"I Want Candy": The Candy Buffet Trend

Candy buffets are one of the hottest trends in weddings and events today. A tower of sweets evokes a whimsical “kid-in-a-candy-store” feeling, whatever your age. Harken back to your childhood and recall playing Candyland, where one can become lost in a candy cane forest or stuck in the molasses swamp… remember the first time you watched “Willy Wonka,” when you fantasized about being surrounded by sweet, edible deliciousness.

Aside from adding a fun, fantastical element and fairytale flavor to your event, they are a great way to thank your guests for attending, in lieu of pre-packaged favors. They are beautiful, colorful and fun.

A candy buffet can certainly be a do-it-yourself project, but when you consider all of the elements that go into one (setup, teardown, linens, glassware, scoops, cello bags or other packaging, ties, accessories and lots and lots – and LOTS – of candy), this may just be something to leave to the pros. This is likely to be the most cost-effective option when you consider the cost of renting or purchasing all of the various accessories you will need, and professional candy buffet designers are able to get the very best prices for bulk candy.

Regardless of whether you are doing it yourself or going with a candy buffet professional, the fun part is choosing the candy you plan to offer. Consider several things when making your selections: your wedding colors and theme, your childhood candy favorites, and, of course, the weather and venue. You don’t want your candy buffet to become a puddle of melted chocolate if you’re hosting an outdoor event in the middle of July.

Kasey's Candy Buffets

Kasey’s Candy Buffets, in Port Washington, NY carries a wide range of products to suit a variety of budgets and tastes. Their entire focus is meeting the needs of their customers, and as a result a high percentage of their business results from repeat customers and referrals. Their small candy buffet, which serves up to 50, will run you about $300, while their large (which serves over 100) will cost about $800. Follow their Facebook page to keep up-to-date on current happenings and promotions.

The Candy Buffet

If you live on the West coast, you might consider The Candy Buffet, based in Apple Valley, CA. They specialize in creating delightful and unique candy buffets with your chosen colors and/or theme, and your choice of candy for any occasion. The Candy Buffet prides itself in not offering pre-designed buffets; their buffets are unique to each event. Aside from weddings, consider them for wedding rehearsals, engagement parties, bachelorette parties, wedding and baby showers, and anniversaries. In addition to buffets, they create fun, beautiful centerpieces. Find them on Facebook for current offerings and photos of some of their work.

Sugar Lumps Candy and Dessert Buffets

Sugar Lumps Candy and Dessert Buffets prides itself on being the tri-state area’s premier candy art and gourmet dessert buffet designer. Offering an extensive assortment of confections, they will work with you to select candies, chocolates and desserts which will coordinate best with your event. They offer custom options and pricing, but among their standard offerings is “L’amour Petit Bonbon” (Little Candy Love), which serves approximately 20 to 50 guests and includes a selection of 3 to 5 different candies 5 to 7 glass jars, and “J’adore Candi Couture,” which will accommodate 151 to 200 guests, and offers a selection of 10 to 15 different candies in 15 to 20 glass jars. They serve a wide geographical area, including New Jersey, New York, Maryland, Virginia and DC. Follow them on Facebook and don’t miss out on current news and happenings.

A Sweet Ending Candy Buffet

Serving New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland and New Hampsire, A Sweet Ending Candy Buffet creates candy buffets that are beautiful works of art. Their offerings include their Small Buffet, which will serve approximately 20 to 50 guests, includes 3 to 5 different candies with 5 to 7 glass jars, and their Grand buffet, which will accommodate 151 to 200 guests, and includes 10 to 15 different candies in 15 to 20 glass jars. For an additional charge of $15/hr., they will even supply Candy Striper Girls to remain at your event and supervise your buffet. Check out their Facebook page and become a fan to be in-the-loop on everything A Sweet Ending Candy Buffet is up to.