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.
I decided to read through this link and see there are so many questions about candy buffets. I own a CB business 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. Have your jars sold yet? If not, I wouldl ove to purchase them. If you could email me at your earliest convenience I would really appreciate it.
Joanne
still have the jars. Where are you in MD? if you send me your email… I can send you pictures of the jars.
Hi im getting married in july do you still have the jars?
Hi there I am also in Maryland..Do you have any pictures of the candy jars? I would be very interested!
how much are you selling those items for?
HI
What kind of jars do you have. My son is getting marry in May of 2010 and we are having a candy bar.
Thanks
Pat
I am interested in your jars, how many jars do you have and do you have any pictures, and how much do you want for them?
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 love the pink and green overlay on ur table. where did you get it?
I bought it on ebay.
Love the idea! Where did you order all of your candy? :) Any good websites with good deals?
You can google candy by color. Best two sites we’ve used are candywarehouse.com and ohnuts.com.
I bought some from candywarehouse.com, the M&M’s came from M&Ms.com but the majority came from Woodmans or other local stores.
Amazing buffet. I see you had your reception at the Wilderness it looks like. We will be having ours there in Sept, but ours is at the clubhouse. Did you set it up yourself, or did someone from the resort do it for you? :clapclap:
We set up everything ourselves.
Hello! I am also trying to start my own candy buffet business, that is actually how I came to this site among my research. I was wondering how much information you had gotten and what stage you were in. I am having fun getting this all together!
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 will to sell candy jars, pleas contact me i live in Texas.
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
Hi Patty,
my candy buffet was a huge hit at my wedding, my directors covered the dishes with plastic wrap and then covered the entire buffet with tulle until it was time to open the buffet. We had 2 inch stickers printed for each dish which said “our love is sweet like candy” the sticker also said “thanks” in the middle with our names. Young and old alike lined up to indulge in all the delicious sweetness!
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!! :)
hey I know when you buy things from Michaels you get a 40% off coupon and I bought all my jars there for the same price but old time pottery is awesome.
Hi everyone! I am getting married June 6th.. I have read about people paying a lot for your jars.. I went to a few different goodwill stores in my area and found all 10 of my jars for less than $12.00 for all of them… Now that is what I call a deal… be creative people, this is simple to do on your own. Buy your candy in bulk. I bought my bags at walmart. They are wilton treat bags, $1.88 for 25 bags and they come with ties. I will also be making my own chocolate covered pretzels, give time for you and your bridesmaids to sit down and have fun… Good luck everyone..
I was thinking about making my own choclate covered pretzels as well. Do you know how far in advance I can do this? Can you freeze them without them looking weird when they thaw out?
I was wondering if you would be willing to sell your jars that you found and if so could you please post a picture of them.. thanks alot
I am getting married in July 2010. I have decided to make a dessert bar. with pies and cakes and my colors are red brown and white i need help on design and i dont want to hirer anyone trying to keep the price down.
It is an outside wedding.
Just be careful….July is the hottest month in the summer. Stuff will melt…
Hello Ladies!!!
I have 10 or 12 little brown bear bride groom figurines in different antique cars that I bought for my sister and she never got around to using them….So I’m selling them!! I will post a pic asap!! I will be doing this years Breast Cancer 3 day and the money that i receive from this sell will go towards me raising my $2300….
If anyone is interested in the bears please email me sketybean@yahoo.com
and
if anyone is interested in making a donation go to:
http://www.the3day.org/goto/LeticiaLarez
Lety
Hi!
After researching, I decided on a candy table for my July 2009 wedding. I’ve been going back and forth trying to decide if I should hire someone to do the table or if I should do it myself-the end result- I’m doing it myself- the price to hire someone is so expensive. I’ve contacted companies to find out details (amount of jars, lbs per person) but the companies were very evasive- only want to help with a signed contract.
Since I’m a novis, I need some advice from all the expert do-it-yourselfers on the logistics:
I have wedding guest list of 250-275
I’ve bought 20 candy jars (an array of large and medium apothecaries and old fashion candy jars, even those oversized martini glasses). The reception venue is providing an eight foot table for the candy table.
*Is this number inline with the amount of guests coming or should i buy more? Should I request an additional table?
*How far in advance should I buy the candy? Will it go bad if I start to buy now?
*How much time did it take to set up the candy table at the reception ( I only have about an hour for someone to set it up)?
