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 am trying to make levels on my candy bar and finding comething that is a large and strong enought to hold the containers securely…..any ideas?
a shoe box stuffed with newspaper, or small crates, cover them with fabric
Hi Nisha…I used the acrylic stands people use to display their jewelry. Ofcourse I covered them with fabric but it worked out fine. you can also use bricks if you can find them outside. If not perhaps some kind of large food cans that you may have in the house would work as well. Hope this helps
Why not try different sized boxes filled with something solid – ie. foam block, scraps of wood….
Nisha:
For my daughter’s wedding at night; I used acrylic stands and face down glass containers with led light inside.
I also added small orchids and hydrangeas flowers around the lights.
I’m throwing my son a 18th B-Day party. It’s a glow in the dark theme. I want to do a dessert/candy table. I’m not very creative. Any ideas?
Kerry,
Here is a sweet 16 glow in the dark party that might give some ideas….
What others have done..
Consider using glow in the dark bowls for the candy. Stick with neon colored candies, they will glow under a black light. Also consider a neon light that reads candy. Check out Glow neon website for loads of neon party stuff. Another thing that will stand out under a black light is white or light colored candies on a black tablecloth. It will shine pretty bright, think of white clothing under a black light. It is seriously bright.
Kerry,
This is very handy, it has glow in th edark labels etc. from Martha Stewart…
Anything neon should also glow in the dark under a black light. If you need neon spray paint for anything, they ahve that at Walmart. Lime green anything is especially good for glow in the dark.
Hello All
My fiance and I are having a baseball themed wedding. We are actually getting married at a baseball game. Our reception is a month after the actual ceremony. While the brunch is going to have a more vintage feel, we also wanted to incorporate the baseball theme. We are planning a candy bar for the reception and are looking for thoughts/ideas for different candies/foods. We are currently thinking baseball foil wrapped chocolates, peanuts, popcorn, baseball shaped cookies, individually wrapped cotton candy and possibly personalized m&m’s (somewhat pricey). Any thoughts or suggestions?
My fiance and I are also having a baseball themed wedding. We are planning on having a sweet table/concession stand as well and we need more ideas too! So far, we have popcorn, crackerjacks, peanuts, jellybeans that are our colors, mini babe ruths, baseball gumballs, licorice, gummy cola bottles, and we are going to give all the kids a packet of big league chew. Hope this gives you a few more ideas!
What do you all do for labels/table cards? I love those printed tags but am at a loss how to make them? What program do any of you use to make them. I’d love to be able to print a cute table sign like “Love is Sweet… ” and more. And label the candy whether I sticker it to the jars or tie with a ribbon.
Thanks!
Hello, my name is Darlene, Owner of Darlene’s Bath & Body Lounge in NH! Instead of a “Candy” table I do bath bombs/soaps and not only is it more fun and memorable, it’s less calories! All made in the USA, organic and natural. If you’d like more information please feel free to contact me. I’ve gone as far as NY and believe me, if you like being different from the rest, you won’t be disappointed.
You may add more than candy…have FUN! I have designed tables with flavored popcorn to sweets tables (with candy, brownie bites, cakeballs, cookies etc…)Also, have fun with your take home containers..chinese take out boxes, personalized cups, and my favorite…sugar cones dipped in sprinkles…more ideas on facebook-Melody’s Tablescapes
Hi Melody ,
Are you based out of New York. I’m looking to make a candy or sweet table for my daughters communion next year. I’m thinking of everything white and butterflies.
Does anyone have any suggestions on where to purchase candy?
Thank you!
R u in New York City?
No in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Just do an online search and enter bulk candy…you will get lots of links. you may have to look at a couple of websites to compare. You can also try Costco or BJ’s. And not necessarily do you need all candy. You can also add cookies and cake lollipops, flavored popcorn, bagged cotton candy……
I am looking for love sign clear glass container that I sought in a picture.
Do anyone knows where I could buy it??
Bulkfoods.com – great selection, great prices.!
Here are some pics…
I just did a candy buffet for my daughters graduation party. Her school colors were green , black and white. I used neon green containers with black and white candy. We covered the walls (in the garage) with a black curtain, used black lights and had the party at night. It was a hit!!!
