How Sweet It Is: Building the Candy Buffet of Your Dreams
You're not alone. More and more brides want to see a tower of sweets at their reception.
Motives differ: some like how buffets allow guests to hunt and pick according to their personal sweet tooth.
Others like the fairytale flavor. Candyland, Babes in Toyland, Willy Wonka: some of our earliest dreams of abbondanza involve forests where gumdrops hang from trees, chocolate runs in rivers and pillars are peppermint sticks.
And if that makes you nervous, rest assured you have company. Because a candy buffet isn't free. Like any other "wow" aspect of a wedding, it's part of your overall investment. And while the waitstaff might pass the hors d'oeuvres and the venue lay out the linens, you could be on your own when it's time to design the candy buffet.
But not to worry: here are some tips from the pros for translating that bountiful delight in your head into a mouth-watering reality at your wedding.
The Secret to Sweetness
Scan all those photos of candy buffets throughout the web, and you'll quickly spot two things.
One, buffets are monstrously popular. And two, while some are a feast for the eyes, others seem to fall short of the heights their planners must have hoped for.
So what's the secret?
Here's number one: buying enough candy. Sounds simplistic, but it's key.
"The first thing I tell brides — you really can't do candy as a hard commodity. It's more a decoration," says Jon Prince, president of online candy giant CandyFavorites.com.
"I talk to hundreds of brides. They'll say, 'I'm having 200 guests, and I want to give each guest 3 ounces, so I guess I need about 37 pounds of candy.' Sounds reasonable, and 3 ounces might be enough to actually satisfy your guests, but visually? It won't be enough to make a presence."
Prince suggests that instead of seeing candy by the numbers, brides take an aesthetic approach. "You choose the flowers because they're beautiful," he says. "The candy buffet should be too."
And unlike flowers, Prince adds, candy serves double duty as an edible item. "Still, you have to budget the candy buffet into your wedding expenses. It doesn't work well as an afterthought."
But what about the wedding planners who suggest buying a pound of candy per person?
Prince says buffets work best when you plan by the eye, not the numbers.
"To make it look gorgeous, I'd start with the table, not the guest count. I'd take five to 10 types of candy, and buy 15 to 20 pounds each, whether you actually need that much or not."
He adds, "When it comes to candy, the more the merrier. If you have a large table overflowing with candy, you have presence. The biggest disappointment I hear is that the candy buffet didn't look substantial."
Like a Kid in a Candy Store? Here's What to Buy
Okay, so now you have a handle on those numbers. But between the heaping bins at upscale food markets and the galaxies of candy choices online, which temptations do you choose?There aren't any hard-and-fast rules, says Prince.
Not really, he says. Instead, it's the season's colors and themes that are driving brides' choices.
To illustrate, Prince describes an all-white Miami wedding where the couple set up 20 to 30 pounds each of white candies, placing the unwrapped varieties in jars, martini glasses and other interesting containers, and piling custom-wrapped mint rolls in front. "It looked fantastic," he says.
Mark Kingsdorf of The Queen of Hearts Wedding Consultants concurs: it's the themes that shape candy buffets. "And like everything else in weddings, candy buffets are getting more and more personalized, with more and more variations.
"Of course, 'Everything old is new again,'" he adds. "So you see things like retro candy buffets. At one wedding we did the candy bracelets and necklaces on the elastic cords; the little waxed bottles filled by sugar water.
"There are very few themes you can't do with candy. Beach weddings are fun, with all those boardwalk choices: saltwater taffy, caramel apples, fudge, peanut brittle."
"I like to focus," explains Prince, "but the focus can be anything. Candies you personally like, or a theme, or a texture. If you're having an all-white wedding, you'll want an all-white candy buffet. If you're having a destination wedding in an exotic location, you could choose dramatic, Caribbean types: Island Punch Jelly Belly beans.
"In the end, you want 'presence.' Mies van de Rohe once said 'Less is more,' but he definitely wasn't talking about candy buffets."
Fashion a Feast for the Eye
You're set. You've narrowed down your choices... and you've got the goods. Now how do you add those visual touches that turn your buffet from "aww" to "jaw-dropping"?