I’ve heard some conflicting thoughts on the amount of candy to buy- since the amount each guest will take is not down to a science, how did everyone go about buying the candy in appropriate amounts? How often did you have to refill jars throughout the night? Did you have someone designated to re-fill?
Did anyone find that certain candies were more popular among guests than others (I don’t want to waste money on a certain kind of candy if its not favorable)?
I am super excited about this candy table (to be honest, it’s probably my favorite element of the reception) but at the same time, it’s my biggest worry!
Please help!
I’ve seen small jars at bed bath & beyond sold in a 3 pack and they were only 24.99 whicih isn’t bad I’ve seen larger ones sold at $10 each at walmart….You can also try oriental trading company they have jars also at a reasonable price…I hope this helps!!!
Lety
Just another thought on the candy jars
… they’re a pain to ship, but if you wanted to recoup the cost afterward I bet you could craigslist them successfully in a heartbeat.
I agree with Dawn!
I would designate someone to keep an eye on the candy throughout the night!!! One way that you could save money is by having the candy buffet displayed through the evening and open after the cake is cut…that way you won’t have to restock the jars as much…..
Hi Jennifer and congratulations! I did my own candy buffet….it was a huge hit as well! One thing I would for sure do when setting it up….tighten up how close you have the jars! I didn’t and i don’t like any of the pictures of how it looks…it was easy for people goign through but esthetically I didn’t like it! W e were able to set it up the day before. i would have your friends or who ever is setting it up do a trial run of it at home with you so they know what you are lookign for. I had all wrapped candy…it just was more cost effective for me so that is what i did! I had a January wedding and it was in turquoise and silver and white. I wrapped nestle crunch candy bars with our monogram/logo, we had jollyranchers, candy sticks, hershey kisses, york peppermints, milk toffee, a vanilla toffee, a couple of different suckers, hmmmm what else??? But we didn’t ahve to refill and I had way to much candy….but we also had smaller pillow boxes I had got on clearance at Michaels….so keep in mind that if you have a smaller container they will take less candy….We didn’t have a dinner only the candy buffet, cupcakes, hot cocoa bar, and the wedidng cake! I will say that the cupcakes were a huge hit! We got them at Sams CLub for 30 of them for $11.88 (we ended up with only 4 left!!!!) we bought a styrofoam 3 tier stand from Sams as well so it was really pretty!!! People pretty much went from the recieivng line straight over to the candy buffet!
Just have fun and do what you think works best for you! We were fortunate that most had never heard of a candy buffet in our area so it didn’t really matter what we did…they loved it!
Not sure if this information will help or not…..
I am doing a set up for a Bar-Mitzvah in May. I agree with what you said about being excited but also the biggest worry! I am afraid the kids will go crazy! I am putting it out at the end as a take home treat.
I am doing a candy Buffet in June 2009 at my wedding:
Two things
1.) I was told if you give your guests a pound bag they fill it, so careful chosing your size container for your guests
2.) The best deal on candy out there is at the wholesale clubs, like BJs or Sams Club
For your candy buffet questions…..You can buy your candy a couple of months early. Leave in the bags they came in until a day or 2 before the wedding. Then I suggest taking each type and placing them in large ziplock bags. This makes the set up much faster than opening the store bought bags for an hour. Have as much of it as ready as you can. Tags on glassware, or ribbons.
I also suggest using fillers on the table, for instance rose petals, candles, or paint some letters that say “Love”, “I do”, Sweet. it helps make the table full and much more appealing. Keep the extras under the table and make sure you have someone who can kind of just refill throughout the evening.
I do not suggest gummy or sticky candy!
Have fun
How big a table do you need? It depends on one thing . . .
will people be able to get to it from both sides? I did a candy
buffet for a large bridal shower (about 100 People). If you
aren’t going to open the buffet until the end, you could have a
lot of people waiting in line. If the table is far enough from a wall for people to walk around it, place the largest containers in
the middle (fill them with the most popular candies) and place
smaller containers in front of them. Use something sturdy
(like small crates) to place flowers or frames on to add
height to the display. Also, consider having a few extra scoops on the table – more people can get at the candy that way. . .
and at least one scoop will get dropped on the floor (trust me!)