We just did a candy buffet for my daughters wedding last weekend. We had 230 people and I bought 190 lbs of candy in 14 different varieties, putting them in a total of 22 different clear glass containers. It was a HUGE success. We had lines for the candy table all night! We asked each attendant and parent what was their favorite candy, and that is what we bought. It was a big expense, but I would definately do it again. We didn’t have anything left at the end of the night!
Please do you mind to send me pictures.
I am doing a candy buffet for my daughter’s wedding and I have the same amount of container but my daughter thinks that maybe are too many.
How long the table was?
Thanks
The hotel split the amount putting a punch bowl between the sides. I guess the total length, including the punch bowl was around 18 feet. I don’t have pictures yet, as the wedding was just a week ago. Sorry.
Hi Alicia, trust me, you can never have too much candy…just spread out the candy jars and fill up the jars. Put away the excess candy underneath the table and when you see that you are running low, then just add more candy to the jars or refill them as it goes low.
My daughter’s wedding was last Friday.
The candy buffet was a huge success.
I asked the Hotel for two tables (12 feet) like Sharon; the flower lady added orchids and hydrangeas as a touch.
We used for the sign a glass frame on top of glass container with led lights and flowers.
It was so beautiful that I still am receiving many calls and compliment messages including from the hotel staff.
We had 150 guests, I used around 18 decorated glass containers and we refilled two more times.
orange and red color candies.
Almonds, Sour Patch Kids, jelly beans, Lolly pops, M&M, Starburst, sour ropes, Ferrero Raffaello Almond Coconut, Ferrero Chocolate, Gummy Bears….
Go ahead!
It is expensive but beautiful!
Hi I love the idea of a candy bar for my daughters wedding. I have seen the candy scoops with the heart cut out in the handle in many pictures online. Does anyone know where I can get them?
do a search online for candy buffet scoops. you will get a lot of links. I found two at Party City in the wedding section…
I think I got some from one of the vendors from “the knot” website. Just search the internet for candy scoops.
Hi,
I purchased them at Party City. They come in a (2) pack for $4.99.
I just checked my files. I got our scoops at efavors.com. They were a good price and the quality was excellent.
YOU CAN PURCHASE THESE SCOOPS AT MICHAELS CRAFT STORES….MAKE SURE YOU DOWNLOAD YOUR ONLINE COUPONS AND SAVE 40-50%. HOPE THIS HELPS…I HAD A CANDY BAR AT MY WEDDING AND HAD THESE…
We have them at Jo-Ann Fabrics in the Bridal Section. It has to be a super store.
I am planning my parents 25th wedding anniversary party on June 25th and am needing some ideas for a candy buffet.
It is going to be outside by a pool at 7pm. I would like to do all white candy any Suggestions?????????
Pineapple gummi bears, Ghirardelli White chocolate squares (indivually wrapped) and depends on weather, white M&M’s, jelly beans, mint lifesavers, flipz white fudge pretzels…I hope this helps
25th is also Silver, so anything wrapped in silver foil will do also…hershey kisses, buttermints found at michaels or party city….silver sixlets (party city also
I am planning a Sweet 16 party for my daughter and we are having a Luau theme. I purchased some sand buckets from Michael’s for 75 cents and plan to use these for my candy buffet! The buckets have shovels attached and I thought this was a really cute idea!
Wow, that is an awesome idea. Me like! lol
Perhaps you can add a little sand to the table along with some leis or mini beach balls just to add an extra umph to the table.
That’s what I planned to do! Can’t wait, I think it is going to be so cute!!!
I’m in charge of the candy buffet for my niece Quinceanera and I want to place a picture frame on the table with a printout of some nice words, does anyone have any suggestions? The Theme is Masquerade. thanks!
“Thank you for sharing my special day. Please help yourself to the candy buffet!” If you say it out loud, it rhymes. I did this saying for our wedding (sub “my” for “our”) but I had a custom made stamp and stamped it on every bag. Its very cute!
Ive decided to have a candy buffet. My colors are sage green, champagne, with accents of brown. Everyone seems to be matching their candy colors to their wedding colors. My idea would be to let the candy be a pop of color. What do yall think? Would that look tacky to have a colorful buffet at a earthy tone wedding?
