How Sweet It Is: Building the Candy Buffet of Your Dreams
You're not alone. More and more brides want to see a tower of sweets at their reception.
Motives differ: some like how buffets allow guests to hunt and pick according to their personal sweet tooth.
Others like the fairytale flavor. Candyland, Babes in Toyland, Willy Wonka: some of our earliest dreams of abbondanza involve forests where gumdrops hang from trees, chocolate runs in rivers and pillars are peppermint sticks.
And if that makes you nervous, rest assured you have company. Because a candy buffet isn't free. Like any other "wow" aspect of a wedding, it's part of your overall investment. And while the waitstaff might pass the hors d'oeuvres and the venue lay out the linens, you could be on your own when it's time to design the candy buffet.
But not to worry: here are some tips from the pros for translating that bountiful delight in your head into a mouth-watering reality at your wedding.
The Secret to Sweetness
Scan all those photos of candy buffets throughout the web, and you'll quickly spot two things.
One, buffets are monstrously popular. And two, while some are a feast for the eyes, others seem to fall short of the heights their planners must have hoped for.
So what's the secret?
Here's number one: buying enough candy. Sounds simplistic, but it's key.
"The first thing I tell brides — you really can't do candy as a hard commodity. It's more a decoration," says Jon Prince, president of online candy giant CandyFavorites.com.
"I talk to hundreds of brides. They'll say, 'I'm having 200 guests, and I want to give each guest 3 ounces, so I guess I need about 37 pounds of candy.' Sounds reasonable, and 3 ounces might be enough to actually satisfy your guests, but visually? It won't be enough to make a presence."
Prince suggests that instead of seeing candy by the numbers, brides take an aesthetic approach. "You choose the flowers because they're beautiful," he says. "The candy buffet should be too."
And unlike flowers, Prince adds, candy serves double duty as an edible item. "Still, you have to budget the candy buffet into your wedding expenses. It doesn't work well as an afterthought."
But what about the wedding planners who suggest buying a pound of candy per person?
Prince says buffets work best when you plan by the eye, not the numbers.
"To make it look gorgeous, I'd start with the table, not the guest count. I'd take five to 10 types of candy, and buy 15 to 20 pounds each, whether you actually need that much or not."
He adds, "When it comes to candy, the more the merrier. If you have a large table overflowing with candy, you have presence. The biggest disappointment I hear is that the candy buffet didn't look substantial."
Like a Kid in a Candy Store? Here's What to Buy
Okay, so now you have a handle on those numbers. But between the heaping bins at upscale food markets and the galaxies of candy choices online, which temptations do you choose?There aren't any hard-and-fast rules, says Prince.
Not really, he says. Instead, it's the season's colors and themes that are driving brides' choices.
To illustrate, Prince describes an all-white Miami wedding where the couple set up 20 to 30 pounds each of white candies, placing the unwrapped varieties in jars, martini glasses and other interesting containers, and piling custom-wrapped mint rolls in front. "It looked fantastic," he says.
Mark Kingsdorf of The Queen of Hearts Wedding Consultants concurs: it's the themes that shape candy buffets. "And like everything else in weddings, candy buffets are getting more and more personalized, with more and more variations.
"Of course, 'Everything old is new again,'" he adds. "So you see things like retro candy buffets. At one wedding we did the candy bracelets and necklaces on the elastic cords; the little waxed bottles filled by sugar water.
"There are very few themes you can't do with candy. Beach weddings are fun, with all those boardwalk choices: saltwater taffy, caramel apples, fudge, peanut brittle."
"I like to focus," explains Prince, "but the focus can be anything. Candies you personally like, or a theme, or a texture. If you're having an all-white wedding, you'll want an all-white candy buffet. If you're having a destination wedding in an exotic location, you could choose dramatic, Caribbean types: Island Punch Jelly Belly beans.
"In the end, you want 'presence.' Mies van de Rohe once said 'Less is more,' but he definitely wasn't talking about candy buffets."
Fashion a Feast for the Eye
You're set. You've narrowed down your choices... and you've got the goods. Now how do you add those visual touches that turn your buffet from "aww" to "jaw-dropping"?
"Basically — and this is a good idea — the couple matched their candy containers to their floral vases."
Don't have quite that much fine crystal waiting in the wings? Here's a budget-friendly alternative from Kingsdorf. "Find some interesting containers: different shapes, different heights. Personally, I've used a dozen different containers from Ikea, and the most expensive one was about $10."
He adds that clear containers are best, to show off the contents, and that container mouths should be wide enough for the scoops.
"A nice bunching fabric gives you spill and texture. Put some of your containers on top of that."
The final touch? A floral arrangement. Or more cheaply, some complementary pillar candles in your wedding colors.
Kingsdorf adds that your most personal touch could be the candy bags. "At one of the weddings I did recently, the couple went to a dollar store and got a bunch of takeout containers in red, one of their colors.
