A candy buffet can add more than calories to your wedding celebration.
A colorful table with the right mix of chocolate and other goodies can impress your guests and get them mingling in no time.
I have never been to a wedding reception with a candy buffet but I did attend one with an ice cream sundae bar. It was a big hit and a great conversation starter. I’m sure a candy buffet would do the same.
But you can’t just throw some sugary treats into containers and call it a buffet. Here’s a step-by-step plan for a candy extravaganza that will impress your guests.
6 wedding candy buffet tips
- Use a theme and your imagination! How about that beach honeymoon? Choose sand pails (clean ones, of course!) for containers and sand shovels for scoops. Candy options: Swedish fish, chocolate with sea salt, nautical Gummy Bears … well, you get the idea.
- Prepare the table. A customized table cover can provide the perfect foundation to showcase your sweet feast. A washable material is ideal for the inevitable spills. Our liquid repellent table covers are perfect for this!
- Estimate the amount of candy you’ll need. The rule of thumb is 6 ounces per guest. Plan for less than 10 different kinds of candy.
- Choose the right containers for your display. Select wide-mouth glass or bowls for scooping ease. Look for container deals at discount stores or simply borrow from friends. Create individual servings by filling customized stadium cups with candy, tissue paper, ribbons and a note card with your new address. Guests will love taking these home.
- Don’t leave your guests sticky. Remember to order napkins solely for your candy buffet. It’s also a good idea to have small bottles of customized hand sanitizer on hand for guests to use and take with them.
- Post a sign at the buffet table to thank your guests. Show your wit with a saying such as “Love is sweet … please take some treats!” Use our expert tips on creating acrylic wedding signs.
A few additional tips:
- Set a budget so your purchases don’t get out of hand.
- Order supplies early so you have time to shop around and ensure delivery of all items.
- Select customized candy that isn’t messy. Avoid chocolate if the wedding is outdoors or in a warm venue to prevent melting.
- Do a trial set-up at home prior to the event to work out the kinks.
- Put someone in charge of filling candy and keeping the buffet table clean on your big day.
Your wedding candy buffet will be one of the most memorable additions to your wedding so have fun with it! Visit our site for all of your wedding favor and accessory needs!
— Shelley Grieshop
This blog was updated Jan. 10, 2023.
4 Comments
My sister is getting married to her high school sweetheart in December, and she is trying to come up with a fun and easy way to give the guests at her wedding a party favor when they leave the reception, and she is thinking about creating a candy station. She wants to use unique candy that will be fun for the guests, and I think that taffy would be perfect. Thanks for explaining that my sister should think about her budget and estimate about six ounces of candy per guest.
Thanks for stopping by, Rosie! I’m glad the blog information was helpful. Candy stations and buffets are really popular these days at wedding receptions. In lieu of the current situation with COVID-19, I would suggest pre-packaging the candy into customized cups or whatever type of container you’d like to send home with guests as a favor. I’m sure the candy station will be a big hit however you decide to do it!
Let us know if you have any questions. Best wishes for your sister’s wedding!
Shelley Grieshop
Totally Promotional
I totally agree with you when you said that a customized table cover can provide the perfect foundation to showcase your sweet feast. I remember when I was a child, that my mom used to buy me candies for my birthday. Thanks for the advice about avoiding chocolate if the wedding is outdoors or in a warm venue to prevent melting.
Thanks Derek! I’m glad you found this blog helpful! You were a lucky child to get candy for your birthday! Chocolate is my very favorite candy but can be a huge mess on a warm day.
Best wishes,
Shelley Grieshop