Sweet Surrender

It's no secret that a recent trend in wedding favors is the candy buffet. Like a mecca of sweetness calling to the kid in all of us, brides are turning to this fun and practical favor idea.

And while a candy buffet may seem like an easy option for the couple, Amanda Edge of Simply Sweet in Charleston has a few tricks up her sleeve that make her buffets unique, professional, and extremely elegant.


Amanda's mom is in the wedding rental business as well as owner of Elegant Chair Covers in Charleston. It was her encouragement that first led Amanda to believe that this was a wedding vendor need that she could potentially fill.
When asked about the candy buffet's appeal, Amanda states: "It's just a sweet alternative to the traditional party favor that doesn't serve much purpose and may get tossed in your guests junk drawer."



Locally purchased candies like jelly beans and m&ms combine with Amanda's home made marshmallow pops, cotton candy, and white chocolate pretzels coordinating with the color scheme of the wedding. These photos courtesy of Mike Winland Studios showcase Amanda's true talent for placement and her attention to detail at the recent nuptials of Linsey & Craig at Chief Logan State Park.

Though Amanda's expertise is in high demand, she has a few pointers for those couples planning to go it alone in preparing their own buffet:

1. Have at least 1/4 to 1/2 pound of candy per guest.

2. Get creative with the color scheme of your wedding and find candies that speak to your personality. It doesn't always have to be matchy matchy.

3. Repurpose heirloom pieces from your friends and family to hold the candy in. Large glass or crystal vehicles for the candy are expensive, so save by pooling resources.


4. Create a center focus and build your buffet around it at different heights.

5. Never place anything too high. Remember your guests have to reach in and scoop out the goods. You don't want your entire table collapsing because someone couldn't get to the chocolate.






6. Pay attention to detail. Anyone can put a scoop in dish of candy, but a ribbon on each scoop or a tule wrapper on each lollipop can add dimension and color to the buffet.

7. Keep in mind that candy buffets are time sensitive and must be done hours before the reveal. If you're thinking about doing this on your own, evaluate how valuable your time is on the day of and the day before your wedding. Don't bite off more than you can chew, and don't be afraid to speak with a professional.

Simply Sweet

Amanda Edge

(304)545-2632

simplysweetwv@aol.com
http://simplysweetwv.com/index.html

Mike Winland Studios
5306 MacCorkle Ave SE
Charleston, WV
(304) 345-3674
http://www.mwstudios.net/