With over 200 people, if the tables are up against a wall, I would use 2 tables . . . use the bridesmaids flowers as decorations, scatter them in between the jars so there aren’t
a lot of empty spaces (they probably match the candy, anyway). Framed photos, strings of pearls, wired ribbon bows,
BATTERY OPERATED candles (no real ones where people are reaching and chocolate is present!), or strands of curling ribbon
also make great fillers. Also, if kids are attending your reception, make sure you have an attendant to make sure
kids aren’t knocking over glass containers (nothing like a toddler in the E.R. getting stitches and broken glass and $50 of
M&Ms on the floor!) Make sure to get a few types of sugar free
hard candy (available at most supermarket bulk food sections)
and put tags or stickers that say ‘sugar-free’ on the containers.
I use “wax” type cake bags (the kind you can have imprinted with your initial or the date of your wedding). Then have some
cute stickers made with the bride & grooms’ photo (try Kodak
Gallery-Martha Stewart Stickers)and use them to seal the bags.
Plain cake bags are available at uline.com. Also chinese take-out containers come in several sizes . . . buy colorful ones at
craft stores, or to save $$, buy some from your local restaurant supply store and place a photo sticker on the front of each one to personalize it. By the way, chinese fortune cookies are among the most popular things on my candy buffet. They are
excellent for filling large glass containers without spending too much $$. As for refilling . . . store extra candy in ziplock bags in boxes under the table for easy access . . . remember . . .
you DON’T have to keep refilling jars with the same thing. USE
WHAT YOU HAVE LEFT! or you’ll be lugging tons of candy home.
Also, bring a few large garbage bags to dump the leftovers . . .
if the restaurant is nice enough to let you bring in outside food,
clean it up. (Some places will add a fee $$$ if you don’t!)
I would definitely get someone to be in charge of the buffett-
hire a friend of a friend, your brother’s sister-in-law, or any
collage-aged kid you might know, give them $20 and a free meal. They’ll get to enjoy 3/4 of the reception, and make a few
bucks. Sorry this is sooo long! Good Luck!
The “wax bags” I referred to in my other post are actually
GLASSINE bags. uline.com has them in many sizes
(4×7 1/2″ are flat and hold 1/2 lb. 1000/$28 + sh&h.
They also have windowed bakery bags that are gussetted
(they have flat bottoms and stand up). They come in kraft
(‘paper bag’) brown and white. The 3 3/8″ x 7 3/4″ are
sold 250 and are $48 + sh&h. Both are FDA approved for
food use. Uline is a company that sells shipping supplies,
but I have used them for boxes, bags, velvet pouches,
organza bags, etc. Check them out!
I just wanted to share a picture of these cute Sixlets. They come in a lot of different colors and look really nice in layers. I have seen them available at candydirect.com and metrocandy.com.
I have just started my candy buffet service. I have consulted with others as well. There appears to be one unanswered question and
I was wondering if any of you could answer. Did you receive certification from the health department due to you serving food(yes, they consider candy food!)?
My future daughter-in-law and I are planning the candy buffet for her September 19, 2009 wedding. We have seen pics online of candy dishes that were fairly large that spell out the word L O V E. Each dish was separate and I believe was made of ceramic. It really set off the mood of the wedding having LOVE candy dishes filled with brown, orange and yellow M&Ms. Any idea where we could find these dishes? You may email me at mclht@aol.com, as well. Thanks so much and God Bless! Cindia
I know I have seen these somewhere else …
but they’re available right now on eBay from a store called EVER AFTER Weddings Boutique.
here is the link … L O V E ceramic dishes … scroll down to the bottom of the page.
Hi hi, My colors are red and silver… I got a whole bunch of red candy…but I dont know where to get all these diff shape jars and I’ve run into a problem for bags. I wanted bags with tin top closers, in silver or red but I cant find them anywhere. I only need 100. Any other containers or bag ideas.
http://www.nashvillewraps.com/ShowSearch.ww?Query=COFFEE%20BAGS&Page=2
I didn’t see any in the silver with tin top closers but I wonder if you could do the white and add a really kewl label in silver and red…maybe with your monogram or theme of the wedding with a cute little poem…. THis is the poem I used on my little pillow boxes and everyone loved it…..
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
( I can’t remember where I got the poem from….if it was here I apologize in advance) I actually used little fold over cards that i tied on with ribbon. IF you need a template let me know!!!
Papermart.com has red tin tie bags . . .
also, I wanted to mention that Pier 1 Imports is another
place to pick up some nice glass containers. I always
check out their clearance area.
Goggle tin tie bags and there are tons of sites to buy them. As for containers. The Dollar Stores are great places to find items like that.
