Wedding Candy Buffet - Creative Themed Wedding Planning, Etiquette & Ideas: Favors & Reception

Wedding candy buffets can double as both a wonderful wedding favor for guests, and as a colorful, creative touch to your wedding reception décor that will have wedding guests talking long after your wedding is over.

Candy buffets have become a big trend among brides and grooms in the wedding industry.

Because the demand for this sweet display has become so large there are even companies that specifically make a profit from providing candy buffet services (design, candy, and servers).

Just because there are options to get it professionally crafted for you that does not mean that you have to go that route. You can create a creative candy buffet yourself with a little hard work.

To create that unique, one-of-a-kind candy buffet, you need to realize that there is a lot more that goes into it than going to the supermarket or bulk barn and grabbing bags of candy and throwing them in bowls.

Okay, so there are those who do that... but the candy buffet just isn't what it could be this way.

There are several points to take into consideration if you are aiming for that professional, wedding magazine worthy display:

• Color coordination with your wedding colors is essential.
• Wedding theme coordination.
• Table décor and layout.
• Perfect jars (will you use apothecary jars, mason jars, crystal bowls?)
• Finding the right amount of candy for the number of wedding guests that are invited to your special day

There are many things to take into account when you begin planning your candy buffet.

It can and will be so worth it for the daring couple that sets out to provide a unique flair to their wedding reception.

This is a tricky question that many brides have difficulty with.

Depending on who you ask you will get different responses, but in the end you need to take into account what works for you and your wedding guests.

Points to consider:

• Number of Wedding Guests
• Number of Children
• How many people invited have a notorious sweet tooth?
  (We all know someone who could eat half the buffet by themselves!)
• How many other dessert options are you offering?
• Do you provide other favors for your guests?
• What kinds of candy will you have?
  5lbs of gummy sharks looks different than 5lbs of M&M's.

Typically, it is recommended to serve 1/2 pound per guest during your wedding but you must take into account the other points above.

If you have a child heavy reception then you may face a larger chunk of your candy disappearing than if it is an all adult reception.

Things to consider when determining how much candy based on the 1/2lb guideline:

1. Where are you setting up this grand candy bar?
2. How large of a buffet table will you use?
3. How will you display the candy table? Tall apothecary vases? Fish bowls? Large martini glasses or brandy glasses?
4. Is your table going to be massive and stretch the length of a wall, or will it be a round table near the wedding cake table.

Taking these things into account when planning the amount of candy you will need is very important.

You would hate to buy a half pound per guest for 30 guests if you want to have a table that stretches long, it would just look empty.

In a situation like this you either want to make your table smaller, put fillers like extra décor from wedding centerpieces, or increase the amount of candy you have for visual appeal.

Obviously the last two options are more of a budget buster, so take this part of planning seriously.

A good idea is to stay smaller and stash the extra candy beneath the table to refill through the night as the containers go empty so that your beautiful display stays colorful and perfect.

Tip: Adding a box or other stand beneath the tablecloth to put some vases at higher positions will create drama and add height without adding to your budget.

Definitely include different types of candy in your candy buffet. Not everyone likes the same type of candy, or the same flavors.

When trying to fit with a color scheme, avoid getting all candies of the same flavor.

Wouldn't you hate to have a blue wedding with nothing but blueberry candies and most of your guests like other flavors - or strawberry flavored only when you could add watermelon and cherry and still have the same colors? Instant candy table failure.

Make sure you pick several different varieties of candy first, and once you have done that you can decide how much stock to have of each.

Even if you only provide a couple pounds of one type and 10 pounds of another, you are still providing an option.

You can be as unique or traditional as you want - it is your day after all!

If you're looking to save some money, use vases and jars around your home (or ask your family!) and mix and match.

Pair apothecary jars with tall vases for maximum storage of candy. You can find great deals on apothecary vases at discount department stores such as Winners and TJ Maxx, or craft stores like Michaels and Hobby Lobby.

Use fish bowls and baking bowls from stores like WalMart to be simple.

The sweet thing (no pun intended) about having a candy buffet at your wedding reception is that you can double your treats as favors by providing cute containers or bags for your wedding guests to carry some treats home with them.

There are a number of items you can store your candy in for your guests, such as:

• Organza favor bags
• Chinese takeout boxes
• Mini gift boxes
• Mini glass bottles
• Silk favor bags
• Paper bags with ribbons and stamped designs

From personal experience I definitely recommend Marry Me Vintage on Etsy for Wedding Paper Favor Bags - I could not be happier with the product. (Image is my seahorse bag)

If you have a particular color scheme for your wedding, it is recommended to add another color into this to accent the colors to keep from being over-saturated.

Layer your candies to add a gradient style to your vases - spiral M&M's around in layers from the base of large brandy glass to add a pop of style and color.

White wedding candies is a popular choice to soften the intensity of typical vibrant wedding colors, white works well for pastels as well. Add an even brighter color than your scheme to be fun and creative as well.

Make sure if you are going with a theme (Beach wedding, Valentine's Day Wedding, Peacock wedding) you match the colors to that theme and add the appropriate décor to accent the table and candies.