Dear DIY Bride,
When I started planning my wedding last year I *loved* the idea of having a candy buffet. Today I’m really sick of seeing them! I like the idea of a serve-yourself favor bar. Got any suggestions for an original alternative?
- Angelica
Hey Angelica,
Candy buffets exploded on the wedding scene around 2006 and have gained popularity among DIYers because they’re easy to assemble and usually budget-friendly. But, yeah, I hear you, they’re getting played out.
Fear not, however, there are some yummy and clever alternatives that are sure to please your guests.
Popcorn Bar – This is quickly becoming a popular alternative and rightly so. Popcorn is cheap and irresistible. Display flavored popcorn in cute containers as you would a candy buffet. Include bags, scoops, and napkins. Or serve plain popcorn and offer gourmet toppings – both sweet and savory – so that guests may customize to their liking.
Cookie Buffet – Tempt your guests with yummy homemade cookies. Offer a selection of your favorite cookies or go with a theme, like different variations of chocolate chip cookies. To keep it interesting offer 5 – 8 different types (or variations) of cookie.
Snack Bar – Who said favors need to be sweet? Serve up bowls full of salty, savory snacky foods. Homemade potato chips, pretzels, mixed nuts, Chex-type mixes.
Baked Goods Bar – Brownies, cookies, pastries.
Build-An-Apple Station – One of personal favorites, but one that takes a huge amount of work and coordination, is the candy apple bar. Guests are allowed to customize apples with melted chocolate, caramel, and assorted toppings.
Rice Crispy Treats – Offer an assortment of crispy cereal treats.
Ice Cream or Sundae Bar – Again, this takes a huge amount of work – and is probably best not done as DIY – but I had to throw it in there.
S’mores Bar – Another high maintenance station idea but oh-so-cool.
If you have not yet heard of her, please get your browser over to Amy Atlas’ site right this second. She creates extraordinary dessert-type displays that are sure to inspire.
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The Popcorn Bar is a great idea! A bride could get really creative with it since there is so many flavors to choose from.
Today we’re facing the hottest day we’ve had all year here in Manitoba and the ice cream bar sounds divine!
We’re thinking of having an olive and/or cheese bar. =) Yum!
Great ideas…keep it up!
I NEED HELP! I have already bought my favor boxes, and wanted to put assorted candy. I am sick of this idea, but I need something small to go in my boxes. Any suggestions?
@Amanda, check out m&m’s website, you can customize them with your initials and also the date. You can order in pounds, and select a color that accents you theme colors. Also, slightly different than a reception favor, what about a soda bar at the ceremony. I think this is a very creative idea for an outside wedding, especially if it is held in the open sun. Im sure your guests will appreciate it, and it has an interesting retro feel. I wrote a small article about it at http://cachicdesign.com/blog/trends/indian-summer-sweets/