"Basically — and this is a good idea — the couple matched their candy containers to their floral vases."
Don't have quite that much fine crystal waiting in the wings? Here's a budget-friendly alternative from Kingsdorf. "Find some interesting containers: different shapes, different heights. Personally, I've used a dozen different containers from Ikea, and the most expensive one was about $10."
He adds that clear containers are best, to show off the contents, and that container mouths should be wide enough for the scoops.
"A nice bunching fabric gives you spill and texture. Put some of your containers on top of that."
The final touch? A floral arrangement. Or more cheaply, some complementary pillar candles in your wedding colors.
Kingsdorf adds that your most personal touch could be the candy bags. "At one of the weddings I did recently, the couple went to a dollar store and got a bunch of takeout containers in red, one of their colors.
"They personalized each container with a little sticker, which was inexpensive and very cute. Anyone could do the same thing: use a tag or little rubber stamp, or stickers.
"Just find a way to add that custom touch."
It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World (for Candy)
So why are candy buffets so sizzling hot these days, anyway?
Simple: they're a huge hit with guests. "Favors can be a tough choice," points out Kingsdorf. "Depending on your guests, you might find yourself picking up a ton of personalized CDs or bottle stoppers at the end of the night. But when it's edible, people eat it ... or take it home. I think a lot of brides are cueing into that."
Prince adds, "It's just a trend people are enjoying right now.
"But when you really dig down," he muses, "it's not about the product at all. It's about nostalgia.
"In a lot of weddings, two people are taking a major step toward adulthood. The candy buffet lets them connect back to any fond memories they have of childhood.
"Candy is powerfully reminiscent," he concludes.
Pages: « 23 [22] 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 … 1 » Show All
Anyone have any suggestions on good sugar free candy and where I can order it? We are doing a candy buffet at our upcoming wedding in October, but my fiance was diagnosed with diabetes not even 2 months ago. So i am trying to find some sugar free stuff to include for him and anyone else that might want sugar free.
thanks in advance
My favorite: GoLightly Root Beer Float, but the only place I’ve
found it is the Cracker Barrel General Store.
First, try your grocery store’s bulk food section . . . .try to
save yourself the cost of shipping and handling. Also try
sites like http://www.candywarehouse.com or http://www.oldtimecandy.com
or http://www.groovycandies.com. Consider labeling your candy
containers and placing an “S.F” before the names of the candy,
and an asterisk afterwards: “S.F. Gummi Bears*”. Also, consider putting out a platter of S.F. cookies (available at
any large grocery store) and think about putting a large bowl
of fruit in the center of your candy buffet, and surround it with
fruit-flavored candy (fruit slices, candy cherries, etc.). When
I do a candy buffet, I make a small sign that says “Some of
our Guests are Sweet Enough! We have some Sugar-Free Candy!” 1 out of 4 adults in the U.S. over 40 is diabetic or
pre-diabetic . . . everyone who has a candy buffet should have
sugar-free options.
I couldn’t think of the name, but now I remeber . . .
Russell Stover has some candies, little wrapped chocolate bars, called “Private Reserve” and they
have some called “International”-they are usually available at grocery stores and drugstores in little
metallic bags. Just be sure you are getting the sugar
free kinds, some are NOT sugar free. They are usually
near the Whitman’s boxes. These are slightly more
“upscale” looking. Also just another suggestion, I
helped a friend’s daughter with her upcoming wedding
candy buffet . . . we pulled out her mother’s lazy susan, and we will place it in the middle of the buffet
and use that solely for sugar-free candy. I got a photo
of something similar on the web and have posted it.
The Vermont Country Store has a bunch of stuff that is sugar free…candy, jams & jellies, etc.
Hi Ladies
I am living in Pennsylvania and willing to sell my candy jars. I hope to post some pics soon. I have about 25 jars-all different shapes and sizes. I purchased most from tj maxx, walmart and bed bath and beyond. If you are interested please email me at kudelks@hotmail.com. in the subject please put “candy jars” so i dont think your email is junk mail.
