned! but I dont want it soo crowded people cant get to all the candy. The jars will be placed on a round table.. so ppl can get around it.. I just need a good number. Please tell me what you think :) thanks!
ALSO if any of you are sams club memebers, they have the scoops online 5oz scoops in a 12 pack for 10.88! Thats a great deal! I posted the link for you!
Thanks ladies! keep up the good work!
If you use 1/2 pint containers, that’s about 8 oz. per person,
multiply that by 350 guests, that’s 2800 oz or 175 lbs of candy,
plus about 25 for factoring in the “WOW” factor. My suggestion
is, use 3 or 4 large, pretty containers and use them for decoration ONLY! (These have to be in the middle of the table
anyway, and are almost impossible to access). Use balloons (yes, I know, balloons
are “out” now, but they are okay for a CANDY BUFFET!) for
height.) Use clear glass bowls for some of the candy, they
are the easiest container to access with a scoop. You will need
at LEAST 2 people to help those who need assistance (and
lots of people need assistance after a few drinks) and to keep the table neat and containers full. Also, put out a basket with
a few containers that have been “pre-filled”- your 62 yr old
Uncle Floyd just wants candy, he doesn’t really care what kind.
Use large jars for the largest items: fortune cookies, store
bought bags of cotton candy, wrapped brownies (yes you can
used individual Little Debbies items! They’re wrapped, about
the right size, colorful and they have them in holiday colors)
and popcorn balls (although they won’t fit into most containers
for the guests, they look nice on a white candy buffet).
Your comment is awaiting moderation.
Remeber that some candies weigh more than others . . .
rock candy weighs more than sponge candy. That said,
Check out http://www.hubpages.com/hub/Wedding-Candy-Buffet
Scroll down to where the buffet with the purple kisses are
spread out on the table. This is the only buffet pictured that
would come CLOSE to being enough for 300 people. I count
18 containers on the table and the candy needed to fill
EACH container probably averages 6 lbs. 18×6lbs =108 lbs
PLUS the kisses spread out on the table, and they have to
refill containers (to some degree, even it it’s just
for appearence, and they have no
“display only” containers. Also, if they allow munching during the recption (as opposed to just using the buffet for
take-home favors), they would have to refill even more.
My daughter is having about the same number. We have 11 jars ranging in size. We found jars at Ross, Hobby Lobby and a few at Michaels. Thank goodness for discount coupons! Her wedding is black and white with hot pink as the accent. So, her candy is all in pink. We aren’t getting anywhere 175 lbs. of candy!
Hey does anyone have any candy jars they are wanting to sell that live near nothern Indiana?? Southern Michigan?? Chicago area?? Anywhere close to those areas.. Please let me know Thanks!!
When are you needing the jars by? My wedding is still a couple of months away, but i would be more than happy to sell my jars afterwards.
I live in south bend, IN.. How about you?? What kind of jars do you have so far?? Do you have any pictures.. Let me know and you can email them to me if you do.. thanks alot!! :)
I have several different sizes and shapes, if you would like i can email you some pictures. When is your wedding? If you want you can email me at Jenluvssteven19@gmail.com.
Your comment is awaiting moderation.
i to would be interested in purchasing your candy jars the ones i am finding are 25 each what did you want to get for the jars
I’ve been thinking about doing a candy buffet but was wondering how people felt about this- I’m having a vintage wedding theme and everything is being done in black and ivory. Do you think it would look bad if I had a fun colored candy buffet or do you think I should try and keep with the theme? I’m just trying to find good tasting candy in black and white and it’s difficult. Any suggestions??
I hope this photo comes out okay, I just thought that this was a cute look . . . anyone can make the flag banner in their wedding colors. I thought it added some visual interest to the buffet.
Hello …. I would like to start up a buisness of a Candy Buffet please give me any ideas and pit falls that I may run into …. thanks can’t wait to hear from you….
Candy buffets are a very unique business! Most likely you won’t have too much competition in your area.
The MOST important thing for you to do before starting your business is to look into what licenses and permits you will need to operate legally.
In Florida, you need a business license (of course) AND a health and food permit from the State Dept. of Agriculture. To get that, you have to have an agreement with a local permitted restaurant to wash your glassware at their site after the events (to properly clean and sterilize).
Yes, this is a bit of an obstacle but do you really want to spend time and money marketing your business only to get in big trouble later and face who knows what kind of fines and such.
The bottom line is candy IS food. And people are handling this food.
