Candy buffets have been a wedding trend for receptions in 2009, and consensus among industry professionals is that this trend will continue in 2010. Here are some awesome candy bars designed by Tangela Cummings of Admardecor Event Design & Planning Group.

Aren’t those gorgeous.  Makes you want to eat some candy, huh?

If you’re tying the knot in 2010 and want to create your Willy Wonka-esque candy buffet (a.k.a candy bar), here are some basics to get the planning started.

Types, Colors and Themes

There are numerous directions you can take with the theme and style of a candy buffet. For instance, kick it old school with nostalgic candy like old-fashioned candy ribbons. Or, perhaps old school for you might mean candy necklaces and candy buttons. Create bouquets of lollipops or other hard candies. Select monochromatic candy that all matches your wedding colors. Go with the season, such as choosing sweet treats like candied apples for an autumn wedding. Go DIY with the project and make your own labels to help guests choose which sweets they want to sample.

Displaying the Candy

Fill up voluptuous apothecary jars, vases, or bowls of various shapes and sizes. Limit to one type of candy per container so that it creates the most eye-catching impact, and to avoid mixing flavors. Clear containers are best so that guests can see what’s inside. Besides, the wonder of a candy buffet is not only the tasty sweets, but also the visual treat for the eyes with all the color on display. We recommend you select your containers before you purchase the candy. Also, go DIY and create labels for each container, especially if it’s not evident what flavor or type of sugary treat it is.

Hands-on Self-Serve

If your guests are serving themselves at your candy buffet, make sure the appropriate serveware is available. For instance, if you have bowls of jelly beans, provide a scooper so that guests can fetch a few without getting their hands in the bowl. Obviously, some candies and treats you choose to serve may not require serving utensils, but make sure you’ve thought through the process on this one so your guests don’t end up empty-handed.

Taking Sweets To-Go

If you want to make your candy buffet a portable treat that’s a favor for guests to take home, make sure to have containers on-hand. Choose mini Chinese take-out boxes, clear cellophane bags, or a favor boxes which best compliment your wedding’s style and colors.

Buying Bulk

Not having enough is worse than having too much, so err on the side of too much. And don’t necessarily purchase based on the number of guests in attendance. Plan for how it will look on display. A container should look plentiful, not picked-over, so purchase candy to suit the volume measurements of your containers. This is why we suggest you choose how you’ll display the candy first. Keep in mind your budget and price out the cost of filling your selected jars or vases. Remember to talk to your wedding planner and florist about this project because they may both have ideas for maximizing the visual effect by incorporating it with your other decor.

Personalizing the Trend

Whatever you do, make sure you bring your personality to the table. Here are a few suggestions: Include a sentimental candy favorite. Display photos of you and your sweetheart together. Serve up fortune cookies with custom messages inside. Serve each of your childhood favorites, labeled as His & Hers with a darling photo of each of you as a child. Decorate the table to compliment your other wedding decor.

Thank you Admardecor Event Design & Planning Group for sharing your gorgeous candy bar creations with us. Photographed by Studio Andy Wedding Photography.