First, let me say that I'm sorry if I'm posting this in the wrong spot. I couldn't find the "General" section for some reason. But this could be related to businesses too.

Does anyone offer Candy Buffets along with cakes? I don't have my own business yet, I'm hoping to one day. In the meantime I often work with my friend that has a Health Board approved business.

Anyway, if I ever do get my own business, I'd love to offer Candy Buffets along with cakes for birthdays, weddings, etc. I think they are so pretty.. some are gorgeous, and I LOVE candy. I think it'd be so much fun too to be able to co-ordinate the colours/theme!

I just wanted to know if anyone does this and if so, do you enjoy it, do you get lots of requests for them, and what kinds of candies do you like to use. (Even if you don't do it, but you've always wanted to, please feel free to share your ideas.) Thanks everyone!

I do candy buffets for friends and family. I really enjoy doing them, love co-odinating everything and love the feedback from guests. Doh....Who forgets to take photo's of these, must see who has some!.
I have purchased several glass jars/vases by fossicking around discount stores for bargains (lucky I am getting a new kitchen with more storage). I have a few pairs so they can be placed each side of the cake plus odd sizes to fill the back & foreground. My favorite jars have stems which I decorate with color matched bows and pin blingy brooches in the middle of the bows when a bit of glitz is required. So easy to change for the next party and color theme.
I mostly buy cheap brand candies that I know have a decent taste, wrapped candy if available. Multi color buffet can look great too. Provide spoons or small tongs so that people aren't sticking their hands in the bowls. I buy cheap plain paper candy bags and decorate with stamping or stickers for guests to put the candies in.
My fav is jewelry candies which are usually in little sealed bags. These are great for the kids but the adults like them too. Several adult males were seen sporting candy bracelets at a recent celebration! Jelly beans are always popular.
Candy buffets are reasonably new in my part of the world and I find I need to tell the guests to help themselves. They say it looks too good therefore thought it is was a display for the cake table and not to be eaten ! I reckon that is a compliment. The leftovers are bagged for the guests to take home. I always over cater but I make sure there are none left coz they might somehow end up in my tummy !

I did one for my daughters wedding and it was a huge hit! I bought ice scoops from GFS that were silver and some were clear plastic. The only problem I had was one jar had M&M's in it and someone broke the glass it was in and did not say anything, there was glass in the candy and on the floor. So if I were to do it again I would definately try to use plastic containers, parents let the kids go to the candy bar alone so that is a definate safety hazard.

Thanks so much for responding! They sound like so much fun and you guys have given me some awesome tips!

I did this last summer for a backyard movie night under the stars for an end of school year start of summer party. Picked a movie, served cupcakes and tons of candy including those from when the adults were kids. We placed all on tables in baskets or containers around a BBQ theme to kick off the evening. Once the BBQ portion of the evening was complete we added nachos and popcorn. Was such a huge hit, that we plan to do it again this year with a whole new look and theme!

I have had a candy buffet biz since 2006. www.LouisvilleCandyBuffet.com

Frankly, most people (the vast majority of people) just DIY. They rarely contract for the service.

Most people who come to me because they are doing dessert table ask me to do only cake/cupcakes/cookies/cake pops/brownies. They tell me they will fill in the table with their own sweets and candy. I would do it though if someone asked me to, but so far most seem to DIY as Leah says.

By the way Leah, I love your candy filled chocolate cakes, it's a great idea!

Probably 25% of my business is candy, cookie, dessert, and full wedding dessert buffets. I do it all just like the pictures on the web... decor, serveware, coordinated cards from print artists, fabric... the whole thing. Anyone wanting info, pm me. Susan

I work for a bulk candy retailer (www.bulkcandystore.com) and I have noticed that most of our customers are individuals who are purchasing candy for a DIY candy bar. However, we do have a few event planners who do numerous candy buffets for their clients.

I work for a bulk candy retailer (www.bulkcandystore.com) and I have noticed that most of our customers are individuals who are purchasing candy for a DIY candy bar. However, we do have a few event planners who do numerous candy buffets for their clients.