Couples who medal together, stay together.
Updated Jul 16, 2024How to Sweeten Up Your Big Day With a Wedding Candy Bar
Alexa, play "I Want Candy."
When it comes to wedding favors, finding something guests universally agree on may seem impossible. That's why a wedding candy bar is the perfect addition to any reception. This is one task you can easily do yourself on a budget, and it's a wonderful way to treat your loved ones to some unique snacks. You can even get creative with DIY decorations to make your display match your theme or color palette. We spoke with expert wedding planner Jyl Deering of Deering Events based in South Yarmouth, Massachusetts, who has experience creating wedding candy tables. Deering suggests for your candy display, "Have a variety of sweet, sour, chocolate, etc. Don't go too heavy on one flavor. Also, offering something salty, like a trail mix or salted nuts, is a great mix." So, let's take a peek at some ideas for a candy bar at a wedding that will be just as sweet as your love story.
In this article:
- What Is a Candy Bar at a Wedding?
- How Much Candy for a Candy Bar at a Wedding?
- How Much Is a Candy Bar at a Wedding?
- How to Make a Candy Table for a Wedding
- Wedding Candy Bar Ideas
What Is a Candy Bar at a Wedding?
A wedding candy bar is just what it sounds like—a table for your guests to grab different types of sweets to take home as favors. This can be its own separate display or with a dessert table, and you can choose a mix of candies to give your loved ones a wedding favor they're sure to love.
How Much Candy for a Candy Bar at a Wedding?
"When purchasing [candy], factor in if you have other desserts, how many children are attending the event, and how long the candy bar will be accessible at the party. Having too much candy/leftovers is never a bad thing," Deering says. It's a good rule of thumb to buy around a pound of candy per guest, and as Deering says, in the worst-case scenario, there's more for you and your new spouse once the day is over.
How Much Is a Candy Bar at a Wedding?
A wedding candy bar typically costs around $1 per guest, give or take. The costs can vary, especially given the size of your wedding and any dietary restrictions. One way to save money, though, according to Deering: "Purchasing bulk candy at stores like Costco/BJ's that is wrapped individually will last longer." If you're also buying jars, go-bags and scoops, factor those into your total costs as well.
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How to Make a Candy Table for a Wedding
Thankfully, creating a DIY wedding candy bar can be pretty straightforward. But there are some crucial steps to ensure your display is ready for guests on the day of.
1. Check Your Venue for Space
Before committing to a candy bar, ensure your venue has an area where you can place a candy bar. Even if you need to use a compact table or corner. Deering recommends, "Having the vessels [or] jars on pedestals [of] different heights helps visually and can squeeze more onto a smaller space."
2. Start Buying Supplies
You won't just be buying candy for a display. You'll also want takeaway bags, labels (especially if any candy has nuts or allergens), a variety of flavor options and possibly even decor. One great way to do this is by thrifting items, especially if you find vintage candy shop decorations or displays.
3. Store Your Supplies Safely
Deering adds, "Make sure you store candy before the wedding and day of the wedding in a cool place. [You] don't want it to melt!" There are some items you can set up before the wedding, like the decor, table and empty jars, in order to save time.
4. Don't Set Up Too Early
As for the day of your wedding, Deering says it's better to have it out once dinner has started. For this, make sure you have someone who can set out the candy jars, scoops and bags for you, like a coordinator.
Wedding Candy Bar Ideas
Need some inspiration before creating the wedding candy table of your dreams? Don't worry. We have some ideas that will help get the ball rolling for this super sweet display.
Candy Bar Welcome Wagon
Photo: Caity McCulloch Photography
This adorable candy bar station has a vintage feel that's perfect for any rustic wedding. The ribbons and bows give this a unique touch, and you and your new spouse can serve guests with local candy favorites or old classics on this welcome wagon.
Retro Meets Glam Candy Bar
Photo: Jon Duenas Photography
This wedding candy bar brings mid-century modern vibes and a touch of glam for a candy station that both kids and adults will love. If you really want to keep it glam, consider serving candy with glitter accents or champagne-flavored gummy bears, for example.
Monogram Pink and Blue Candy Bar Wedding
Keep it simple and sweet, like this wedding candy bar that uses the couple's initials for some tasty bites. It's a union between two families, so choose your favorite colors and theme for your candy station around certain sweet treats, like these pinks and blues.
Rustic Wedding Candy Bar
It's a barrel of fun (or two, in this case) with this old-fashioned-themed wedding candy bar idea. Incorporate elements from your backyard or barn wedding into the candy display with classic treats and local favorites.
Next Stop, The Candy Station
Does it get more nostalgic than this wedding candy bar? Throw it back to the days when you could fill a bag of candy for under $1 with this lovely vintage display. You may even want to hide some golden tickets for your guests at this bar.
Sweet and Simple Wedding Candy Bar
Here's an idea: Pick a color and theme your whole candy table around it. This bright display uses shades of turquoise and lime, including some fun classic car toys that make it feel like you're hanging out at the malt shop.
