Plan the perfect candy buffet

Regardless of whether you are hiring a professional or doing it yourself, there are a few important considerations involved in the successful delivery of a candy buffet at your event that have very little to do with what candy actually goes into the jars. Essentially the “how” and “where” of a candy buffet is just as important as the “what”. Take all this into consideration and we guarantee you’ll blow your guests away with a feast that dazzles both the eyes and the taste buds.

 

• Where

The first thing to consider is where to place the candy buffet at your event. You have a few alternatives – to either tuck it away in a discreet area of the room or the foyer of the venue, OR to incorporate it as the very centrepiece of the room for maximum impact. Consider at which end the guests will queue. Will this block thoroughfares, or worse, the dance floor? We’ve seen queues as long as 75m for a candy buffet so don’t underestimate this important point. Perhaps also think about keeping the buffet hidden and then revealing it towards the end of the night. It can really give the event a second-wind and keep energy high for the functions entirety.

•  When

Next, when do you announce the buffet is open? We have come across a few venues that have removed the lids prior to the guests arriving at the venue – this is a no-no. Firstly, it gives your guests a chance to spoil their dinner for which you have probably paid a pretty penny. Additionally some of the lollies may spoil or harden prior to the buffet being ready for guests. If you don’t believe me, pour some rock candy into an open glass and leave it for half an hour. Ta-da! The quintessential definition of “rock” candy. A common opening time is after dessert is served.

•  How

When it is time to open, have the venue staff remove the lids and place them out of sight under the table. You don’t want guests with a bag in on hand, a scoop in another and a glass lid wedged under their wing as they attack the sugared almonds. Seeing lids littered across the buffet table is a really bad look too. Chances are you will store refills under the buffet table. Make sure your venue is briefed on how to handle this tricky situation. We see too many buffets that everybody thought were finished only to find boxes of uneaten candy underneath. Staff should inform the person at the head of the queue that if they don’t mind waiting a couple of minutes, staff will refill the buffet so the guests can enjoy the full selection again. Most guests are understanding of this and will protect their “head of the queue” status by informing those behind them.

•  What

DELICIOUS CANDY. What else! You can choose candy based on a colour scheme, or alternatively just pick your favourites. If dealing with a professional candy buffet company, this is where the Buffet Stylist comes in handy. They will be able to help you design a stylish, eye catching display of delicious candy that suits your own particular tastes and/or event theme.

Beyond the important aspects of position, opening and replenishment, don’t underestimate how much of an impact the candy buffet will have on your entire event. Guests may remember the venue, they will remember your wedding dress, they might remember the food, but they will never forget a good candy buffet. And that’s a promise