Ask DIY: Candy Buffet Alternative

View CommentsWednesday • August 12, 2009 • by DIY Bride

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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http://www.simplyelegantbridalaccessories.com/ Erica Brooks

The Popcorn Bar is a great idea! A bride could get really creative with it since there is so many flavors to choose from.
http://www.simplyelegantbridalaccessories.com Erica Brooks

The Popcorn Bar is a great idea! A bride could get really creative with it since there is so many flavors to choose from.
http://imaginemagazine.ca/weddings Crystal

Today we’re facing the hottest day we’ve had all year here in Manitoba and the ice cream bar sounds divine!
http://imaginemagazine.ca/weddings Crystal

Today we’re facing the hottest day we’ve had all year here in Manitoba and the ice cream bar sounds divine!
Megan

We’re thinking of having an olive and/or cheese bar. =) Yum!
Megan

We’re thinking of having an olive and/or cheese bar. =) Yum!
http://somdweddings.wordpress.com/2009/08/14/dishing-it-out/ Dishing It Out « Southern Maryland Weddings

[...] the idea of a candy buffet but worried it’s being overdone? You’re not alone. Here are some fun alternatives from the folks at DIY Bride — like a popcorn, cookie or baked goods buffet or DIY sundaes or [...]
http://simplynaturalevents.blogspot.com/ Annette Garica Kerslake

Great ideas…keep it up!
http://simplynaturalevents.blogspot.com Annette Garica Kerslake

Great ideas…keep it up!
Amanda

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

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?
http://cachicdesign.com/ Lauren

@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/
http://cachicdesign.com Lauren

@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/

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Ask DIY: Candy Buffet Alternative

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