I think it would be better to stick with your colors for a wedding. I have done several candy buffets. I think it looks much better when you match your wedding colors or do all white.
I agree, I don’t like the look of the mixed colors. I think you can make a beautiful buffet with the sage, champagne and brown.
Thank you all! I did decide to stick with my wedding colors. Ive ordered the candy, and cant wait to see the finished product. Ill post pics when I get them! (wedding is 9.11.11)
Hi!! I had just got engaged and have been thinkn about some wedding themes. I will either go with a beach wedding theme or I can do something out of ordinary, that totally fits my personality and do a willy wonka/candy theme wedding. What are some suggests that if I go with the candy themed, having some of my fav candies at each table, what is overboard, meaning too kidish and what are some ideas that make it a fun, time good wedding?
Jill,
A candy themed wedding sounds like fun!! Check this out!!
* bright and colorful wedding
* real wedding
I would go with the fun wedding theme if it fits your personality!! Your guests can smile and say, “this is totally the couple, love it!!!” What a great memory!
Where is the best place to find different glass containers for the candy?
Ikea and Garden Ridge
Home Good store great prices large seclection.
If you have time, I started about a year ago and went to the Goodwill, rummage sales and Michaels for containers. I found a lot of nice ones and now have a huge collection of them to choose from. Michaels also has a lot of nice fun ones and if you get on their mailing list they will email you coupons at least once a week for 40% off. Also Target has the “old time” jars with the silver tops and those are approximately $10 each.
Good luck!
Ross has some great containers at really good prices.
i love candy bars and want one for my sweet 16 but it just wont fit my buget and my mom will not let me do it unless i find a cheaper way help me what should i do
:ticked: 
:roll: 
i like to help others with thier buget problems hey just go to home goods for containers and you can find some very cheap large amounts of candy online
borrow containers from your family and get candy from places like sams club and costco
hi i know this is a long shot as in im Australia, but worth a try. Im looking to buy glass containers for doing candy buffet. So if your in Australia and have any for sale please let me know. This is a great site i love it keep up the good work.
Hi Debbie
I myself am in Australia and got a friend in America to send me some from the USA as I too couldn’t find any. They are now everywhere – Minimax have some $35 ones, also a great site online to check is Lilychic – she has them in her online store for $25 for the 35 cm one’s – but keep looking as they are all over the place now and “Pure” homewares do alot that are now in assorted giftware of homeware stores.
Hello!
Im interested in buying the jars for the candy buffet! either one who has the jars still avail.. Hello!
Im getting married July 23rd,2011~ im in desperate need of jars for my candy bar! zipcode:37311, Please email me.. sunshine052908@yahoo.com thank you
Michaels crafts, use your coupons every week!
Hi Cindy, I did a candy buffet for a sweet sixteen party and I found that Michaels was a bit pricey although at the last minute you can find them there with the coupon. Try TJ MAX and Home Goods store..They are really reasonable there, also you can try some flower vases, they work well too and I also got one from Pier 1 Imports. Good Luck. I also decorated the jars and made the names for the different candy. see picture
Michaels, is overpriced. HomeGoods, Marshalls or TJMAXX. I also rent them, but I’m in NH! Good luck!
Does anyone know where online I might be able to buy smaller quantities of candy. I wanted the sliver stars but it’s 5 pounds for $59.95 . And if anyone has ever ordered these for a wedding, do they taste good? Not all chocolate is created equal.
I orderd the silver hearts and the chocolate was terrible. They looked great but the taste was sure not worth the price.
Thanks for the heads up Tina. I love chocolate and bad chocolate should be a sin.
i had a girl who wanted chocolate hearts for her wedding as tina said they looked great but the taste was not worth the price
Always make sure you’re buying chocolate not “chocolate flavored candy”. You will notice alot of this out at Easter. It’s only okay if the only people you are inviting are 3 year old children.
Candy tables can be fun to put together, but can get expensive. For jars, Home Goods is the best. I found that you need to shop around for the best prices for candy depending on what you would like to serve. The Fresh Market is a great place to buy candy.
