Candy Buffet Question

[Jader]

I know there's quite a few on here who have done a candy buffet. I'm trying to figure out how much we need and wanted to see if I could get some advice. We're going to have like Gummi Bears, M&M's, and Jelly Belly's along with some other things.

How much did you get of certain things and for how many people?

[km]

Wedding Candy Buffet

Candy buffets are one of my favorite wedding trends. They bring out our childish inner-spirits and are a great way to thank guests for attending your wedding.
In addition to candy buffets being a great wedding favor, they are also a fun wedding decoration.
Following are some tips to creating the perfect candy buffet bar…
Neat Candy Containers

The first thing you need to do is find some great candy containers and candy scoops. You can rent containers (check with your wedding planner, florist, or rental shop for ideas and options) or you can purchase them.
Clear containers usually work best. They showcase your candy selections and have a charming appeal.
Be creative. The sky is the limit when it comes to how you want to present your candy buffet.
Decorate the Table



In addition to your candy jars and candy selections, you will want to decorate the table. Consider including:

A table runner in one of your wedding colors
Flowers & flower petals
Candles
Decor that matches your theme
Pictures from your bridal or engagement session
Childhood pictures of the bride and groom
One of the easiest ways to bring style to your candy buffet display is to put your candy jars at different levels. Raise the containers to different heights by putting books or other supporting materials under the table cloth. Your wedding caterer or cake designer may also have dessert stands you can rent for the evening to achieve the leveled look.
How to Make Your Candy Selections

When making your candy selections, consider several things – your wedding colors, your theme, and your candy favorites.
Candy Color
Use your wedding colors to inspire your candy selections. You don’t have to stay true to the colors you selected for the rest of the wedding, but it is a great way to tie it all together.
The thing to remember with color is that it makes a difference – whatever colors you select. Candy buffets with coordinated colors look much better than random-colored candy selections.
Theme of Your Wedding

Incorporating some details from your wedding theme can help make your candy favors even more memorable. Asian theme? Include fortune cookies. Winter wedding? How about white-chocolate covered pretzels? The possibilities are endless.
Childhood Memories

What was your favorite childhood candy? Candy bracelets, ring pops, or maybe a simple lollipop?
One of my favorites is the long stick lollipops. Including nostalgic candy is great addition to consider in your candy selections.
How Much Candy Should I Buy?

Plan by how you want the display to look, not how many guests are coming. Having enough candy is crucial in making your candy buffet look good.
First, determine how many jars and types of candies you want. I recommend 7-10 (or more, depending on budget) types of candies. Buy 15-20 pounds of each variety.
The more the merrier holds true in a wedding candy buffet. Something this cool demands a presence and having plenty of candy will ensure your candy buffet display looks sweet. http://blog.thebrideandgroom.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_wink.gif
Fun Do-it-Yourself Favor

A wedding candy buffet is a great do-it-yourself favor that your guests will not soon forget. Make sure to include favor boxes or bags so they have something to put their candy selections in.
Make your guests literally feel like a kid in a candy store when they join in the celebration of your wedding.

[Jader]

Wow...thanks Kiamarie...that was a lot of help! I don't think I'll get that many pounds of each, because we're going to have more than 7-10 different kinds but right now I'm thinking at least 1 pound of everything and then like the M&M and Jelly Belly's and stuff I'm getting 5 pounds I think.

[km]

:wavey:

[Jader]

I had thought about doing that. Going after every holiday to see what they have left, especially Valentine's Day. My friend and I are going to check out Costco and Sam's Club to see if they're going to be any cheaper than this website I've been looking on.

[carolinalady67]

With one of your wedding colors being pink after Valentine's would be a great time to do it. Or right now I've noticed a lot of pink ones for Breast Cancer Awareness month. If you remember the M&M's we used they were the Valentine's mix.

[Jader]

Oh yes...there's all kinds of pink M&M's and other stuff out right now! Do you think the candy would still be good in August if I bought it now?

[*Diane*]

Oh yeah, it should be just fine. Don't put them in the fridge though, just keep them in a cool place.

[blondelildevil]

I'm planning on getting all my candy right after Easter (weddings in May) Figured that would be a good time to get everything on sale and it would still be good :)

[Jader]

That's a pretty good idea, Amanda. We've decided not to do a candy buffet, but thanks to everybody for their help.

We are now going to do iced animal cookies (Thanks Aramelle!) and M&M Roses. I figure that'll be cheaper and easier for us to do. I think we'll probably get our M&M's after Valentines Day and hope that they're still good. Either that or I'll just order a bunch of pink M&M's online and get them closer to our date.

Thanks again everybody!