We sought out the best wedding planners to get the skinny on how to create the ultimate candy buffet for weddings, birthday parties, graduations, baby showers, sweet 16’s and quinceaneras. Get ready to unravel the secrets of how to create the ultimate candy bar that will wow your guests and save you hundreds of dollars.

1. What DIY ideas can you provide for choosing a good table and linens for a wedding or party candy station? 

 

“We suggest choosing a textured linen for the candy buffet, something that pops but doesn’t take away from the main display – the candy. We love using sequenced linens on 6′-8’ X 30” tables. If you’re close to a target or walmart, these tables are easy to purchase and don’t cost more than $40!“
– Brian Kelly and Sean Koski of Ticket2Events

“We always choose tables rectangular in length that ideally can be accessed from all sides. This helps create an interactive station for guests to enjoy from all angles while mixing and mingling over their personal favorites. Typically since the candy tends to be bright colored and a natural focal point, we recommend selecting a more neutral linen – even white – to offset the candy’s boldness.”
–Candice Wigfield, Hamby Catering & Events

“Start with a color scheme or theme and choose your linen to highlight it. Make sure you use a sturdy table because the containers and the candy are very heavy.”
-Heidi Hiller, InnovativePartyPlanners

“The table must fit the atmosphere…circle, square, oval, etc…mismatching shapes causes a disconnect with guests and the event.  The linen must be a base color, don’t try to over do it with some crazy linen, 80% or more will be covered with glass, items, candy, décor, etc., so don’t spend too much time on worrying about the linen, but make sure it’s a matching color!”
-Gregorio Palomino, TexasCandyBar

Photo source: http://www.sweetiefactory.co.uk

2. Any recommendations for great places to buy wedding candy bar display linens online?  

 

“One of our favorite places to purchase linens (although we rent those as much as possible because the upkeep is VERY time consuming) is KoyalWholesale.com This website boasts competitive pricing and in-season finds perfect for any party that must be on-trend.”
– Brian Kelly and Sean Koski of Ticket2Events

“Don’t buy your linen, rent it! Look for local rental companies with a great selection of rental linen. Tell them your table size and they can recommend the right size linen. Your linen should hang to the floor for a neat and finished look.”
-Heidi Hiller, InnovativePartyPlanners

“There are some linen you can buy online, but hiring a candy company is the better option, they’ll usually have the matching color you need or some options.  Usually black, white, champagne are the best base color without having any issues or worry.  BBJ Linen is usually a simple place to get the right linen, but it’s going to cost you!”
-Gregorio Palomino, TexasCandyBar

Photo source: http://www.anfitria.com.br

3. What DIY tips, ideas and resources would you recommend for choosing the best scoops and glass or plastic candy jars for a candy bar?

 

“9 times out of 10 when creating a DIY candy bar, HEIGHT is the #1 thing forgotten about! As event designers, we take into account the overall aesthetics of a display and this is where height comes to help! Please remember to utilize different sized jars, high and low, and if you’re unable to find jars in varying heights invite in acrylic risers to help achieve the professional look. Mixing circles with squares inset something we’d advise to do unless the table will be over filled with various shapes. We do approve of circular vases in various heights with or without stems!”
– Brian Kelly and Sean Koski of Ticket2Events

“We love playing with different heights and shapes of containers. Not only does it make the table look visually appealing, but also appeases the littlest of sweet tooths to have something at eye level. Make sure to include goodie bags, we prefer clear cellophane, so guests can take their treats to go. “
-Candice Wigfield, Hamby Catering & Events

“Shop for clear glass containers with lids. Homegoods carries a great variety of glassware. Be sure to purchase mini scoops or tongs that can fit in the container openings.”
-Heidi Hiller, InnovativePartyPlanners

“Never go with the same shape, color, size, etc…but remember the candy that goes in each one…don’t pick a narrow vase with gummies or something you need to scoop, simple mathematics and angles will make sure no one gets what they want.  Pick glassware with open necks for more movement and to maneuver inside the glass.  Always get glass, never skimp on acrylic or plastic…glass makes a different impression, no matter what candy you present”
-Gregorio Palomino, TexasCandyBar

Photo source: http://budgetsavvybride.co.uk

4. Any recommendations for great places to buy Candy bar containers, dishes, vases & jars online?

 

“Candywarehouse.com is our go-to for online shopping when it comes to containers. If we’re around a Home Goods or Hobby Lobby we also will stop inside to see their selection of jars. Mis match is always OK!”
– Brian Kelly and Sean Koski of Ticket2Events

“Save On Crafts”
-Heidi Hiller, InnovativePartyPlanners

Photo source: https://www.wedmegood.com

5. What tips would you recommend for choosing the best candy for the buffet?

“Mix in with your traditional candy some custom wedding candy with your names printed on them and the date of your wedding. It will go a long way to looking special and your guests will love it! ” – Sarah, MyCustomCandy.com
“We suggest something sour, something gummy, something crunchy, chocolates covered in your color scheme, and M&Ms!”
– Brian Kelly and Sean Koski of Ticket2Events

