How Sweet It Is: Building the Candy Buffet of Your Dreams
So — you've caught the candy buffet bug.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.
- The Secret to Sweetness
- Seducing the Eye
- An Aesthetic Equation
- Like a Kid in a Candy Store? Here's What to Buy
- The Theme's the Thing
- Retro Revivals
- Amplifying Your Style
- Fashion a Feast for the Eye
- Regal Crystal
- Affordable Alternatives
- Pro Planners' Tricks for Better Buffets
- Don't Forget the Take-Away
- It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World (for Candy)
- Comments (1221)
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.
Seducing the Eye
"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."
An Aesthetic Equation
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 personal themes that are driving brides' choices.
The Theme's the Thing
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.
Retro Revivals
"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."
Amplifying Your Style
"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"?Regal Crystal
For starters: choose cool containers. "One of the more striking displays I've seen put the candy in William Yeoward and Baccarat," says Prince."Basically — and this is a good idea — the couple matched their candy containers to their floral vases."
Affordable Alternatives
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.
Pro Planners' Tricks for Better Buffets
"To make the whole look pop, raise some of those containers on the table." Kingsdorf explains an old catering trick is to take a catering rack or a milk crate — "the kind that restaurants and supermarkets get their milk delivered in" — turn it upside down on the table, and cover with a cloth."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.
Don't Forget the Take-Away
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.
Hi
I new to this site im trying to find yellow,white and brown gumballa. I found one site that yall mention (gumball.com)but dont need 850 gumball of each color and they dont mix that you .im getting married may next year but doing alot of pre planning so i wont be stresses
Paris…check out http://www.papermart.com for takeout boxes.
Hi Ladies!!
I’m getting married and have plans on doing an all white candy buffet. Where would be the best place to find the small take out boxes, or do any of you suggest something else. I’ve seen clear plastic bags with cute ribbon. My date is March 21, 2009!!
Also, for decorations, are many of you planning to rely on family and friends or are you hiring someone?
Paris
Hi Jennifer!
Rule of thumb? There are no hard or fast rules on candy buffets!I love the popcorn idea with ribbon tied scoops. We use white chocolate dipped pretzel rods alot with color themed sprinkles. Large cookies on tiered pie plates, and once again to all of the Brides on here. I cannot stress enough………..it is so not about the number of people, it is ALL about that wow factor when your guests walk in the room. We allow at least 1 pound per person minimum of candy and at least 5-7 different varieties depending on what you are using as fillers. Chocolate dipped strawberries, pretzels, popcorn, gourmet taffy apples, especially in October (perfect time of year for them) try chocolate licorice for a dish cascading over. With your color theme Jennifer, the options are endless. Great colors to work with. People love nostalgic candy also. It’s always fun to have people in awe remarking how they haven’t seen a certain candy in years that you have displayed. Here at http://SimplyCandyBuffets.com we try to use lolipop towers to give varying heights. Display clear rock candy sticks spraying out of the tops of your containers. Make it fun!!!!!!!!!! Make it your own. Order a sheet of monogrammed labels and tie them to your scoops. Customize it as much as you can. Hope that helps. Congratulations and Enjoy your day.
Hi, I’m getting married Oct. ’08. I’m getting ready to purchase my candy. I’ve been on this website for a long time and have responded some. Do any of you know what a good number is for the different types/kinds of candy would be? My colors are chocolate and champagne. I have, I think, 18 glass containers. 5 of them are smaller and I’m going to use 3 of the large ones for 3 different types of Popcorn. Any suggestions???
Patty, I know you have made several suggestions on this site. What rule of thumb do you use in your business for the number of types of candy?
Thanks
Jennifer
My niece is haveing about 150 people to an outdoor wedding in August. Please give me some indication of how many pounds of candy we are going to need. We live in Manitoba, Canada and I have never heard of a candy buffet here. We want to be the first ones to do this and we would like it to be a huge hit.
Thanks for your help
Susan
Andrea,
I got my scoops at Michaels found in the wedding section. They came in a pack of 2 and were about $5-6 I think. They are silver and plastic. They have cute little hearts at the end of the handle. They aren’t very large, but I figure this is also a good thing so that people don’t go “hog-wild” on any one candy!
Another site I found and almost bought from is below:
http://store.primaryshopping.net/30002413.html
Hope it helps!
Dana
ok ladies, I know I saw it on this blog….where did you all get your scoops, I had clicked over to another site previously and really liked the scoops; I was stupid and didn’t bookmark it and now I can’t find the site. Let me know where you got scoops.
Thanks,
Andrea
I’m getting married October 11, 2008, and my colors are brown, ivory and orange. Any candy tips? I’m thinking Indian corn and/or candy corn, malted milk balls, yogurt malted milk balls (for the ivory) and maybe some M&Ms. Any other ideas from all you ladies? Or does any one have any pictures of their candy bars in these colors? Thanks!
