Creating a DIY self-serve candy station at your wedding reception party is an easy and creative alternative to traditional candy wedding favors.
Jordan almonds wrapped in organza or tulle and tied with ribbon have long been the traditional wedding favor choice for many brides and grooms. TheKnot.com explains the cultural significance for these sugarcoated candies. While this tradition will always be popular, wedding candy buffet bars are becoming the colorful, interactive, and completely customizable candy favor choice for many brides.
Creating your own candy table at your wedding is easy and affordable, and requires only a few supplies. From the candy buffet jars to the favor bags to the tasty candy itself, we outline the 5 steps it takes to create your own colorful and personalized candy bar dream.
Step 1 – Choose Your Candy & Colors
This is the most fun part! First think about what colors you want to have.
A couple planning their wedding will choose colors that match the rest of their wedding. Jelly beans and M&M’s both come in a rainbow of colors. Don’t forget licorice, gum drops, chocolates, gummy bears, and taffy which come in many flavors. Online retailers often organize their candy by color making it easy to find choices that will work with your wedding colors.
Step 2 – Buy Glass Jars & Candy Scoops
Big glass jars work best to show off your colorful candy. Similar to the jars used at old-fashioned bulk candy stores, these often have removable lids to keep the candy fresh. You may want to remove and store the lids right before the guests start to fill their bags up!
Glass flower vases and trifle bowls also work nicely. Don’t forget the scoops (or tongs, depending on what kind of candy it is). Scoops discourage guests from dipping their hands directly into the jars. Use one scoop per candy jar.
Step 3 – Hand Write Labels
Handwritten labels are elegant and help identify what is inside the jars. Choose plain labels or ones with a pretty border that ties in with your wedding theme. If you have messy handwriting, go ahead and print labels on your home inkjet printer or ask a friend to write them for you.
Step 4 – Buy Favor Bags
Just like clear glass jars work best for displaying the candy, clear cello bags work best for filling. Don’t forget twist ties or pre-cut ribbon so guests can tie their goodie bags shut!
Step 5 – Set Up Your Candy Bar Buffet
Now that you have your candy fill, labeled jars, scoops and bags, you are ready to set everything up! Cover your candy table with a table cloth and add bunting to the front of the table, if desired. A vase of flowers also looks nice amongst the jars of delicious sweets.
On your big day, your guests will love filling their bags with their favorite candy, and you’ll love knowing how easy it was to create!