"They personalized each container with a little sticker, which was inexpensive and very cute. Anyone could do the same thing: use a tag or little rubber stamp, or stickers.
"Just find a way to add that custom touch."
It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World (for Candy)
So why are candy buffets so sizzling hot these days, anyway?
Simple: they're a huge hit with guests. "Favors can be a tough choice," points out Kingsdorf. "Depending on your guests, you might find yourself picking up a ton of personalized CDs or bottle stoppers at the end of the night. But when it's edible, people eat it ... or take it home. I think a lot of brides are cueing into that."
Prince adds, "It's just a trend people are enjoying right now.
"But when you really dig down," he muses, "it's not about the product at all. It's about nostalgia.
"In a lot of weddings, two people are taking a major step toward adulthood. The candy buffet lets them connect back to any fond memories they have of childhood.
"Candy is powerfully reminiscent," he concludes.
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Hello everyone,
I am trying to find edible gems, jewels.
Look a lot like gem confetti, but edible. I can find the silicone molds to make them, but I need to be able buy a very large quantity of them.
Anyone have any ideas where they are?
I’m not sure why it won’t let me show you our bag but I’m trying one more time
Elizabeth,
I actually designed my labels then I was able to fit 12 on an 8 1/2 by 11 paper so I made a pdf file. I bought 8 1/2 x 11 sticker paper or label paper that is one full sheet, and brought it to staples and they copied my pdf file onto the sticker sheets for .59 cents a sheet. Then I had a 2 inch circle cutter I had bought previously at Joann Fabrics that I used to but them out and then just stuck them on. They turned out great, and wont smear or run because of they were printed on the laser printer
I wanted to show you a picture of what our bag looked like. I quoted you a wrong price on the labels, they were even cheaper yet at $4.95 for 180 of them and the bags were $8.85 for 100. The Nashville Wraps website will send you a free catalog that has so many different colors and designs to choose from. For those of you that can afford the take out cartons, they have a lot of those as well. That is also where I bought all our double faced satin ribbon in bulk for our programs, placecards etc. The ribbon was beautiful guality and they sent me a free sample of the colors I wanted just to make sure they matched everything else. We set extra bags on the candy table along with pink pipe cleaners that I cut in half for twist ties. It really was an affordable way to go and everyone loved them.
Hi All,
Our daughter got married 4/27/08. I can’t tell you what a hit our candy bar was. We had purchased cello bags with pink dots and had a bag at each place setting for when the guests arrived. The candy bar was open from the time the guests arrived until they left. Unfortunately, I was not there in the beginning because of pictures but I guess there were 30 people waiting in line at one time they were so excited to go through it. Our colors were olive green and hot pink.
We were not so concerned finding matching candy choices as we were as having candy that everyone liked. We brought in our colors with the tablecloth and ribbons along with the candy. This is not a very clear picture but I think you get the idea.
Most of our candy was purchased after easter to get the spring colors and at Costco and Target. The cello bags we purchased on line at Nashvillewraps.com. I looked all over for oval labels that I could print on that weren’t expensive and I found some at OrientalTrading.com. They had silver hearts at the top and I just typed in names and dates and printed them off and put one on each bag. I think they were $8.95 for 180 of them (cheap) and they were darling on the bags. I learned a trick with them though. They are shiny paper and with a ink jet printer they smear. Nobody would print them for me on a laser printer because they did not say they could be used on one. So I found out that if you use an ink jet printer and let them dry a little, them spray them lightly with aerosol hairspray and lay them down to dry they are perfect.
Also got some short handled ladles and scoops from Acemart.com. I loved the ladles, just hung them on the sides of the jars. We had 11 different types of candy and learned from a previous website that you should buy between 15 & 20lbs of each kind. We did have some left over but not much. I think we had around 160lbs total and mostly hersey kisses and laffy taffy left. We had approx. 210 people and yes, there were kids. I think if I did it again I would go more the 15 than the 20lbs for each one.
Here is what we had: Lindt truffles, sour straws, m&m’s peanut, jelly bellies, blowpops, gummy bears, mike & Ikes, kisses, reeses cups, laffy taffy and starburst. The most popular were the gummy bears, mike & Ikes and jelly bellies, all bought at Costco, those were totally gone.
We had a wonderful time with it and I know all of you will enjoy yours as well.
Thanks Tammy by the way where did you get your labels at ?
Elizabeth,
The scoops were not with the wedding stuff they were on an end cap set up with a display for candy buffet items. Walmart also has the original candy jar type and they are cheaper than target.
Tammy where did you get your labels from that you put on the chinese take out boxes? They are too cute.
When you say Michaels is that the craft store? I had no idea they sold candy. I looked around Dylans candy and the candy there is so expensive. They had 3 oz swirl lollipops for $3.99. I am going to the dollar tree this weekend to find some of the lollipops. I have a questions how far in advance did you buy the candy? My shower isn’t till Septemeber and right now I am just buying the vases. Around a month do you think I should start buying the candy? Thanks for the site I will definately buy the labels. What are the pillow boxes for I never heard of them before. I live in Houston so there are no Wincos around here. Is that a grocery store?