I just bought apothecary jars from Ross for $4.99-9.99. The $9.99 ones are huge and beautiful. I just saw identical ones at Hobby Lobby for $49.99.
Where are Ross stores located?? i have heard of them before but I dont know where i have seen them before??
Try http://www.papermart.com they have a ton of different bags that is where I ordered mine from. As for the jars you will be amazed at what family members have in their kitchens, plus I have been hitting the antique and second hand stores. Some people insist “Oh you should by new” WHY? When I can borrow or barter. And don’t forget……garage sale season is upon us!
Has anyone ordered candy from candywarehouse.com? Are they good and reputable? Thanks!!!
I would like to share a picture of a candy table I had on display for a wedding show that I attended.
Hope you all like it.
I love how you decorated you table!!! I was wondering where you got the wedding dress that sits on the table? It is so cute!!!
If anyone needs green or blue Reese miniatures, please email me at mot2232@comcast.net. I have some I don’t plan to use from dividing up packages of Easter Reese cups.
Tina M
Hi all!
Just wanted to ask the question about what size bags everyone is using? I’ve found some on ebay at a good price, but I don’t want them to be too small. I also don’t want them to be too big to where people are taking too much candy. Thoughts?
Thanks!
Heidi
I got married on Jan 3rd and I used Pillow boxes I got at michaels on Clearance. I had 10-12 different types of candies…including sticks and some mini candy bars I wrapped with our monogram wrappers. I still had tons of candy left over and was asking people to take more…I think people use descretion….So use what you like…if need be people will take 2 containers…lol But seriously I didn’t have any problems!!
papermart.com has all the different containers and bags you might use. I bought fold top boxes 5x3x 1.75. They have smaller and larger.
There are a lot of choices at this website: http://www.specialtybottle.com
I am using the 4 oz round tins. I think they are a good size. The standard 2″ x 2″ boxes are too small in my opinion.
Hi to professionals and vendors:
if you are posting pics of your latest candy buffets, please post UNDER THIS THREAD. (Hit “Reply to this comment” to post your pics.) This will keep the pro pics in one spot so they don’t cause all the non-pro posts and questions scroll off the page.
Thanks! :wave:
Dawn
Hi – This is Lisa from Lisa’s Candy Buffet in NJ. Here is a buffet that we did over this past weekend for a wedding.
This looks like a fun display. Here is a picture of a pink and brown buffet that we recently did.
Holli, what is the round, pink candy in the bubble vase in front of the parasol? I wasn’t sure if it is bubble gum or candy.
Thanks,
Tina
It is bubble gum. It wasn’t a real dark pink but it blended well with all of the colors.
wow! pink and chocolate brown are my wedding colors too! my wedding is in May and I am totally stoked to be doing a candy buffet. I found a candy store (Mr. Bulky) that does candy buffets and even supplies the jars for a decent price.
If you have someone in your area who provides the jars I think it is more economical than buying them. We had a lot of fun with this pink and brown. You will still be able to use chocolate in May so it will give you lots more possibilities. We have so many outdoor weddings in our area and chocolate doesn’t hold up well in the heat!! Have fun with these colors!
Love this buffett – where would I find vases/containers like that for a reasonable price?
Anita- These jars are all different price points. Many were found at Ross and other outlet stores for $10 to $15 dollars and several others I got at Craft warehouse for $40. I am always looking in Marshalls, TJ Maxx and Burlington Coat Factory since I do this for a business and like to have lots of variety. Also, Michael’s always has 40% off coupons and you can pick up one at a time. Good Luck. It is soooo much fun!
Where did you get those containers – very nice? And about how much were they? I like the parasol too.
Noelle and Melissa- These jars were purchased at many differet locations. I like to check Ross and Tj Maxx but some of the fancier ones were purchased at a Home Dec store in our area. They run anywhere from 10.00 to 50.00 a piece.
The parasols were used in an outdoor wedding to give shade to our older lady guests. We had about 40 of them and it was a great addition as well as being very much of a relief from the hot sun.
A floral centerpiece is a great addition to any buffet!
Hi Lisa
I love all of the buffets you have shared with us. Your pictures are amazing! I do have a question for you. the colors i am using for my wedding are black white and accenting it with aqua. which we are using as the candy colors also. we have a large amount of people attending and i am hoping we have enough jars (about 25 at this point) and i understand how important the ‘wow’ factor is and that is exactly what i am going for, however with a large crowd, is it better to use a round table or a long table and then just add different levels, to add height and variation? also, the color of the table cloth underneath, should we use black and white? or just one color? i want the candy table to be fun, yet still have a romatic and sophisticated vibe. any tips or advice would be great! thank you so much!
