The Candy Buffet Table
Presentation
So where to start?Before you begin working out the logistics of the candy table, think about how you want to present it, and what kind of vibe you want to give off. If your wedding is elegant with classic style, you may want a spread that is visually impressive, or you may want to go for a monochromatic look that will complement your color palette. If you just want something fun, light-hearted and focused on the tasty treats, a variety of colors and flavors can bring some candy shop nostalgia to your night.
Either way, consider your wedding color scheme and what kind of look and feel would play well with where the table will be. In honor of the lush, warm weather, we went with colors that reminded us of sunny spring days -- whites, peaches, yellows and pinks. We wanted to keep the table bright yet still soft and delicate, so we made sure to maintain that theme in all our choices
Use a color scheme that matches your wedding palette: wedding colors aren’t just for the flowers and bridesmaids dresses! Taking advantage of the colors you’ve already established can enhance your candy table’s presence, and bring cohesion to your entire reception.
Create depth and height in your display: with simple boxes or even phone books, you can sculpt a beautiful landscape on your table. You can wrap the boxes in decorative paper, or even leave them bare and covered with matching linens for a refined, free-flowing cascade.
Take advantage of your centerpieces: whether they be flowers, candles, or tiny little goldfish, using an extra centerpiece or two will not only tie into the rest of your reception, but it can also add life and freshness to your candy table.
Don’t be afraid to use trimmings: details like good quality linens, ribbons, and paper can add nice touches to your overall display.
Less is more: trimmings are definitely your friends, but don’t go overboard! Too many space fillers can potentially clutter your table and cause sensory overload!
Consider the table: where will it be located? Will there be a nice backdrop or wall behind it for pictures? Or will it be open so people can access it from all sides? Will it even have sides, or will it be round? These are all good questions to ask yourself before deciding on a set-up design.
Candy ~ Selecting the Sweets
Color is key: as mentioned before, having a specific color scheme can really make your table pop. Monochromatic palettes can also be striking and elegant. Make sure to consider different hues and shades – for example, if your colors are red and brown, don’t be afraid of using different shades of reds and pinks. If using primarily dark colors, try to use trimmings in lighter shades to bring energy to your table.
Check the weather: Will it be hot or sunny? Will the table be indoors or outdoors? If indoor, will there be AC? If you’re worried about warmth, save the stress and avoid candies that could easily melt (unfortunately this includes most chocolates)!
Fruit seasons: if you’re planning to use fresh fruit on your table (e.g. chocolate dipped strawberries), make sure you consider if they are even in season. Strawberries in the winter might not be as sweet as when they’re at their peak in the summer!
Not just candy: if you’re open to treats in other forms, consider mini cookies, kettle corn, or spiced nuts as sweet additions. Placing the wedding cake or groom's cake on the same table can add visual diversity.
Be creative: candy isn’t just made to be eaten, but also to play with! Bundle large lollipops together like a bouquet of flowers, or skewer some marshmallows to simulate kabobs – the possibilities are endless.
Keep it simple: having a variety of flavors and different types of candy can be satisfying to everyone, but don’t be afraid to go with a specific flavor profile. Whether it be a gummy bear bar or a chocolate truffle tribute, your guests will definitely enjoy the sugar rush!
Don’t buy too much! It’s easy to worry about not having enough for everyone, but if you’re planning to include a meal and cake in your reception, guests probably won’t be stuffing themselves with extra sugar. A small portion of ½ cup (4 oz) or less is a good estimate per person. If you want to buy in bulk for a visual effect, save large containers for popular candies so you won’t have too many leftovers.
The candy you choose and how they will be displayed go hand in hand. Typical candy tables attempt to recreate the endless rows of jars in a candy shop, and these can help produce some stunning displays. However, it takes a lot of candy to fill those jars! Although vast amounts of white gumballs may look impressive, consider how much will actually be eaten. It's unlikely you'll find brides that are willing to buy used and opened leftover candy, so unless you prepare for a morning after candy fest in place of the usual brunch, plan to buy amounts that your guests can actually eat.
Containers and Supplies
More than jars: apothecary jars and similar containers tend to be the standard, but don’t miss out on other shapes and sizes you can find elsewhere! Vases are fabulously inexpensive alternatives, and are easy to find. If you’re going for opaque containers, small pails can give a rustic vibe, and wicker baskets can be cute and lighthearted. Don’t be afraid to use cake stands, flat platters, and other serving ware to give your guests a variety of ways to choose their sweets!
Scoops and things: when choosing containers, make sure you keep in mind how your guests are going to get the candy out! Scoops, tongs, and other serving ware should be small enough to get the goods!
Individual containers: if your table is set up as a DIY favor station, little bags or mini boxes can be great take-homes. Dress them up with a little label and ribbon and your guests have a tasty treat for later. Small, clear plastic cups or even napkins are also cheap ideas if you prefer the candy to be eaten on the spot.
Presentation and Details
The easiest way to tie in your table with the rest of your wedding is by using consistent centerpieces and flowers. We chose some crisp, white hydrangeas for an elegant touch, and bunched some peach and pink roses together to introduce some bolder colors. Fillers like tea light candles can also set the mood and add a little romance. Labels for each serving piece can be tied with some matching ribbon, and you can even line platters with patterned paper to further embellish with details.
Make sure you know what kind of tablecloth will be used, and what kind of background the table will be standing against, or if it will be free-standing. We chose a formal white floral tablecloth to add texture to the white porcelain serving pieces, and propped the table against a light pink wall for some subtle color contrast to our mostly white spread.
Where to Look
Project Wedding – the forums have a great “for sale” section where you can buy from past brides like you!
http://www.projectwedding.com/topic/list?message_board_id=26
Online Candy Stores:
- http://www.candywarehouse.com/
- http://www.candyfavorites.com/
- http://www.bulkcandystore.com/
- http://www.metrocandy.com/home.asp
- http://www.candydirect.com/
- http://www.blaircandy.com/
- http://www.hometownfavorites.com/shop/candy_store.asp
- http://www.oldtimecandy.com/
- http://www.groovycandies.com/
- http://www.sweetnostalgia.com/
- http://www.nutsonline.com/gifts/weddingfavors
Local stores for candy:
- Your neighborhood grocery store: Kroger, Walmart, Target, etc.
- Bulk stores like Costco, Sam's
- Michael’s, Hobby Lobby: they have a special selection of wedding candies
- Restaurant supply stores- Save On Crafts: http://save-on-crafts.com/
- CB2: http://www.cb2.com/
- Michael’s, Hobby Lobby
- Furniture stores like Ikea, Crate & Barrel, Contaimer Store
- Thrift or second-hand shops
- Cost-saving stores like Target, Wal-mart, or the Dollar Store
- Scoops: http://www.lionsdeal.com/wi-as-5.html
- More scoops: http://store.primaryshopping.net/30002413.html
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