Once you have your licenses, you are free to work creatively to market your business–join a wedding organization, meet other people in the industry, etc.
Of course you can also begin to build your inventory of glassware and supplies, design a website, practice your tablescapes, etc.
Good luck and have fun!
Kelly
Kelly’s Candy Stand
Tampa, FL
I decided to read through this link and see there are so many questions about candy buffets. I own a business in Tampa and my one piece of advice is: impact. Candy should be ordered in the same fashion of flowers. If you don’t order enough and the jars aren’t filled it may look silly. Yes, you will have candy left over but when all the jars are placed together with the candy–your guests will not stop staring. Also don’t be afraid to add other elements like cupcakes or popcorn–make it interesting. Good luck brides!!
Scroll down to view a cute buffet:
http://www.stylemepretty.com/2008/12/23/vermont
I have jars available in Maryland for anyone interested. I just had my wedding.. candy buffet was a huge hit!! Let me know if you are interested in the jars.
How many do you have, sizes and cost.
Hello,
Congratulations!!! Please tell me the sized, quantity and cost. Thanks!!
What kind of jars do you have?? how much are you asking?? What shapes are the jars??
I have all the jars… let me know if you are interested
I have 10 jars… some circle and some square
I am selling all 10 for $60.
You can see pic from end of night.. showing the sizes.
Where are you located?
I am in Carroll County
Shelly I woul love to purchase the candy jars from you!
Laura,
where are you located?
I am in Southern Maryland.. please email me lauralee_2358@yahoo.com.. I would make arrangements to pick up if necessary.
Hi there I am also in Maryland..Do you have any pictures of the candy jars? I would be very interested!
thanks again for reppin my flickr! I finally have an unedited pro pick of my candy buffet up on my wedding flickr and hope to have some nice edited high-res ones up in the candy buffet pool really soon! I hope to see them on here. y’all have helped me get a ton of traffic on my flickr!
this is a fantastic page with a lot of great advice. I can’t believe how much work and effort went into planning my candy buffet but it was such a memorable part of the reception! check out the ring bearer enjoying the goods!
xoxoxo katie
I had so much fun creating our candy buffet I decided to start my own business here in WI. I received some criticism before hand from my mother however she quickly appologized when the buffet was half gone before dinner.
I have attached one of the pics for everyone to see.
That buffet looks nice….and full!…I don’t like buffets that are all spread out and just a few things with the little things filled in.
I would rather have candy and no atmosphere …looks good..and colorful
Hey I love your candy buffet you did such a great job.. I was wondering where you got your candy jars from?? I was also thinking about starting a business too.. How are you going about with charging people and everything.. Maybe we should exchange emails to get more ideas.. :) Thanks
My jars came from all over, Michaels, Jo Ann Fabrics, Old Time Pottery, TJ Max, Marshalls, and Burlington Coat Factory to name a few
I found a set of 3 scoops at bed bath and beyond for $3
I bought chrome candy scoops for an upcoming bridal shower and was wondering if anyone had a poem I can attach on the back, so guests would know what it was.
Hello ladies! Does anyone have any scoops they would like to sell?
kellikate2@hotmail.com
you can get really cute clear scoops at orientaltrading.com $3.99 for a set of 3 this is where I got mine
I am trying to find glass jars and vases for my candy buffet, everytime I find great deals online they don’t ship to Canada. Does anyone now an online store that des ship to Canada?
Patti
You might want to try http://www.save-on-crafts.com/ they have alot of different type jars for a candy buffet, i’ve actually purchased some of mine from them. I was looking and it says they don’t ship outside of the us, but they give you a link to a carrier that you pay like $5 or something and they give you a US address to use, then they receive your items and ship them to you… I know this might not be exactly what you are looking for, but thought i would let you know.
How about IKEA? I think they ship everywhere and their prices are great!
Having a candy buffet On May 30th in MI, for an inside wedding. Having a lot of wrapped chocolates, and unwrapped m&m, candy chocolate hearts unwrapped, do you think melting will be a problem?
Didn’t give it a thought untill I read this info.
Thanks for your help
Linda
see below :)
I just got married May 9th in California and it was 90 degree’s I put my candy Buffet right inside the sliding patio doors and it stayed perfect. I had alot of chocolates and meltable candies with no problems. Even last minute we decided to put the cake inside. All my family came from Michigan and I am originally from there too and I would bet you won’t have a problem with melting. Hope this helps.
Dawn
where did you find your scoops? are they ladles?
