Candy Buffets – A Grand Approach

Image used courtesy of www.elizabethannedesigns.com 

by Guest Blogger, Tara Murney, WPICC, DWC, Owner of A Green Tie Affair and WPIC Instructor 

As a Certified Wedding Coordinator, I have found that candy buffets are just as popular as the wedding cake these days and even as much a "must have" as the photgrapher and florist. They add personality and you can coordinate your buffet to almost any theme imaginable. You can achieve a fantastic candy buffet even on a budget, here’s how with little effort: 

1. Inexpensive Glassware: 

First, choose glassware that will fit your theme. If there is no particular theme choose simple containers, you can always opt to rent your containers as well, although they can be costly in the end. I suggest collecting glass containers as you find them from various thrift shops, discount stores, garage sales, Dollarama stores, even Home Sense carries a vast array of glassware in many shapes, sizes and colors and are quite inexpensive. I suggest even antique stores if you’re looking for something to match an old theme or maybe just something in particular. Try purchasing glassware that you can also later incorporate into the dà©cor of your home, this way it will not be sitting in a linen closet for the next ten years. For a country themed wedding, galvanized buckets and even old style flower buckets work very well and can later be added into your garden. 

2. Fill: 

Here’s where creativeness comes into play, if you definitely do not have a creative bone in your body, ask someone who is. Try and avoid offering smaller selections of candy as an attempt to keep the cost low as possible, unless you are aiming for the look of an ordinary, plain and tasteless buffet. You can achieve that same dazzling look, without having to include a ton of candy and it’s really quite simple. Here is a list of some ideas for things that can add attention to your buffet table: 

Flowers and/or Flower Petals:

You can get great deals on silk rose petals, try either you local Dollar store or Wal-Mart. If want large quantities for use elsewhere as well, EBay has tons in every color imaginable (just keep in mind the shipping time) Sprinkling them in between the containers will give the table a fuller look right away. Try placing them randomly among the jars or if your budget allows, use bouquets of flowers in the containers. This would be a great alternative if the budget will not allow for extra flowers. My favorite idea is to have the jars ready and then place the bridal and bridesmaid bouquets in them just before the reception starts; not only is it a great budget saver, they look gorgeous among the candy and complement the table. This will also allow the bridesmaids to drop them in on their way into the hall and not have to worry about carrying them around all night or misplacing them. 

Pictures

If you aiming for a more sentimental touch to your day, I suggest placing old pictures of your parents, your grandparents, your engagement pictures or even random pictures of you as a couple at different stages of your relationship among the containers; it adds both a personal and sentimental touch to the table. If you’re not fond of the picture usage, you can also add a poem, a thank you note to your guests or print up a saying such as my favorite: “Love is Sweet, Help yourself to a treat”. Finding inexpensive frames is as easy as your local dollar store. They come in various sizes and colors such as black, gold, silver and even clear to match your theme. Fillers such as theses will elongate and create the illusion of a grander buffet table and also adds personal touch which all of your guests will enjoy. 

Overlays or runners

More than likely, the tables at your venue with be already covered with a white tablecloth or linen of some sort. Simplicity is great if that it the look you want but by adding a beautiful table runner or even an overlay, the table now appears to be completed. You may opt to rent them which are very inexpensive or if you’re creative you can always purchase your own linen and make them yourself. Your local Fabric Land and even Wal-Mart carry beautiful prints and materials. Just remember not to over-do the runners or it will look too crowded and clustered and will definitely take away from the candy id
ea; one or even two depending on the length of the table is enough. 

Candles

Head back to your local dollar store to purchase simple, non-scented candles to match your theme and/or color. You can add romance to any setting with candles, I favor the use of tealights that are encased.. They are great for these buffet tables, as you won’t have to worry about placing them out of harms way or out of reach from smaller children. It also ensures that your guests are not reaching over large pillar candles attempting to get to the candy and in return are being burned. 

Mini Sweets

You can also add smaller bite size treats such as cupcakes, tarts and donuts to the buffet as they work well as fillers and keep everyone going back to the table. 

