Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Are do-it-yourself (DIY) wedding projects on your to-do list? If you are like most brides (including me) you have grandiose plans for DIY invitations, decor, etc.
Now there’s a great local resource! In addition to amazing floral design, Rhonda Patton Weddings also empowers DIY brides (via her blog) with a wedding decor “how-to” guide. These tips will help you create fab on your own.
Word to the wise - start these projects way early as most brides realize towards the end that they don’t have any time to spare and many wonderful ideas never make it to the big day. Be realistic. If you can’t do it all (which you should never attempt) hire a Nashville wedding professional like Rhonda Patton Weddings to make your sweet dreams come true!
Rhonda Patton Weddings - Candy Bar DIY
Why are brides craving “candy bars/buffets” at their reception? I thought this trend was slowly moving passed Nashville brides. But, 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 expensive alternative. Last year, I witnessed 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.
(This candy buffet is a classic. The layered M&M’s make a great focal point. What makes this bar elegant is the black and white color palette.)
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.
(This bar is beautiful; a nice conglomerate of pinks and chocolates and a little bit of bling can go a long way. The wide mouth glass goblet makes scooping easy and the staggered height makes this bar one of a kind. Don’t forget to personalize your bar. A picture of the bride and groom, custom labels for the containers and bags makes a candy station to remember.)
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.
(This candy bar is bitter sweet. Thumbs up - varied textured candies and the multiple shades of green. Thumbs down - lack of decorative elements to fight the overpowering white linen. I recommend raising the back containers by use of risers or phone books placed under the linens. Also, I would do away with the container lids as they make it difficult for guest to sample the candy. I would use satin linens or a colored organza to soften the blow of white linens.)
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.
(This bold bar has all the elements from a jewel tone color palette, staggering heights, wide mouth containers to photo labels. The photo labels are attached with colorful grosgrain ribbon. An easy DIY for any bride!)
7. Using a round table works well because your guest can mingle around the table.
(This bar is colorful although a little cluttered. The round table leaves plenty of wiggle room. The colors are a nice representation of the wedding color palette. Green satin linens with pink ribbon draped in between the containers with colorful napkins all make great decorative elements. The sprouting twizzlers are a nice twist.)
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.
(Oversize champagne glasses are a nice addition for this layered effect. Layered jelly beans sure makes this bar look yummy.)
12. Search the Internet for nostalgic candies.
(If looking for a neat sample station with a pop, try gourmet popcorn in glass containers. From caramel to cheddar cheese this one is sure to please.)
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.
Love the look but don’t have the time/creativity? Contact me and get fab without the fuss.
Rhonda Patton Weddings
