Tuesday, August 19, 2014

Here’s What You Need To Know Before Making A Wedding Candy Bar

We don’t have to tell you how much fun candy bars are (and they make a pretty awesome photo op too!), but pulling off a beautiful display is not as easy as it looks. We reached out to candy and dessert bar experts to bring you the most important tips to creating an amazing wedding dessert and candy bar. Below, a few of our favorite candy bar photos below and — more importantly — expert tips to creating your own!


Q. How much candy should I buy? 

A. Stock at least 1/4-1/2 lbs of candy per guest. “Some [guests] will take less and some will take more so it all evens out says,” says Lisa Blackler, owner of Lisa’s Candy Buffet. Even if you don’t think your friends and family are likely to go overboard on the candy, Madeleine Ernest, founder of Pretty Sweet Candy Buffets recommends stocking the bar anyway. “I’ve had clients say, ‘Well I don’t think the older adults will take it or the men won’t take it,” she says. “They may take it home to the kids or grandkids so plan accordingly.” 

From the album: An Opulent Plaza Hotel Wedding in New York, NY 

Q. How do I keep the candy buffet from looking messy until the reception is over?
 
A. The easiest way to keep a candy buffet neat and stocked is to hire an attendant. “If the wedding is going to be held in a banquet facility then you can ask them to assign one of the staff to man the table; keeping it neat and refilling the jars as necessary.” says Madeleine. If an attendant isn’t available then consider only offering the candy bar on the way out as guests exit as the favors.
 

Q. Where do I start when it comes to design? 

A. The most important rule is to keep your candy bar cohesive with a theme or color scheme. “My pet peeve is when people just throw some jars on a table and call it a candy bar,” says Lisa. “It [the candy buffet] has to be visually captivating. I love when guests say it looks so pretty they don’t want to touch it. To me that’s when I know the job was done right.”

From the album: A Timeless Modern Wedding in Kansas City, MO 

Q. What kind of candy should I pick?

A. As long as you have a mix of flavors and treats anything goes. Make sure you take into account any guest allergies, and either leave those candies off the list or make sure they’re clearly marked. Another factor to consider is the season. “If you are having an outdoor wedding in July, you do not want chocolate!” Madeleine cautions. Melting can be an issue in warmer temperatures, so either keep your candy buffet in air conditioning or choose candies that won’t be a soupy mess by the end of the night. The season can also inform the type of candy, for example, cinnamon and pumpkin favorite treats work for fall while tart lemon and citrus candies are perfect for summer. 

From the album: A Vibrant Wedding in St. Louis, MO

Q. How do I decorate the candy buffet without spending too much on decor? 

A. An easy trick from the pros? Flip the escort card table into the candy buffet after your guests are seated. Lisa suggests using the escort card table for the candy bar later on in the evening so that you can reuse any floral arrangements or decor.

From the album: A Fun Relaxed Wedding in Bridgehampton, NY

Love these awesome candy bar looks? Buy pretty candy vessels here!

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