I used plastic Large spoons and tongs that I picked up at the Dollar Tree.
Your candy will be just fine as long as it is inside. I have never had an issue with chocolate while it was inside.
If you are having chocolate, one little tip….
put your more expensive candies in smaller containers, for instance normal size martini glasses or smaller vases. This helps with the guests taking only one or two of these items. The larger and fuller the container is the more they seem to take.
I do this professionally, and this is a proven point.
I just had my wedding April 4th and have 12 jars plus 5 or 6 scoops to get rid of. Please contact me if you are interested. I have pictures of all. karasmosher@yahoo.com
Hi I would be very interested in you jars and scoops please!!! send me your info and cost. There’s a young landy @ our church we’re planning a wedding for. All she’s talked about is wanting the candy display. Thank you.
i have many candy jars for sale i did cany buffets for weddings and partys. willing to sell them, i have many
Hi I was just wondering if your jars where still available? if so just let me know please asap THANKS!!!!
Hey I was just wondering if you have any of your many candy jars left?? Please let me know thanks!!
Do you still have your jars for sale?
I am interested in the rest of your candy decor..let me know if you have anything left..Thanks Jody
please let me know if you still have the jar with the lid and the scoops what color is the scoops my # IS 804-221-0613
Hi if still available with scoops please let me know
Hi do you have any items left?
Kara,
How much are you selling the remaining glasses that are in tact? Thanks.
Alisa
Yes I would love to purchase your wedding jars and scoops. Please let me know if they are still available.
Thank You
Where did you find the big glass jar that looks like a big wine glass.. I have seen alot of people using them and would like to purchase some but cant find them any where… thanks
where can I find the large martini glass? i like the idea :)…
Also..scoops… 4 or 5 oz?
Hi Shelly,
You can find them at Michaels for about $13 and if you join their mailing list you can use the 40% off coupons with that item. That’s how I purchase most of my containers.
You can also find them at Wal-Mart for about the same price.
Try Michaels!
Michael’s carries the large champagne flute, a large martini
glass and a large brandy snifter. Save those coupons!
photos of the 3 oversize party glasses available at Michael’s
I read a comment and saw a wonderful idea about sweetest day, this person made a poem and framed it—can’t find it now. Something about sweetest day being on the 3rd October of the month and gathering friends together on the table of their candy buffet. please help me find them- I loved the idea I am getting married in October
Hi Kathy,
I would love to know what that poem says as well because I’m getting married on October 3rd and I’m having a candy table. If you ever find this I would appreciate it very much if you would let me know. I’ve been posting different things, hoping other people well give me ideas for catchy poems or saying for my candy table. I’ve gotten a nice few responses, but I really like the idea of the poem your talking about. Hopefully between the both of us searching for it we should be able to find it. I’ll defintley let you know if I find anything. Thanks, Patti
I wonder if it was this…..I used this printed on little fold over gift cards on my containers…I got married on 1-3-09??? Feel free to use it …I really can’t remember where i got the poem from….It would be cute framed up…I have a template of the little gift card if anyone wants it….just email me at deborah@move2nampa.com It will most likely give you a spam message but I check my spam box frequently…
Have fun!
One of the “sweeter” wedding memories,
That will be stored in our heart,
Was having our friends here,
To play an important part!
Thank you for being here!
Love
Frank and Deborah
1-3-2009
I thought this saying was cute for the table!
Candy Buffet
Step right up to the candy buffet
It’s a sweet addition to a wonderful day.
This is a treat we are offering to you,
On this beautiful day when we say I Do.
Use the scoop, choose what you like,
Leave some for others,
Be polite.
As you enjoy your bag of treats,
Please remember,
LOVE IS SWEET!!
Hey
I am doing a candy buffet for my June wedding - I was wondering if anyone knew of a place where I can get a fun tablecloth? We are doing all types and colors of candy so there really isn’t a theme, just what we like.
app0608,
can you tell me a little bit of what your searching for? colors? another thing would be buying a white tablecloth and stencil designs on yourself. would be a fun keepsake after the wedding. i have a pic of a stenciled table runner that might give some ideas. i like its whimsical simple but subtle elegance look. i was thinking how fun it would be to use your wedding date or Got Candy? as the edges of a table cloth or runner. use a fun font. craft stores carry everything you need from stamps to fabric paint. the sky is the limit. not to mention easy on the pocketbook.
app0608,
i tried to find a runner or tablecloth that says: Got Candy? no luck?!? so it will be diy. just in case ya like it!! good luck!
you know you should try a bed sheet…don’t laugh, bed sheets come in patterns and colors that “table cloths” don’t and because you can get them in different sizes you can hem them to correct size. i say get a king that way you can cut and hem….
