Important "Do's" and "Don'ts" of Planning a Wedding Candy Buffet

Many brides today plan a wedding candy buffet for their own reception. This is a table set out with a large assortment of bulk candy that guests can snack on after the dinner is finished, or that they can use to fill up small bags and take home in lieu of favors.

A good wedding candy buffet is not just practical in this way but adds some real visual punch to the reception venue. Like a nice chocolate fountain or punch bowl, guests enjoy looking at this feature as well as filling up on the treats it will provide.

If you're thinking of making your own wedding candy buffet, there are some important points you'll want to consider in order to make it a success. Most brides try to do this on their own, and they can be successful at it, however, it's also typically their first attempt at setting up such a station! Here are some important "Do's" and "Don'ts" for making a wedding candy buffet.

DO

Start early! There is more planning to a good wedding candy buffet than you may realize. You'll need candies, glass containers, scoops or ladles, labels for the containers, a tablecloth, and decorations for the table. These decorations may include ribbons, framed photos of the couple, stickers you put on the tablecloth, or a large sign.

Make a list of candies you must have; these typically include the standard M&M's, Reese's Pieces, Skittles, and perhaps jelly beans. Price a bulk amount of these candies first, and then you can see how many other candies you might add and still stick within your budget.

Start shopping for glass containers for your wedding candy buffet early; in this way you can check out sales and bargains every time you're at the store. If you simply buy your containers online all at once you'll pay full price for items you could otherwise get much cheaper.

When you buy a glass container, take it home and decide on which candies it will hold. It's helpful to put a note in that container (or tape it to the outside) so you know what goes where, and then cross off this candy from your list so you always know how many more containers you need.

Set up your wedding candy buffet well before your wedding reception so you can plan what is going to go where; you may need to move around some risers and containers for easy access. Take a photo and bring this with you to your reception so you can have it set up quickly and easily.

DON'T

Overdo it with candies; this is a common mistake for a wedding candy buffet. The containers and candy are more expensive than you think, and typically just five or six varieties are enough to make your guests happy.

Second guess your wedding candy buffet. They're personal and unique and enjoyed by guests no matter their size and variety, so don't let yourself think that you should have done more or chosen different candies, and so on. Instead, enjoy the sight of the buffet when it's set up and even help yourself to some candy as well!