Hi, my son graduates from high school in June 2009. His high school colors are navy blue and white. I am pre-planning the party and getting my ideas together. I want to do a candy buffet on a table along with the cake (s). Can someone give me some ideas on blue and white candy? I am going to ordern some rock candy crystal sticks (unwrapped) in cotton candy flavor. Thanks
I really researched a lot….I even went to BJ’s…however I couldn’t find what I needed. I guess it just depends on what kind of candy you need.
Maria / Megan,
I recommend bulkfoods.com too. That is the cheapest I found on the web. However, I did do some price comparisons and noticed that Costco has some the same candy cheaper. If you don’t have time to do the price comparisons, (not a big difference) I would definitely suggest bulkfoods.com.
Maria
Order candy from bulkfoods.com. They are cheap and quick! They dont’ have everything under the sun but they have a lot. Go to Marshall’s or TJ maxx…look for containers there…they’ve got a lot of neat ones! Good luck.
My wedding is August 8, 2008 I really need some ideas on creating a candy buffet. Also does anyone have any jars that they don’t need anymore (that aren’t to expensive)if so contact me at sugarbebita@comcast.net my colors for the wedding are black and white Please HELP
brittany you’re candy buffet looks amazing…glad you had a hit!
Well, my wedding has finally come and gone! I just wanted to thank everyone for all of there wonderful ideas! My candy buffet was an absolute hit and i am still getting compliments on it. As you can see it turned out really well and i dont think i could have done it without this blog!
Hello,
I was glancing over this site and saw so many wonderful ideas. I have a question about one of the designs. Corina, could you please, please tell me where you got the hershey kisses with the black foil wrapper. My wedding is in 70 days and that would fit in perfect. Thank you
If anybody is selling the scoops (new or used) from their candy buffet please email me at FeliciaNJ@gmail.com my wedding is November 22, 2008 and we are having a black and white wedding. Also if anybody can think of black and white candy let me know. Thank you.
I’m getting married Sept 13th and am wondering when I should start buying candy for my candy buffet? Also approx how much candy to buy we will be having roughly 275 guests.
Just wanted everyone to know that I just got awesome penny jars for my candy station at Walmart for only $5. They had a variety of cheap and various styled jars for a candy table! Good luck!
For anyone looking for some cheap gumballs I would try Samsclub.com. I bought 850 for $20 and included shipping. They have the cheapest candy.
so just wanted to let anyone know who is in the process of getting canisters/glasses, I just got my harvest 2008 catalog for ltd commodities and they have a set of 6 canisters with a double shelf for like $30, not bad. I just ordered mine…figured it would be a nice way to have to layers plus then adding other dishes
I’m getting married next spring but am already organizing some of this now. We’re planning on getting large apothecary vases and filling with colors that match our theme. Gumball.com sells solid colored gumballs with 850 in a case. I’m going to buy a few cases of lime green gumballs and probably a few white cases. I’ll probably also throw in some chocolates, fruity candy, and sugar free gumballs.
Hope this helps!
Hi Everyone,
I’m planning to get married Aug or Sept of 2009 and loving this Candy Buffet. If anyone has any glasses they want to get rid of, please email me at: Liz_ma81@yahoo.com, with pics and prices and I would like to buy it from you.
Thanks!!
Dana,
I just used photoshop and made a new pdf file with the size I wanted my sticker to be, and made a circle inside of it, then made my design or image. I then made the pdf file a JPG and copy and pasted as many as I could onto an 8.5 x 11 page, then had that printed on sticker paper at kinkos, and cut them with a circle cutter I bought at Michaels. Hope that helps!
Kaydee, Im getting married August 30th also
Coming sooo soon!! Congrats!
Tammy,
I meant to ask you also: what program is easiest to use to create labels for the take out boxes. I’m having trouble finding something I like.
thanks!
I’m getting married August 30th and am doing a candy buffet, which I’m so excited about! Anyways I’m going to get block letters that spell out candy but I don’t know what to do to decorate them or even how to start with that project! My colors are pink and white if that helps so if anybody has any ideas I would love to hear them!
Thanks for all the info Tammy! You have such cute ideas!
Just an idea for the sign at the buffet table
We had a picture taken holding signs that read love is sweet
It was our wedding anniversary so our three kids held the signs we got a lot of compliments on it.
Dana,
Sorry it took so long to respond, but my sign is about 24 inches long, and the highest point height wise is around 11.5 to 12 inches. The letters are only about 3 inches I think tall or so, so they are smaller, but its big enough because its the whole saying. If I were to just do Love or Sweet, I would definately want them bigger. It will definately be noticable on the table, and big enough to stand out
HTH
Tammy