Corrina,
I called Party City today and unfortunately they dont have the colored m&ms on sale here, not sure why I called two and they both said they were 4.99 a bag, but oh well. I went to michaels also and completely forgot to look for those candy spoons! I really dont think they have them here though, because I didnt see them anywhere. Were they by the wedding stuff? I went thru the whole store really though. I am going to have to take a trip to a Woodmans which is like a half hour away and see what they have, I hear they have alot of candy there!
I just noticed I have alot of your same jars you are using. I also got those ones from Walmart that your gumdrops are in, I only got two though. I saw the lollipops at michaels today and also rockcandy. If someone is planning on buying the lollipops there, you can always use a coupon
To Elizabeth:
You can usually find vases on sale wherever. I know that target has the kind corinna is using (the original candy jar on the side like) for $5.99 each I believe. I am going to purchase a couple of those, then they also have some 1 gallon glass jars with lids that are cute which Im going to get too. Its fun to find things and especially great deals, have fun!
Groovycandies.com is also a good site, but do you have a sams club or costco around you? They always have bulk candy, Im not sure what they would have in your beach theme though, but might have some things in your colors. Also I know I have seen shark gummies on most candy sites, they are blue and cute
Elizabeth,
I purchased the lollipops at dollar tree but michaels also has them for $1.19. The labels are from Gbees.com they were $1.00 a label but the girl there is awesome and she will personalize them how ever you want. I believe the lollipops are 6×6 or so they are pretty big. I purchased the vases from walmart for $4 each and the square ones are from michaels $1.89. I am using pillow boxes from target to hold the candy. I decorated them with black & white polka dot ribbon & a monogram G
Good luck!
Elizabeth
I think you could use both the fish candies and the aqua & yellow together. I bought the lollipops at dollar tree and had the labels personalized from an online site that I can no longer find.
Michaels has some prety big lollipops for $1.19, they also had the rock candy for 89 cents a piece in lots of colors. I purchased my vases at walmart for $4 a vase. I am using pillow boxes from target that I tied a black & white polka dot ribbon around and stuck a monogrammed sticker on it.
Do you have a awinco near you?
Corinna where did you get your personalized lollipops and what size are they? I found some at the Candywarehouse but they are expensive. I want something cheaper. I dont’ want to spend more than $100.00 on candy and the vases. Where can I find cheap candy vases? Are you also using Chinese boxes for your containers to put the candy in or bags? Thanks.
Thanks Corinna since it’s a beach wedding do you think I should have beach candy? I found star fish, fish, whales and etc. or I should just do general candy? I want to do aqua and yellow so I hope I find a lot of candy. Which candy store have you bought from so far? Any cheap ones you would recommend?
I think that is an awesome idea. I am planning on doing one for my sister’s baby shower. My family is going to be so sugared out
Hey girls I see everyone is having candy buffets at weddings but what do you think about having it at a bridal shower? I absolutely love candy and I would like to have it incorporated somewhere along the line. I can’t have it at my wedding since its a destination wedding and it seems impossible to take so many jars and candies. I would like to get someone’s opinon. I read all the comments and I only saw one girl that had hers at a rehearsal dinner.
Corinna, your buffet is off the hook! Thanks so much for sending in the pics, I know that’s kind of a pain — but they’re really inspiring. :D>- I really can’t wait to see the final pics.
Hi Tammy
Cute sign & boxes!
I love the labels too.
I will check winco just to see if they have your colors.
candywharehouse.com has so many colors too choose from but i think they were a bit pricey. I remember you asking about the colored m&ms if youhave a party city they are still on sale for $3.49 a bag. I purchased the personalized m&ms and the party city bag is the same size minus the personalization but you will save $8.50 a bag
I have added so much more to my buffet since those pictures I will post pics ofeverything after my event.
Good luck!
Just wanted to share some of my projects for my candy bar, my boxes and my sign. The boxes were bought at papermart.com 9 cents a box I believe it came out to be, pretty cheap! Then the sign, the letters came from Michaels and also the paint and I added a glitter crystal paint also from michaels which adds the sparkle! I am going to be putting the letters on wodden dolls and onto another piece of heavy wood to put on our table for the candy buffet. Im excited to see what it will look like on the wedding day
Thanks Corinna!
My colors are turquoise and kiwi We dont have a Winco around here, I actually never heard of it,lol, Im from around Chicago so that could be why. It will be hard to find blue and green colors im sure for gumdrops, but I can search! I never saw those scoops at my michaels, do you know how big they are? Thats awesome they come in packs of two. Thy look like a silver metal in the picture but im not sure, I am going to michaels tomorrow so will seacrh for those and petals. Thanks so much!