From Left to right; Designed by LVL Weddings & Events, Candee by Sandee and Inviting Occasion.

We’ve all heard of the saying, “Like a Kid in a Candy Store,” and when presented with a table full of your favorite, delicious treats don’t you just get down right excited like a little kid? We sure do and so do our clients.   In the past few years  my clients have really jumped on the candy station band wagon and we have too!

Not only does it spice up the party but it also makes for a fun and interactive favor for your wedding guests to take home. Whether you are designing the candy station yourself or hiring someone, here are some helpful tips on how to create a fabulous candy station.

Decide on a Color Palette: Most brides decide on a color palette that matches the overall design of the reception. This will help bring cohesion to your entire event.

Create Depth and Height: It helps if you create a table that incorporates different shape and sizes of containers. A little trick I found is to use old cardboard boxes or telephone books to give the display some height.   You can wrap the boxes in decorative paper, or even leave them bare and cover with matching linens. Just make sure your containers are large enough for someone’s hand so they can easily grab the goodies.

Details: As our blog states, “It’s All About The Details,” and we believe good quality linens, ribbons and paper add nice touches to your overall display. For example, you can make little tags and tie them around the container so your guests know what type of candy they are eating.

Location: Where will it be located?  What does the backdrop look like? You may need to bring in a linen to cover the wall behind it because there is nothing like having a beautiful display and a clashing picture in the background.   Will it be open so people can access it from all sides?  Will it even have sides, or will it be round?  These are all good questions to ask yourself before deciding on a set-up design.

The Weather Man:  We all know candy melts so make sure you know what the weather is going to be like.  Will the table be indoors or outdoors?  If indoor, will there be AC?  If there is a possibility it might be hot outside then avoid using candies that could easily melt.

More than Candy:  Adding fruit is great to your Buffet, but think of other tasty and small snacks you can provide. If you’re open to treats in other forms, consider mini cookies, kettle corn or spiced nuts as sweet additions.  Also consider placing the wedding cake or groom’s cake on the same table to add visual diversity.

Portion Control: It’s easy to worry about not having enough for everyone, but if you’re planning to include a meal and cake in your reception, guests probably won’t be stuffing themselves with extra sugar.  A small portion of ½ cup (4 oz) or less is a good estimate per person.  If you want to buy in bulk for a visual effect, make sure to save the large containers for popular candies so you won’t have too many leftovers.

Think outside the Jar:  Apothecary jars and similar containers tend to be the standard on Candy Buffets but this is not your only option. Vases are inexpensive alternatives and are easy to find.    Don’t be afraid to use cake stands, flat platters, and other serving ware to give your guests a variety of ways to choose their sweets!

Individual Containers:  It is always a good idea to have someone man your candy table in case you need to replenish. If you hire someone to design your candy table then they usually offer someone to man the table as well. If you’ve set up your table as a DIY favor station, little bags or mini boxes can be great take-homes.  Dress them up with a little label and ribbon (maybe with your monogram or a little saying) and your guests have a tasty treat for later.  Small, clear plastic cups or even napkins are also cheap ideas if you prefer the candy to be eaten on the spot.

Check out your local retailers or some of the online stores suggested below:

Online Candy Stores:

• http://www.candywarehouse.com/
• http://www.candyfavorites.com/
• http://www.bulkcandystore.com/
• http://www.metrocandy.com/home.asp
• http://www.candydirect.com/
• http://www.blaircandy.com/
• http://www.hometownfavorites.com/shop/candy_store.asp
• http://www.oldtimecandy.com/
• http://www.groovycandies.com/
• http://www.sweetnostalgia.com/
• http://www.nutsonline.com/gifts/weddingfavors/

Local Stores:

• Your neighborhood grocery store: Safeway, Lucky, Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, etc.
• Bulk stores like Costco or Sam’s Club
• Michael’s: they have a special selection of wedding candies
• Ethnic grocers like Ranch 99 may also carry some unique treats that can give your table a broader range of tastes.

Containers and Things:

• Restaurant supply stores, like Kamei or East Bay Restaurant Supply
• Save On Crafts: http://save-on-crafts.com/
• CB2: http://www.cb2.com/
• Michael’s
• Furniture stores like Ikea, Crate & Barrel
• Thrift or second-hand shops
• Cost-saving stores like Target, Ross, or the Dollar Store
• Scoops: http://www.lionsdeal.com/wi-as-5.html
• More scoops: http://store.primaryshopping.net/30002413.html

{Special Thanks} Project Wedding for the Web sites.

Photography compliments of  Robin Gray Photography, Jim Kennedy Photographers, Henry Chen Photography

{Photos} Summer Lovin’ Invitation, Ferris Wheel, Lemonade, Lanterns, Bridesmaids and Vintage Bike, Candy Buffet, Summer Table Top, Cake, Sodas, Groomsmen Attire, Summer Ceremony, Wedding Dress, Flower Centerpiece

Our favorite idea is a DIY favor to hand out to your wedding guests. Not only is it cost effective, but how cute would these be when tucked in tiny little to-go boxes, wrapped in ribbon matching your wedding colors? A sticker of your monogram would easily seal the boxes and add your own personal and homemade touch. And to practice your fudge making skills, you can start whipping up a batch for all your loved ones just in time for a Valentine’s Day treat.

Special thanks to Martha Stewart for always sharing her great ideas and recipes.

Creamy Fudge Hearts

1. Lightly oil a 9-inch-square pan. (A smaller pan will make the fudge thicker and more difficult to cut). Place milk in a heavy 12-quart saucepan. Stir in sugar; add butter. Over medium heat, stir constantly, until sugar dissolves and butter melts. Increase heat to medium high, bring to a boil, and cover with lid. Let boil for 2 minutes, and uncover. Do not stir; clip a candy thermometer on side of pan, and let mixture boil, over medium-low heat, until it reaches 240 degrees (the soft-ball stage), 15 to 25 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare an ice water bath.
2. Immediately remove pan from heat, and dip the base of the pan in the ice water for 5 seconds. Let the fudge sit at room temperature without stirring, with the thermometer attached, until the thermometer reads 122 degrees and mixture is lukewarm, about 40 minutes. If using food coloring, add 1 drop. Stir the fudge with a wooden spoon until it changes from glossy to opaque and is thick and creamy, 2 to 5 minutes. Quickly pour into prepared pan. Use piece of plastic wrap to smooth fudge into the pan, creating an even surface. Let cool completely, 2 to 3 hours, and cut with 1/2- to 1 1/2-inch heart cookie cutters. (Oil the cutters with the canola oil inside and out before using.) Fudge will keep, well wrapped in plastic or in an airtight container, up to 1 week.

Martha’s Tip: When making fudge, follow the instructions to the letter and make sure your candy thermometer works correctly. To check it, put it in a pan of boiling water; it should read exactly 212 degrees. Timing can vary greatly in candy making, depending on the weather and your equipment, so follow your candy thermometer readings, using the times given in the recipe guidelines.

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