Wedding Candy Bar Ideas

Planning a wedding that includes personal touches and innovative ideas is the goal of many couples. One option is a candy bar at the reception; this is an artfully presented candy buffet where guests help themselves to the type and amount of candy they desire. Candy bars can add to the reception decor while providing sweet favors to the guests.

Presentation

Presentation is the key to adding a decorative element to your candy bar. Use large jars in various shapes and sizes. Clear glass works well, as it allows the colorful candy to be displayed. Another option, if you have floral centerpieces, is to use vases that match your centerpieces, as long as they are large enough to accommodate a candy scooper. Use plastic stands or wooden platforms covered in cloth that matches the tablecloths to create variation in height. Add full-size chocolate bars or individually wrapped cookies to a platter or tray for additional options. Ribbons in the wedding colors can be tied around the jars, holding stickers or labels that indicate the type of candy inside along with the couple's names or monogram, the date or a simple expression such as "thank you."

Candy Choices

Choose a theme for your candy. For example, retro candy will dazzle your guests with sweet treats of yesteryear. These candies will add a burst of color while allowing guests to reminisce and enjoy candy from their childhood. Think Dots, Jujubes, Pop Rocks, Chiclets and candy necklaces. Another theme idea is to use your wedding colors for inspiration. For example, for a pink and brown wedding, include pink conversation hearts, chocolate malt balls, pink jelly beans, wrapped chocolate caramels and a mixture of pink and brown M&Ms.

Fill the jars with at least five different kinds of candy. Order enough candy to make a visually captivating impact instead of considering how much you think your guests will consume. Jon Prince, president of CandyFavorites.com, suggests purchasing 15 lbs. to 20 lbs. of each type of candy, while using five to 10 different types. In addition to small candies guests can scoop up, feature large lollipops and swizzle sticks that match your colors.

Finishing Touches

Small bags or containers should be set up for your guests to fill with candy and take home as favors. You can put stamps, stickers or decals with thank-you messages on paper or plastic bags. A simple "Thank you for sharing our special day" is appropriate, as well as your names or monogram and perhaps the wedding date. Set out ribbons in your wedding colors on a platter or in a shallow bowl so guests can tie their bags closed. Another option is to put out small favor boxes or Chinese take-out containers. Again, add stamps or stickers to make the containers personal. Adding customized wrappers to chocolate bars is another way to personalize your display.

Floral arrangements that match your centerpieces can flank the sides of the candy-bar table, or you can use one large arrangement at the center of the table. An arrangement of three pillar candles in your wedding colors on a decorative tray is another way to dress up the table, adding more color and aesthetic appeal.