Also, if anyone needs 7″ tall black round centerpiece vases please or 3″ square balck vases, I have those also- for those maybe doing a black and white wedding.
Candy Jars
I would really be interested in your jars and also for the black and white theme. Can you e-mail me pictures and the price you are wanting?
Thank you Barb Perkins
Hi Ladies,
Quick question about the buffet.. guest count is around 350-380. How many different jars do you think I need? I keep looking at pictures and I know they are all different, but I want the WOW factor that keeps getting mentioned! but I dont want it soo crowded people cant get to all the candy. The jars will be placed on a round table.. so ppl can get around it.. I just need a good number. Please tell me what you think :) thanks!
ALSO if any of you are sams club memebers, they have the scoops online 5oz scoops in a 12 pack for 10.88! Thats a great deal! I posted the link for you!
Thanks ladies! keep up the good work!
If you use 1/2 pint containers, that’s about 8 oz. per person,
multiply that by 350 guests, that’s 2800 oz or 175 lbs of candy,
plus about 25 for factoring in the “WOW” factor. My suggestion
is, use 3 or 4 large, pretty containers and use them for decoration ONLY! (These have to be in the middle of the table
anyway, and are almost impossible to access). Use balloons (yes, I know, balloons
are “out” now, but they are okay for a CANDY BUFFET!) for
height.) Use clear glass bowls for some of the candy, they
are the easiest container to access with a scoop. You will need
at LEAST 2 people to help those who need assistance (and
lots of people need assistance after a few drinks) and to keep the table neat and containers full. Also, put out a basket with
a few containers that have been “pre-filled”- your 62 yr old
Uncle Floyd just wants candy, he doesn’t really care what kind.
Use large jars for the largest items: fortune cookies, store
bought bags of cotton candy, wrapped brownies (yes you can
used individual Little Debbies items! They’re wrapped, about
the right size, colorful and they have them in holiday colors)
and popcorn balls (although they won’t fit into most containers
for the guests, they look nice on a white candy buffet).
Your comment is awaiting moderation.
Remeber that some candies weigh more than others . . .
rock candy weighs more than sponge candy. That said,
Check out http://www.hubpages.com/hub/Wedding-Candy-Buffet
Scroll down to where the buffet with the purple kisses are
spread out on the table. This is the only buffet pictured that
would come CLOSE to being enough for 300 people. I count
18 containers on the table and the candy needed to fill
EACH container probably averages 6 lbs. 18×6lbs =108 lbs
PLUS the kisses spread out on the table, and they have to
refill containers (to some degree, even it it’s just
for appearence, and they have no
“display only” containers. Also, if they allow munching during the recption (as opposed to just using the buffet for
take-home favors), they would have to refill even more.
My daughter is having about the same number. We have 11 jars ranging in size. We found jars at Ross, Hobby Lobby and a few at Michaels. Thank goodness for discount coupons! Her wedding is black and white with hot pink as the accent. So, her candy is all in pink. We aren’t getting anywhere 175 lbs. of candy!
Hey–I run a candy buffet business and yes, that is the trouble with candy buffets is that you want to have enough candy to create a visual impact. Those are great colors–when you have that together, it should look great. A tip from me would be to try dense candy options like chocolate malt balls; chocolate covered pretzels, gum balls, etc. that fill up the jars quicker….
my problem is color, my colors for my wedding are burgundy and gold with touches of ivory and brown… how do I incorporate that into a candy buffet????
My colors are burnt orange, burgandy, chocolate brown and ivory and i have found burgundy jordan almonds, ivory colored licorce twists, using brown m&m’s, and im sure there is some candy out there that comes in gold wrappers.
I am doing red, orange, and gold. For the gold, I am doing rolos, mini reeces cups, and mini carmel twix bar….all in gold wrappers. I got them all at CVS when they had a big candy sale.
For red, I am doing red raspberry gummy bears, swedish fish, twizzler bites, and cherry balls. For orange, I’m doing orange slices, orange salt water taffy and orange gummy bears. And I might do the peach gummies that are orange and red.
