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.
Megan, my first thought was "gerbers!" And a pastry tray, tiered, kind of girly. And then blammo, I ran across almost the perfect pics on flickr, which basically never happens. The first couple used a pastry tier, wooden letters and pink gerbers to great effect (albeit for a baby shower) (From KarinaPetoe). You wouldn’t have to put cupcakes on the pastry tray, you could put any of your candy treats.
And then right after, there was a pic of lovely paper lanterns overhead, that definitely adds a lot of drama to the display if you can hang things from the ceiling. (from Danny Lakeboy). Click on the links and you can see a bit more of these buffets.
I am planning a brown, pink, and a little white candy buffet for my brother in law and future sister in law.
I have the containers. I have the candy too. I have a white table cloth to work with and a satin brown table runner that’s plain. What else can I do to dress up the table without going overboard and being tacky?
Yogurt is just fine. Thanks so much I appreciate it.
Hi Elizabeth,
Do they have to be white chocolate? Or can they be yogart?
http://www.bulkfoods.com/….txtsearchParamTxt=2042
Does anyone know where I can find some cheap white chocolate pretzels. I found some at the Candywarehouse but they are $60. I need something half that price. Help! Thanks.
Lizette,
You could use Black Licorice, and they have gumballs that “lemonade” flavor that are actually pink and white. Dont forget about Good and Plenties! Those should be easy to find. I saw pink tic tacs packaged at walmart yesterday while looking at candy, they are for breast cancer. Those could be something extra to just put on the table or something. I’ll look around when I go out and see what candy is pink and black that could be found anywhere.
Lizette~
Hi, This is Patty. I own http://Simplycandybuffets.com in Illinois and we just did a candy buffet in Black/white and pink. I’ve enclosed a photo for you. Perhaps it will give you come ideas! They’re theme was polka dots! If you need any additional help, please let me know.
Lizette
email me at isaiah73098@yahoo.com
Corinna
Corinna,
Thank You sooooo much. There is not a rite aid in Neb or Iowa. Could you please tell me how much the candy is-kisses, patties and m&ms. Please just whenever you have time I dont want to trouble you.
Lizette
I had a red, black & white theme buffet
I had black & white gum drops
Black & white taffy
white & red gum balls but they had pink (these were individulay wrapped so I just picked out the colors I needed.
Here at my local rite aid they have the pink wrapped hersheys kisses, york patties & pink m&ms
If you have a rite aid perhaps they will have them there
We also had black foil wrapped hershey kisses
If you have trouble finding them let me know I would be willing to purchase these and ship them to you at what ever the actual cost is.
Hi ladies,
I am also having a candy buffet. My colors are pink, black and white. I have been looking for candy and take out boxes for three months and I am going crazy. My wedding is 8-16-08. I am having a very hard time finding pink and white gumballs and just cheap pink white and black candies in general. I live in a small town ini Neb so shippping is going to kill me. I want a big wow factor, but I dont want to spend my budget on shipping. I am also looking for some ideas on what to use other then jelly beans. Thanks!!
Elizabeth,
The letters I got from Michaels were probably the smaller ones you saw, they are 3 inches tall each. But when having “love is Sweet” it takes up alot of space, so there was no way I could use the larger letters. They were buy the other wood items and letters at Michaels. Hope tht helps!
Thanks Sharon and Corrina I appreciate your help. Then I will start to buy candy. I was afraid if I bought it too far in advance that it might not taste the same or spoil. You can tell I don’t know much about candy….I will take your advice and run with to the store to find as much as I can. I am excited. Thanks girls. Oh and I finally found the famous candy scoops at Michaels. They sure know how to hide them well. I found them in the wedding aisle but they were high up and no wonder I never saw them. I am just happy I found them.