My niece is getting married this month and we are having a candy table. We bought most of her glass peice’s at the goodwill. Very nice peice’s for a low cost.
Due to unforeseen circumstances, our daughter had to postpone the wedding so I am selling the containers planned for the candy buffet.
I have 17 glass containers and 1 plastic in all shapes and sizes.
Please contact me if interested.
Hi Theresa!
I would love to see pictures of the candy jars you have! I need a few to add to my wedding collection! Please email me all the pricing details and shipping. Thank you!
I am very interested in purchasing your items. Plz plz email me ASAP!!! Thnx
Hi Teresa
I’m in the same boat at Katlyn, I have a few already. If you have any left can you let me have the details (with prices) and also your location (approx) as the cost in travel may not viable.
Hello
Do you still have these or have they gone. Can you email me prices & delivery?
Thanks
emma
Hi there. I was just wondering if you had any of your jars available. If so, can you please meail me a picture of them> My zip for shipping is 12211.
Thanks so much,
Joanne
I am hosting a bridal shower and was wondering if a candy buffet would be tacky or not??
I am hosting a bridal shower in May and I’m doing a candy buffet as well. I am incorporating choc dipped strawberries, pretzels and cupcakes with the candy so i dont have to buy as much candy. Don’t think its tacky at all. Good luck.
How many different items are you going to have? I don’t expect to have more than 30 people so I don’t know how much variety and quantity to plan for. What are you doing for containers? I don’t want to have to buy a bunch for this one time event. Scoopers too, I don’t even know where to get them….any ideas to help cut costs would be much appreciated!
http://www.scoops-scoops.com/store/item_page.cfm?ItemID=13
Hi, here’s a great website with lots of different scoops, if you haven’t already found them. They’re very reasonably priced, too!
My son is having a firefighter theme birthday party and we are having a candy buffet. What are some cute lil sayings i can set up at the table for people to read and what can I put on the bags for them to get the candy like a thank you.
I’m assuming you’re having “hot” candy . . . hot tamales, atomic fireballs, etc. I would just put a large sign on the table that says something like, “This party is HOT, HOT, HOT!”. You could put a sticker of a fireman and/or dalmatian on each bag, and tape a lifesaver candy on the outside, and write: Your a real LIFESAVER! Thanks for coming to our party!”
thats cute nancy b
Actually, I hope you would put “You ARE a LIFESAVER” . . . I wouldn’t want you to misspell something!
I was wondering if anyone knows how much candy a person should buy. For example, how much should someone estimate per person.
Thank you for your responses.
It all depends on the containers that you are using. Also, make sure you add enough to make sure the table has a “Full Look”. A skimpy table can look very empty, and less attractive.
I ended up buying all my containers at Marshalls.
They are priced at about $10 each. Here is a pic I did for my
niece baby shower this past weekend.
For you labels did you use a cute saying or actually label the candy?
hi are u selling your container
The candy buffet at our wedding was a huge success. It was plain, simple and affordable. Everyone loved it. As an older couple, we chose to use Crystal and after the Wedding divide it between our children. I found the crystal on sale for under $10 at Belks and Pennys. Several pieces came from yard sales, thrift shops, Salvation Army store, and the Good Will thrift store. Our children are also planning to do a candy buffet for the grand-kids Birthday parties, so the containers will be used again and again. I also found alot of my childhood favorite candies at the Cracker Barrel.
has anyone seen any nice plastic jars/vases for candy around or online?
thanks!
kat
definitely go to TJ Maxx. It’s not a store I would have thought about looking at but it is where I ended up getting all my jars.
We found everything at TJ Maxx and Hobby Lobby for a great deal…I got 12 awesome containers and spent only about 60 bucks because they were all half price! Good luck
I to am starting my own candy buffet business in Katy, Texas and I need help on the pricing. I would greatly appreciated if someone can help. Thank You So Much. My email address is
dianedlc@sbcglobal.net
Hello I’m getting married march 27th 2011 anyone have jars they are selling email me at crystalcavazos00@yahoo.com
thank
I rent out the containers for weddings. Must be a 50 mile radius of zip code 02717. Let me know if you are interested.