What's the "scoop" on Candy Bars...

Why are brides craving "candy bars/buffets" at their reception?  I thought this trend was slowly moving passed Nashville brides.  Needless to say, I have several brides this year who are incorporating candy bars at their reception. The candy bar will be a substitute for wedding favors and is probably a less expesnvie alternative.  Last year, I witness the love of candy from both kids and adults. They can add fun and a splash of color to your wedding.  However, if presented poorly, candy bars can be "cheesy".  Remember, it's all in the presentation.

Here's the "scoop" on candy bars:

COLOR PALETTE

1.  The candy should represent the wedding/reception color palette. Non-wrapped candies work best.

VASE SIZE

2.  Use large, wide mouth glass containers so the candy is easy to scoop.  Use vases that vary in height and shape.  Staggering heights make the bar look unique. 

3.  Don't use the containers with the glass suction tops.  They are hard to remove and often get broken.  I recommend not having tops at all. 

SCOOPS

4.  Don't forget the scoops.  Ice cream scoops work well for jelly beans, M&M's or other small candies but small candy scoops will certainly do the trick.

5. Have one scoop per container.

6.  As an option, neatly Label your container, either on the container or beside the container.  Your guest like to know what they are sampling. 

7.  Using a round table works well because your guest can mingle around the table.

8.  Don't forget the carry away pails or small baggies for the candy. 

TABLE DECOR

9.  Decorate your table with other elements (IE., organza fabric, crystals, flowers, a picture of the bride and groom, etc)  If the area will be dim, place christmas lights under the organza fabric for romantic shimmer.

CANDY SELECTION

10.  Make sure you have a sensible amount of candy on the table.  Too much candy will clutter the table and too little candy will make the table look bare.

11.  Search the candy aisle for the perfect candy.  Look for interesting shapes, textures, flavors, etc.

12.  Search the Internet for nostalgic candies.

13.  Appoint someone to manage the bar, either your planner or a family member can keep the bar neat and stocked with candy.

14.  Have your photographer take pictures of the bar before your guest begin to sample.