Dear Elizabeth,
) The big candy companies make their candy months ahead– Ex: Hershey is working on fall and Christmas candy now and soon will be starting the valentine and easter line. The most important thing to remember when storing any type of candy is keep it in a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight and it will keep for a long time. When setting up your buffet if using chocolate do not put near a window as the sun can still melt it in an air conditioned room. Hope this helps
I had a retail candy store (years ago
Sharon
Elizabeth,
I did call the candy shop and due to medical reasons they are not taking any orders for awhile. I will check back with her in August to see if she is taking September orders.
As for the candy I think it is alright to buy the candy now.
I bought mine in February for the end of may and it was all still fresh
Corrina did you have a chance to get the information on the candy apples yet? Thanks.
Thanks Tammy I will order the boxes this week. Could you tell me about your wooden letters that you bought at Michaels? What size are they? I went yesterday to look for them but they had some really small ones or too big. I could not find the size I wanted. I found the glitter paint and the paint. Please help. Also can anyone tell me how far in advance I should start buying the candy. I need it for Septmember but I thought if I start buying candy right now it’s too early right? I need some advise. Thanks.
Dana,
If you find out let me know! I know Orientaltrading.com has some smaller ones of the swirl and unicorn type, but not large ones. I have seen the whirly pops at our mall candy store but they are like $6 each, and I am not payin that much for a lollipop,lol.
Dana,
I purchased mine from dollar tree & michaels but when I went back for more they were sold out. Do you by chance have a walgreens near you. When I was there about a month a go they had them there for $1…good luck!
Does anyone know where to find some of the large swirled lollipops for somewhat cheap? I know someone mentioned Dollar Tree and Michaels, but both stores in my area didn’t have anything like that?
Thanks!
Elizabeth,
I got the 1/2 pint boxes, which is a cup or a half of a pound. They arent huge so it depends on how much candy you want your guests to have but I thought a half pound is good for each guest. I do think the aqua and lime were alittle more expensive, but still the cheapest I could find anywhere.
Tammy
Tammy could you let me know the size of the boxes you bought. They have different sizes for the aqua boxes and then they have different sizes for the white boxes. Did you pay 0.09 for all the boxes? I am seeing that the aqua are 0.34 while the white are 0.09 cents. Let me know I am getting ready to order my boxes. Thanks.
Corrina let me know when you have a chance. The price is really great and I would love to get a couple in my colors for my bridal shower. I am going the candy buffet and I also have chocolate covered strawberries and some more goodies. Thanks again.
CANDY APPLES!!!
I would KILL to get them at that price!!
If he is infact willing to ship them, can you let us all know??
I would love to get some and have them be part of the candy buffet
thank you again ladies! This takes the majority of at least one part of the wedding away!
Mary Ann,
I would love a copy of your candy spreadsheet. If you could please send it to me I would very much appreciate it. I’m doing a candy buffet for my vow renewal celebration in September 08. My email address is mesoul1199@gmail.com.
Thank you
Mary Ann can you send me your spreadsheet again? Im not sure if you ever sent it to me, but I didnt receive it. My email again is Sunset2354@yahoo.com. If someone else has it that is readin this now, maybe you can foward it to me also? I’d like to see it and work alittle riht now with it. Thanks so much!
I would love the MAC version of the spread sheet! Please!
shannon@v3tucson.com
thank you so much!
Elizabeth,
I was just at my local Michaels and they just got a new shipment in. My store they are located by the wedding stuff, then also again on an end isle for Candy Buffet items along with ribbon and some candy. Wouldnt hurt to ask the store if they have them, otherwise they will special order them for you if you are really interested in them. Dont forget to use coupons!!
Hi. I attached a screenshot of a sample spreadsheet if you would like it. I used a template in Numbers to create it. I did not change any images, and you can change the images to your liking.
Thanks
Jennifer
Hi Everyone. If any of you have iWork ’08, I created a Numbers spreadsheet with a summary and budget summary to see total costs. If you would like a copy, please let me know. I would be more than happy to email it to you. I’m not sure it will open or format in excel but I will convert it. I used the calculation for candy needed from Mary Ann’s spreadsheet. Thanks, Mary Ann.
Jennifer