How many people did this serve?
Hello all,
I’ve never posted here before but I’ve got so much inspiration from everyone here that I would like to share a few of my photos.
I’m a wedding consultant from Raleigh, NC with Cherished Moments Event Planning. I’ve done a few candy buffets for my clients and they were such a success that I recently decided to start offering them as a permanent product offering!
Here are a few pictures: one is from a recent bridal show where I won “Best in Show” for a hot pink and lime green candy buffet display! I then used the same concept for an outdoor event. Thanks to everyone for all your wonderful suggestions!
My blog with more pics!
Hello,
I’m an event planner in Atlanta,GA that specializes in Candy Buffets. I wanted to share some pictures from recent events. If you are in the Atlanta Area would like to use Candy Couture by Eminent Events please contact me.
Hello! This is Lisa from Lisa’s Candy Buffet in NJ. Here is a candy buffet that I did over this past weekend. It was based on a pink white and silver design. It was a small buffet for 50 guests.
Hey Everyone, it is Lisa from Lisa’s Candy Buffet in NJ! I enjoyed doing three buffets over this weekend, and I thought I would share one. THis was a funky Winter Wonderland themed wedding. It was blues, pinks ,silver, whites, and it came together well! Hope you enjoy it!
Christmas Chic Holiday Buffet!
Hi,
Tina from Candy Couture by eminent events with new pictures of a Sweet Shoppe Celebration candy buffet.
This is Holli from Everyday Hollidays and I am posting a picture of a pink and orange display we did this weekend and a cocktail buffet that we recently did. The pink and orange was so bright and eye catching. I hope you enjoy!
Hi Holli! I LOVE your pink and orange candy buffet, my friend is doing that for her wedding on those colors. We are trying to figure out how much candy to order can you give me a rough idea of how much candy it took to put your candy table together? Thanks, christa
Christa- This is about 45 lbs plus the candy sticks and suckers.
There are about 15 lbs of jellied candies in the one large container and another smaller one if this helps. We use some pretty large pieces so it takes more to get the effect.
Holli, I love this buffet! I bought the pink heart suckers for my daughter’s candy buffet and planned to put them in a bowl like a flower display. I hadn’t thought of tying a ribbon around them, but they look great that way!
I was wondering how many people this served?
Tina M
Tina- This is for around 100 people.
Trying to post Holli’s pics again.. the last time didn’t work out so well.
Wish me luck!
Hi Lissa,
I am in the same boat as you. My wedding is October 3, 09 and I am having troubles with a catchy phrase for my candy buffet table. Have you got any ideas?
Patti
i found this
step right up to the candy buffet, its a sweet addition to a wonderful day This is a treat we are offering 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.
LOVE the poem. Will use it. thanks!
Lissa,
I have the exact same problem as you, as well as the same wedding date. I do have a question that hopefully someone can answer. My colors are burgunday, burnt orange and chocolate brown…with everything else ivory…so the reception tables will have ivory tablecloths…but my question is, should i make the candy table tablecloth the same, or have it be a colored one to distinguish it a bit more?
You can use any large piece of fabric as a
tablecloth- take swatches of your colors to a nearby
fabric store and check out what they have – a very,
VERY subtle gold might look nice.
I discovered a way to get free gift cards that I am using to buy candy! Rite Aid has an offer to get a $25.00 gift card if you transfer a prescription to their pharmacy. It is good through the end of this month. Walgreens has the same offer that is good until sometime in April. Since my husband and I each are on some medications, I think I can get $100.00 worth of Rite Aid gift cards and $50.00 of Walgreen gift cards by transferring prescriptions back and forth. So far I have gotten 1 card from Rite Aid. Both stores frequently have candy on sale, so I have gotten a good price for the candy I have bought there and now I can get some of it free! Just thought it might be something that would work for some of you. The coupons for the gift cards are in the Rite Aid sale paper this week.
Tina M
Hi Guys
I love this blog!!!
Thanks for everyone’s comments and all your ideas.
I think I am the first in Durban, South Africa ( my hometown ) to be doing this – I think as havent seen it here , and it isnt easy. If anyone has any great suppliers for sweets that ship internationally let me know.
Jennifer your buffet is amazing, I LOVE IT and will strive to do the same.
Thanks