My Wedding Candy Buffet

I've loved candy every since I was a kid! So needless to say, when I first heard about candy buffets at weddings, I told myself I would definitely have one whenever I got married!

Instead of doing favors, we opted to have the candy buffet act as the wedding favor. I bought black boxes from Michaels. They run about $24.99 for 50. But of course, who ever pays full price for something at Michaels? I made sure to use my 40% or 50% coupons. Next, I created the little tags on cardstock and cut them all out. As you can see, having to cut alot is a running theme with a DIY bride. (BLOGGER TIP: Try to get as much as you can printed out early so you wont feel so overwhelmed or get tired of cutting out stuff)

The empty boxes were then placed at each setting at reception. Here is pic of the box with tag:


Although I planned everything myself, I had to hire decorators (shout out to Sheneida Curry & Mrs. Curry) to actually set it all up for me since there was no way I would be able do it all myself. They were great! They set everything up just as I wanted and even added some great touches! Here is how they set up the candy buffet.





Finally, make sure you have a cute little sign for the table! Ours said, "All you need is love...and maybe a little bit of candy" (I picked that up somewhere on the internet..lol)


So here is the breakdown for my candy buffet:
Jars - They range anywhere from $7.99 to $20 at most places. Stores like Marshalls, TJ Maxx, & Home Goods are GREAT to pick these up inexpensively. Luckily, my decoraters had alot of the jars already so I only had to buy 3.
Candy - Most of the candy was either pink, black or white.
Here is what we had:
Hershey Kisses
Hershey Bliss
Tootsie Roll Pops - wrapped in Damask wrapping paper
Pink Lemonade Gum Balls
Strawberry Tootsie Frooties
Pink Old Fashioned Candy Sticks
Black and White Old Fashioned Candy Sticks
Clear Rock Candy Lollipops
Pink Rock Candy Lollipops
Black and White Salt Water Taffy
Pink, Black, and White M&Ms
Regular Pink Lollipops

Overall, I bought about $250 to $300 in candy I think. And from what I heard from guests, it was a HIT!! People were really filling up those boxes! :)

Here are some websites I used to buy some of my candy:
www.candycrate.com
www.acandystore.com
www.candywarehouse.com
www.orientaltrading.com

Candy Candy Candy...who loves Candy??

One big wedding recepion trend now are candy buffets! And I for one am a HUGE fan of it! I've loved candy all my life (which sadly has gotten my teeth in some serious trouble over the years....fillings, root canals, crowns....but its all been worth it...I think....)

Although, as I get older I have to seriously let up on that habit. Dont want any health issues down the line... But enough of that....back to the subject at hand... CANDY BUFFETS.

This is a great alternative to traditional favors. Some people choose to let guests fill up bags of candy as the only favor and others have it in addition to other favors. The choice is up to you!
And from what I hear from some brides, candy buffets are always a hit!!

Here are a few pics of candy buffets Ive snagged from all over...not sure who to give the credit to so if you know...let me know!


Now you ask, where are you suppossed to get all the pretty jars and candy to fill them up??
It may sound like doing the candy buffet idea is an inexpensive thing to do for your reception, but if you have to buy the jars and the candy, it can get kind of pricey! The jars can range anywhere from $4 to $20+ a piece...depending on where you get them from. Im a BIG fan of Micheals and any other craft store who offers 40% & 50% off coupons every week!! lol

Most people choose to coordinate the colors of the candy with the colors of the wedding...which is really cute! You can also choose to do a theme....like old skool candy or something like that.

Here are a few sites where you can purchase bulk candy. Be warned, those pretty colored M&Ms are pricey. But Micheals sells them too (7oz bags) ....so if you have enough of those trusty little coupons they crank out every week, you're in business after about 20 trips to the store! :)

http://www.candywarehouse.com/
http://www.groovycandies.com/
http://www.foodservicedirect.com/
http://candy-crate.stores.yahoo.net/index.html
http://www.acandystore.com/

So overall, you're talking anywhere from $400 to $500 to do a candy buffet at your reception, if you have to buy the jars. And thats based on an average of 14 jars running at least $10 a piece and about $300 worth of candy. I lowballed it ....but trust.... it can be done a lot cheaper if you get creative or if you can borrow the jars from someone else!!!