Candy Buffet at Wedding | Sweets Table at Wedding

by mandeesears

Ideas, suggestions and the tools you need to create an elegant sweets table or candy buffet at a wedding.

Candy buffets are an ever popular trend for weddings as well as other events like showers, sweet 16 parties, fundraising events, corporate parites and more. Hosting an elegant and beautiful candy buffet (or sweets table) takes some pre-planning and a bit of creativity.

Let's get to it!

Learn by Example

Decorating Basics

When studying the pictures of candy buffets above, we see lots of different heights, textures, colors and layers. All these elements are basic to decorating.

Varying heights create visual interest -- give the eye places to roam and different levels to stop at. This is one key to setting any sort of table, be they buffets or guest tables. Use a tall floral arrangement in the middle of the table and build up to it. Use different sized jars and containers to acheive this effect. 

Textures can be introduced in a variety of ways -- in the candy, linens, containers, florals or other decor you use to accent the candy buffet. 

Choosing an array of colors gives interest immediately but a monochromatic effect of say, just two colors can have a dramatic effect as well. Or, use different shades of one color like the blues used in the 3rd photo. 

Layering is easily achieved by leaning one item in front of another or using more than one linen. Setting a jar, plate of bowl of candy on a riser covered with an accenting fabric not only varies the heights but spotlights the color or texture of the fabric.  Alternately, layer the candy colors in your clear containers to introduce the decorating basic. 

Ideas for Candy Buffet

Candy Buffet by Connie Foggles

A candy buffet acts as decor -- a beaurtiful centerpiece or focal point at your event -- as well as favors and food for an event. How you set it up will determine the feel, ambiance of the event.

Colorful candies, like those in the image at the left, makes for a fun, festive feel.

Monochromatic candies in clear containers can take on a more rich, elegant feel. 

Also, some candies are "themed". This type of candy can will work great for an event like a casio theme party or fundraiser. Try Poker Chips Milk Chocolate  candies or Pink Foil Chocolate Hearts for a wedding, shower or rehearsal dinner.

You can use individually wrapped candies and get them at your local Wal-Mart or Target or Target also carries bulk candy in a rainbow of colors. You can order them online too, just be careful of the shipping charges as candy can be heavy!

Color, the arrangement and table decor all combine to add to the overall scene you are setting for your guests. Put a little thought into what effect, feeling and atmosphere you want to achieve. 

image credit: Connie Foggles

Containers, Scoops and Risers -- Oh My!

Supplies for Your Candy or Sweets Table
WILTON CANDY BUFFET SQR PLST CNTR SET...
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WILTON CANDY BUFFET DECOR KIT 120-550
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Wilton Swirly Lollipop Holder
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Sweets Table at Wedding

black and white dessert tableAlthough candy buffets are very popular, "Sweets Tables" are gaining ground. Adding a few dessert selections to the candy offerings opens the door to pleasing more of your guests. Grandma might not want rock candy or a jawbreaker but a cupcake or cookie might encourage her to partake. 

Considering adding some cookies, cupcakes, mini muffins, and even a diabetic approved mini dessert to your candy buffet and call it a "sweets Image Credit: Mandee Sears                              table" or "desserts buffet" instead. 

Suggestions:

  • Mini puddings or gelatin in mini martini glasses
  • Italian Wedding Cookies
  • Decorated Sugar Cookies
  • Mini cheesecakes
  • Mini tarts
  • Mini muffins in different flavors
  • Mini fruit or cream filled puff pastry shells
  • Brownie bites
  • Petit Fours

Have cello bags and small boxes available for guests to take a bite home. This is the best of both worlds! 

Adding Decor

Themed or Otherwise

To finish off the design of your sweets table or candy buffet, consider adding some theme appropriate decor. 

  • For instance, if you have a beach theme, find a large bowl in the shape of a shell and use it to display your candy. Use beach chair or shell shaped place card holders as signs for the different types of candies.  
  • For a garden theme, add a small garden cart or wheel barrow to hold the cello bags. Use mini garden shovels as scoops, drape a few pairs of new garden gloves around the table. 
  • For a travel theme, add mini suitcase stacked for effect or use luggage tags to label the candy and desserts. 
  • For a casino or Las Vegas theme, use dice, playing cards, mini "Welcome to Vegas" sign or mini slot machine on the table as accent.
  • For a simple, elegant modern theme, choose clean lined cake pedestals to place your bowls or desserts on and accent with led candles in holders. (LED candles are safer than real flames when guests will be reaching across the table.)

Use your imagination and come up with your own unique ideas! 

Items to Use as Decoration on your Sweets Table

Click on images for more information

Candy & Buffet Resource Articles

Candy Ideas for Candy Buffet
Get the lowdown on candy ideas for candy buffets when planning a gorgeous candy buffet at your wedding reception, party or event.

Ideas for Candy Buffet | Sign for Candy Buffet
Now that you have decided to include a wedding sweets table, you will need signage to identify the goodies.

Buffet Table Decor - Ideas for a Black & White Party
Party & event hosts are very creative creatures. They search all over the internet for dessert buffet table decor ideas to use as inspiration for their own event. Photos can trigger that "great idea"...

Updated: 01/04/2014, mandeesears
 
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Would you enjoy a Candy Buffet or Sweets Table at a Wedding?

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Seelyon on 06/20/2015

Fun wedding idea! I might have to consult with the soon to be wife on this one. I haven't seen this at any weddings yet but I'm sure it will be a hit.

buttonhead on 03/28/2012

A candy buffet is such an awesome idea! It's colorful and fun, and with the right display, it can look really elegant too!

sheilamarie on 07/25/2011

Lovely displays, Mandy!

MugTreasuresByBrenda on 07/11/2011

I know I would enjoy a sweets table and I'd certainly say no to a candy buffet. Interesting topic!

Digby_Adams on 06/21/2011

Oh Wow! No you're talking my kind of wedding buffet - m&m's, twizzlers, rolos, tootsie roll pops - in Waterford Crystal. I can see it now! Too bad I'm already married. But believe me, I'll put these ideas to good use in the future. Thanks so much.

Guest on 06/17/2011

I hope to go somewhere with a candy buffet. This is such a great idea.

ohme on 06/05/2011

Candy Buffets can add so much to any event. This is some great tips and photos. Thanks so much for all your help!

mandeesears on 06/03/2011

I love the old time candy buffets! They are packed full of memories for sure!

WebWriter on 06/03/2011

Beautiful displays. I went to a wedding that had candy that I had not seen since I was a kid. They had all the old time candy. Brought back memories and it was fun to eat.

lakeerieartists on 06/02/2011

Awesome idea. I love these display. I will definitely keep these in mind for my next party.


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