Im working on planning a candy buffet for my wedding in October, but the trouble Im having is with the presentation of the table. Do you set up place cards by each jar of candy??? Also, I’m trying to think of a catchy phrase if anyone has any ideas. I’d appreciate any advice anyone has. Thanks,Patti
Hi Patti, I put your question out to twitter and got some really cute responses. @NatalieJanette suggested “it was so ’sweet’ of you to be part of our special day.” And @cathydavidphoto offered up “Living Life One Gumdrop At a Time.” Cute!
Okay, anyone else?
Hi Blake,
Thanks so much for your help, those are really cute responses. I can’t wait to use them for my candy buffett. I do have another question for you. Would I have to put a card by each different type of candy, I guess just saying what each type of candy is? As you can tell Im really not too good with this. Whatever advice you may have, I rally do appreciate it. Thanks again, Patti
Well Patti, I’ve gotten myself in trouble here, there are many people subscribed to this page that are much more qualified to answer that!
But I included a few pics from photobucket. From what I’ve seen, it’s fairly common to attach labels to the jars, directly or with ribbons. But I also see a lot of displays that don’t use signs, maybe thinking that the candy is pretty identifiable on its own.
So I think it’s really a personal choice unless you’re serving up something really exotic.
How about “love is sweet, so take a treat”
:)
Im doing a candy buffet for my wedding in October and i got a pretty picture frame and a pretty piece of paper and printed on it “Love is delicious, love is sweet, please pick a bag and take home some treats” and i bought some organza bags for cheap online to match my colors
What size bags did you get … we are having a hard time finding something just the right size for people to put the candy in … not to big and not too small
Go/call your nearest paper bag distributor and ask if they have white penny candy bags. I bought 500 6″ bags for like $11.15. I went to their offices and picked up or google white lpenny candy bags. This way if your guests want different candies they will use at least 2-3 bags or more.
There’s so many cute sayings, you just have to choose what you like best! I personally like the shorter phrases. I don’t think most people have the time to read a full poem. Plus, it is usually dimmed lighting so you’d really have to get close!
How about:
“A Sweet Ending to a New Beginning”
“Sweet Love”
“Grab a bag, take a treat, and just remember: Love is Sweet”
As for whether or not to label candy, I think it is a personal decision. Most of the time it’s fairly obvious but with nut allergies on the rise, it may be a a good idea. Just make it simple and pretty!
hi brides, i was thinking of taking cues from songs for creative quotes or even movies-inspiration can be found in the most unlikely places ( think cards, books, magazines, etc). like “how sweet it is to be loved by you!”
“one sweet day” “one sweet love”. you can even doll it up in oldtime nostalgia and have a simple sign that says” sweet shop” or insert couples names that read (example; insert “couple’s last name” sweet shoppe) recreate the look from a time past. or “welcome to our candy counter” even “old time sweet shop”. if candy buffet is offered at end of night have ” sweet dreams”. something whimsical? candyland or shorten to candylane.
” the sweetest way to end the sweetest day” is one i found while searching.
it would also be to cute to get wooden letters from walmart craft section and paint them( make sure they will stand up without falling over) have it spell out candy! or So Sweet! (buy and exclamation mark too.) the one word will say it all!! smile.
i hope this will give ideas. have fun!
Hey Stacey,
Those ideas are great, thanks for the help..
for my daughters Candyland party i took a picture of my daughters holding up different letters to spell “CANDY” and got 5X7 made of them and put them in 5 5×7 different color painted frames on the table with all the candy jars(not pictured) Maybe you and your soon to be husband can do it but use nice white frames
I had the same idea as you. i got these wood signs made at those kiosks at the mall or flea market that makes personalized names… They turned out great and can’t wait to use them in May!
Hey I love some of your jars.. would you be willing to sell them??
Gwen,
I am from Chicago, but my wedding is in Northwest Indiana. I got most of my jars from Old World Pottery in Merrillville, IN. They have tons of different sizes for cheap! If you are close enough to that, you should go there. I got them all for like $7-$10 each. My mom has also found a few at garage sales for me!
Hello angie.. When is your wedding?? Would you be willing to sell your candy jars afterwards?? Also do you have any pictures of the jars you have purchased.. Please let me know thanks!! :)