I’m also ordering orange and red sixlets online because they are my childhood favorite. They are more expensive than my other stuff, but I love them!
I think you will find some that are in gold and burgunday as well…I think there are some kisses that are a reddish burgunday with a black stripe or something like that…and of course gold kisses ….I also wrapped some minature candy bars to blend in as well..if you wrapped them with an ivory or cream paper that was printed in Burgundy would be fun. Depending on when you wedding is this fall you may find more in the way of kisses and mini candy bars…you can also add bows to your candy jars to help to blend the colors in. Or even wrap candy suckers with tissue paper to make the right colors! Oh and what about gold chocolate coin candy?? It really will blend better than you think it will…they don’t have to all be “exact” colors!@
thanks so much for the ideas! question, I have about 8 or 9 different shaped apocathary jars I have been picking up here and there… I have about 250 guests… and I want the table to look nice, how much more do I need?
Hey does anyone have any candy jars they are wanting to sell that live near nothern Indiana?? Southern Michigan?? Chicago area?? Anywhere close to those areas.. Please let me know Thanks!!
When are you needing the jars by? My wedding is still a couple of months away, but i would be more than happy to sell my jars afterwards.
I live in south bend, IN.. How about you?? What kind of jars do you have so far?? Do you have any pictures.. Let me know and you can email them to me if you do.. thanks alot!! :)
I have several different sizes and shapes, if you would like i can email you some pictures. When is your wedding? If you want you can email me at Jenluvssteven19@gmail.com.
i to would be interested in purchasing your candy jars the ones i am finding are 25 each what did you want to get for the jars
I’ve been thinking about doing a candy buffet but was wondering how people felt about this- I’m having a vintage wedding theme and everything is being done in black and ivory. Do you think it would look bad if I had a fun colored candy buffet or do you think I should try and keep with the theme? I’m just trying to find good tasting candy in black and white and it’s difficult. Any suggestions??
I too struggled with this.. as i am having a black and white wedding with red accent… I finally decided that rather than trying to match the colors to use a nice table cloth in the colors of the wedding and to use a nice ribbon around each jar along with rose petals in my colors to tie all the colors in.. as for the candy i went nutz.. i got all different things that i love to eat.. no matter the color.. I think as long as you use tons of it the impact will be there.. and using your colors with ribbon, petals and a nice overlay will be enough!! hope this helps!
I’m sorry I didn’t see this earlier . . . there are plenty of tasty black, white, or black and white candy.
And you could always add in candy wrapped in silver (kisses, for instance). Go to http://www.candywarehouse.com and type in black and they will show you all the candy in black.
Then try white and silver.
Good Luck!
I hope this photo comes out okay, I just thought that this was a cute look . . . anyone can make the flag banner in their wedding colors. I thought it added some visual interest to the buffet.
Hello …. I would like to start up a buisness of a Candy Buffet please give me any ideas and pit falls that I may run into …. thanks can’t wait to hear from you….
Candy buffets are a very unique business! Most likely you won’t have too much competition in your area.
The MOST important thing for you to do before starting your business is to look into what licenses and permits you will need to operate legally.
In Florida, you need a business license (of course) AND a health and food permit from the State Dept. of Agriculture. To get that, you have to have an agreement with a local permitted restaurant to wash your glassware at their site after the events (to properly clean and sterilize).
Yes, this is a bit of an obstacle but do you really want to spend time and money marketing your business only to get in big trouble later and face who knows what kind of fines and such.
The bottom line is candy IS food. And people are handling this food.
Once you have your licenses, you are free to work creatively to market your business–join a wedding organization, meet other people in the industry, etc.
Of course you can also begin to build your inventory of glassware and supplies, design a website, practice your tablescapes, etc.
Good luck and have fun!
Kelly
Kelly’s Candy Stand
Tampa, FL
I decided to read through this link and see there are so many questions about candy buffets. I own a 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 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?
Your comment is awaiting moderation.
I am selling 10 jars for $60. some come with lids, too. email me at skatzef@gmail.com if interested.
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?
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!!