3. Affordable Candy: 

Of course, the most expensive feature of the candy buffet is definitely your candy. There are plenty of options to staying within budget. I suggest these to all my clients: 

Number one rule: Do not shop on an empty stomach! 

Your eyes will be larger and spending far too much becomes that much easier. Remember, the candy buffet does not have to include heaps of candy to look full and graceful. I recommend purchasing enough candy for a small box/bag per guest. You definitely don’t want to run short but you also don’t need to bring home large amounts of candy at the end of the night or worse, throw it out. Take your chosen candy carrier, either a box or glassine bag with you to the candy store so that it will give you a better idea of how much will be needed rather than having to guess, this also allows for a visual of what your guest will be looking at and what they will be taking home with them. 

Steer away from buying candy here and there, always purchase in bulk; it’s the best option when having a candy buffet. Once you decide on the type of candy, shop for various bulk candy stores and sites. You can compare and choose the best for your budget. For a fifties or sixties theme, choosing candy to match the theme is easy and locating it is just as simple but they are much pricier, something to always keep in mind. 

Choosing candy to match your theme color can sometimes become tricky. Some suppliers only offer certain candies in various colors by the box and the same goes for candy flowers. Although, certain candy such as jellybeans, gumdrops and mints are easily found in the same color. Make sure you read the fine print for color variations or ask the manager as each candy in bulk is supplied differently. A well displayed candy buffet with a various candy matching the theme color looks much more appealing and stylish as apposed to a mix match of colors; unless your theme is of a playful nature or this is the exact look you are aiming for. 

Yes, size does matter in a candy buffet. You can make it appear that the buffet is actually larger than what it really is, simply by placing the candy in smaller, even medium size glassware rather than two or three large pieces. In the end it is still the same amount of candy yet having a variety of smaller glassware seems to offer more of a selection to your guests. 

A great budget tip is to place the more expensive candy in the smaller containers and the cheaper candy in the larger ones, chances are no one will even notice and you don’t have to break the bank to achieve the look. 

Arranging these containers is all personal preference. Arrange it by height, size, even mix and match. If you want to create the effect of height, simply place milk crates, books or anything solid and flat, hidden underneath the linen to arrange the container to various heights. Make sure to place them away from the edges of tables as you want to avoid any of your guests bumping into them or easily knocking them over. 

Image provided courtesy of Wight Weddings 

4. Include extras: 

You can always add extras to the table, not only will it fill the table but more importantly, it will attract the guest attention. You can include any of the following: 

The wedding cake (Place all candy around your cake to give the spotlight to your wedding cake, even placing it on top of a crate will achieve the same effect.) 

Fortune Cookies 

The Guest Book/Guest Plate/Guest Signing Frame 

Chocolate Fountain 

Waffle Station 

Punch Bowl 

Chalk Boards (for a country theme, I love placing mini chalk boards along the table and beside each jar. Have written what type of candy it is. Small picture frames work as well) 

Other dessert items, such as what would be offered on a sweet table or mentioned above. 

Favor Boxes (usually the candy buffet replaces the favor boxes but having the boxes will allow for two things. First, it looks better than the bags and fills up the table more and secondly, it allows your guests to take home a decent amount of candy whereas the bags allows for a lot more. If you’d rather the bags, place them in a decorated basket and you can stamp each one with either a love quote or anything you find fitting. These bags are fairly inexpensive and come in a wide range of colors and sizes. Glassine bags work well and by attaching a simple colored ribbon you can have the theme carried over.) 

Fruit (a colorful arrangement of fruit is always a great idea for those guests with no sweet tooth and are looking for a healthier alternative. Companies such as Edible Arrangements have great looking baskets and other creative options.) 

Card Box (you can use a box, basket or anything you fancy) 

Wish Board (have a board made up, cover it with theme matching fabric and adorn it with theme matching ribbon. Place a box with blank card stock and fancy pins beside it. Place the board on an easel and have your guests sign their wishes and attach it to the board. A creative, very inexpensive touch your guests will love. 

Remember: 

It is important to find out if any guests have peanut or fruit allergy before deciding on candy; some candy can be disguised quite well and end up in the wrong guest’s bag. Enjoy, be creative and don’t forget to brush your teeth!!