“We recommend sourcing a variety of sweet, sour and salty. Unless you confidently know your crowd – try to have something for every type of sweet tooth. It’s always fun to add a personal element as well. At the 2016 Volvo Car Open player party we made sure to include Charleston Chews – since the largest WTA tournament in North America happens here in our hometown of Charleston.”
-Candice Wigfield, Hamby Catering & Events

“Keep in mind what your guests like. If you have a theme or color scheme, stick with it. If possible incorporate wrapped candies to avoid spreading germs.”
-Heidi Hiller, InnovativePartyPlanners

“Put a healthy spin on the ‘candy buffet’ concept. Instead of candies filled with lots of processed sugars, considering serving dark chocolate – which is loaded with health benefits. Add some more options to the healthy candy buffet by working with a chef to create candies and treats using fresh fruits.”
-Janessa White, SimplyEloped 

“Consider the atmosphere of the event(hot, cold, mild).  Don’t get something that melts or changes flavor or shape(gummies) if it’s hot.  On the flip side, gummies can also get hard in mild or cold weather.  Same with chocolates…the temperature must be below 75 degrees or your chocolate will make a mess.  Make sure candies match the color you’re going after.  Candies are made in various colors with use of food coloring, but they don’t always have to taste like the color they’re colored after.”
-Gregorio Palomino, TexasCandyBar

Photo source: http://www.swansosweet.com

6. Any recommendations for great places to buy bulk or wholesale candy or custom mints for a candy buffet?

 

“For custom candy MyCustomCandy.com. For regular bulk candy there are many places to choose from and I would suggest googling the candy color you are looking for like pink candy, purple candy, gold, red, black, white, yellow etc.”
– Sarah, MyCustomCandy

“Rather than having a bunch of generic candy, consider having custom candy made with text or flavors that are meaningful to your relationship.
-Janessa White, SimplyEloped 

“Sugramancandy.com or Candynation.com “
– Brian Kelly and Sean Koski of Ticket2Events

“Amazon, Oriental Trading, Candy Warehouse”
-Heidi Hiller, InnovativePartyPlanners

Photo source: www.candybarsydney.com.au

7. What recommendations would you make on bags and supplies for guests to use to fill with candy buffet candy?

 

“Choose clear bags that easily close or provide ties for your guests – avoid colored bags as the candy will not be visible as the guests leave!”
– Brian Kelly and Sean Koski of Ticket2Events

“Keep the bags small, around ¼ pound. Use clear bags or bags that have an imprint design if it matches your party theme. Provide twist ties. For a nice touch, put a label on them for your guests to write their name or a label with your event theme.”
-Heidi Hiller, InnovativePartyPlanners

“Cellophane bags are best for candies that won’t melt or don’t need to be kept at room temperature.  They can be hot and you can put them in the freezer.  It’s also great for candies that may break are or fragile.  Mesh/Cloth bags are best for candies that need to breathe or may be too large to fit in a cellophane bag.”
-Gregorio Palomino, TexasCandyBar

Photo source: http://www.deerpearlflowers.com

8. Any recommendations for great places to buy bags online for a candy buffet?

 

“Believe it or not, we prefer Amazon.com especially with the prime shipping option!”
– Brian Kelly and Sean Koski of Ticket2Events

“Nashville Wraps”
-Heidi Hiller, InnovativePartyPlanners

“Bags can be found online at Uline or Amazon, just make sure you get the right size on volume, not necessarily dimensions.  Don’t go overboard and get custom bags, get bags you like and then custom decorate them when you get them with stickers or paints/markers.”
-Gregorio Palomino, TexasCandyBar

Photo source: www.modwedding.com

9. Any other recommendations on creating the ultimate candy buffet?

“Put together a real idea of what you’re doing – color, texture, theme, and see if this will be something you’ll do again! Investing in the jars, tables, tablecloths, can be costly especially if you won’t reuse the items – maybe check if using a vendor will be less time consuming and cheaper overall ☺”
– Brian Kelly and Sean Koski of Ticket2Events

“Put labels on your jars, decorate the jars. Make fun signage on your buffet. If you want to save the buffet to open it towards the end of your party, set it before your party and then cover it with a second linen so you can simply unveil it at the end of your event.”
–Candice Wigfield, Hamby Catering & Events

“On the healthy note, consider purchasing candy from a company like Natural Candy Store that sells candies without artificial flavors, sweeteners, and preservatives.”
-Janessa White, SimplyEloped 

Photo source: www.theknot.com

Ready to create your ultimate candy buffet? Start here with Custom Printed Candy Hearts and Mints!