Candy Bars, Candy Stations, Candy Buffets - whatever you call it, guests love it! This is a trend that, though not new, shows no signs of fading.
A candy buffet is a sweet and creative way to brighten up your wedding reception or any large event, for that matter. A successful buffet should offer a variety of candy for the guests to choose from, and should provide enough for everyone. If you're having a candy buffet at your wedding or your next party, take some time to select the best and your favorite types of candy to display.
Include old favorites like M&Ms and Hershey's Kisses with a personalized twist. You can order Kisses that feature special messages on the white paper ribbon, such as "Just Married," "Let's Celebrate" and "Congratulations."
M&Ms can be personalized with special colors and messages (2 lines of up to 8 characters each). Visit the Hershey's and M&Ms websites for information.
FYEP has used many different containers including baskets, vases, and cake plates. Vary them by height, stack them, turn them on their side. The sky is the limit!
Colors may be coordinated with those of your wedding or varied for interest.
Coordinate your candy selection with your theme. Your candy buffet should be a reflection of your event/wedding mood. For example, if you plan to have a garden wedding, you may consider including butterfly-shaped lollipops in the buffet, lollipops shaped like flowers, or milk-chocolate roses. You can find a good selection of fanciful lollipops at http://www.candywarehouse.com/
Splurge on a variety of different chocolate bars or truffles from gourmet brands like Godiva to impress discerning guests. Since gourmet chocolates are pricey, consider filling in the rest of your buffet with cheaper offerings of hard candy, licorice and mints.
Go for comedic effect, especially if your candy buffet is for a birthday party or other occasion where "elegance" isn't so important. Select fun, sugary candies like Bazooka Joe bubble gum, lollipop rings (the famous ring pops), candy necklaces, candy buttons and Pixie Stix. You can even set out an array of different Pez dispensers for guests to choose as favors. Find a wide array of dispensers, from retro throwbacks to popular cartoon characters, at the Pez website.
Remember that a candy buffet should be a feast for the eyes as well as the tastebuds. With that in mind, you'll want to select candy in a wide array of shapes, colors and textures.
Candy Bar Warnings
People suffering from diabetes and some other medical problems cannot eat all types of candy. Have sugar-free candy available for those who need it.
Consider the type of weather you expect for your wedding, as hot weather doesn't mix well with chocolate.
Candy Bar Tips
Size of candy and container determine the amounts needed.
If you have a 1/4 lb. box, figure 1/4 per person - people tend to fill up!
Make arrangement to have someone refill! You don't want to put it all out at once or the last guests get dregs.
Use various heights and shapes - your venue may have risers available.
Larger containers require a lot of candy to look good. If you use them, buy extra candy.
Scoops are great but also offer tongs for licorice and candy worms.
Have a server like an old fashioned candy store!
Make a personalized tag out of card stock and attach with ribbon to each candy bag.
Helpful Candy sites:
http://www.candywarehouse.com/
M&Ms website for customized candies
Hershey's website
WeddingManor.com for candy companies
A candy buffet is a sweet and creative way to brighten up your wedding reception or any large event, for that matter. A successful buffet should offer a variety of candy for the guests to choose from, and should provide enough for everyone. If you're having a candy buffet at your wedding or your next party, take some time to select the best and your favorite types of candy to display.
Include old favorites like M&Ms and Hershey's Kisses with a personalized twist. You can order Kisses that feature special messages on the white paper ribbon, such as "Just Married," "Let's Celebrate" and "Congratulations."
M&Ms can be personalized with special colors and messages (2 lines of up to 8 characters each). Visit the Hershey's and M&Ms websites for information.
FYEP has used many different containers including baskets, vases, and cake plates. Vary them by height, stack them, turn them on their side. The sky is the limit!
Colors may be coordinated with those of your wedding or varied for interest.
Coordinate your candy selection with your theme. Your candy buffet should be a reflection of your event/wedding mood. For example, if you plan to have a garden wedding, you may consider including butterfly-shaped lollipops in the buffet, lollipops shaped like flowers, or milk-chocolate roses. You can find a good selection of fanciful lollipops at http://www.candywarehouse.com/
Splurge on a variety of different chocolate bars or truffles from gourmet brands like Godiva to impress discerning guests. Since gourmet chocolates are pricey, consider filling in the rest of your buffet with cheaper offerings of hard candy, licorice and mints.
Go for comedic effect, especially if your candy buffet is for a birthday party or other occasion where "elegance" isn't so important. Select fun, sugary candies like Bazooka Joe bubble gum, lollipop rings (the famous ring pops), candy necklaces, candy buttons and Pixie Stix. You can even set out an array of different Pez dispensers for guests to choose as favors. Find a wide array of dispensers, from retro throwbacks to popular cartoon characters, at the Pez website.
Remember that a candy buffet should be a feast for the eyes as well as the tastebuds. With that in mind, you'll want to select candy in a wide array of shapes, colors and textures.
Candy Bar Warnings
People suffering from diabetes and some other medical problems cannot eat all types of candy. Have sugar-free candy available for those who need it.
Consider the type of weather you expect for your wedding, as hot weather doesn't mix well with chocolate.
Candy Bar Tips
Size of candy and container determine the amounts needed.
If you have a 1/4 lb. box, figure 1/4 per person - people tend to fill up!
Make arrangement to have someone refill! You don't want to put it all out at once or the last guests get dregs.
Use various heights and shapes - your venue may have risers available.
Larger containers require a lot of candy to look good. If you use them, buy extra candy.
Scoops are great but also offer tongs for licorice and candy worms.
Have a server like an old fashioned candy store!
Make a personalized tag out of card stock and attach with ribbon to each candy bag.
Helpful Candy sites:
http://www.candywarehouse.com/
M&Ms website for customized candies
Hershey's website
WeddingManor.com for candy companies
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