How to Select Types of Candy for a Candy Buffet

A candy buffet is a creative way to brighten up your wedding reception--or any large event, for that matter. A successful buffet should offer a variety of candy for the guests to choose from, and should provide enough for everyone. If you're having a candy buffet at your wedding or your next party, take some time to select the best types of candy to display.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Include old favorites like M&Ms and Hershey's Kisses--but with a personalized twist. You can order Kisses that feature special messages on the white paper ribbon, such as "Just Married," "Let's Celebrate" and "Congratulations." M&Ms can be personalized with special colors and messages (2 lines of up to 8 characters each). Visit the Hershey's and M&Ms websites to order (see Resources below).
2. Coordinate your candy selection with your wedding colors and theme. Your candy buffet should be a reflection of your wedding mood. For example, if you plan to have a garden wedding, you may consider including butterfly-shaped lollipops in the buffet, lollipops shaped like flowers, or milk-chocolate roses. You can find a good selection of fanciful lollipops at CandyWarehouse.com (see Resources below).
3. Splurge on a variety of different chocolate bars or truffles from gourmet brands like Godiva, Vosges or La Maison du Chocolat to impress discerning guests. Since gourmet chocolates are pricey, consider filling in the rest of your buffet with cheaper offerings of hard candy, licorice and mints.
4. Go for comedic effect, especially if your candy buffet is for a birthday party or other occasion where "elegance" isn't so important. Select fun, sugary candies like Bazooka Joe bubble gum, lollipop rings, candy necklaces and Pixie Stix. You can even set out an array of different Pez dispensers for guests to choose as favors. Find a wide array of dispensers, from retro throwbacks to popular cartoon characters, at the Pez website (see Resources below).
5. Remember that a candy buffet should be a feast for the eyes as well as the tastebuds. With that in mind, you'll want to select candy in a wide array of shapes, colors and textures. For a list of companies that offer a large variety of different candies for events, check out the WeddingManor.com website (see Resources below).

Tips & Warnings

• People suffering from diabetes and some other medical problems cannot eat all types of candy. Have sugar-free candy available for those who need it.
• Consider the type of weather you expect for your wedding, as hot weather doesn't mix well with chocolate.

Who Can Help:

• Find Decorators & Designers Here. Compare Up to 4 Quotes, Free Service & No Obligation.