I Want Candy!

Candy bars have been popular for a few years now on the wedding blogs, and I love them!  I also love that I've only been to one wedding with one, so it's a relatively fresh idea in our circle.  In general, I am not a big fan of favors, because they tend to be cheaply made and they often get left behind.  Let's be honest, no one wants a screen printed cup/raffia fan/handsewn handkerchief with someone else's names and wedding date on it.  We briefly considered small silver bells, which are not only symbolic of both wedding bells and the Christmas season, but a nod to Lance's late Grandma Lou, who collected bells.  Then we went to a wedding where bells were the favor, complete with cute poem about ringing them to make the bride and groom kiss.  I don't remember anyone ringing them, and I know most guests forgot theirs at the table at the end of the night.  I still have those bells.  No idea what to do with them, but it feels wrong to throw them out.  We also considered sleigh bell ornaments, which are reminiscent of the Polar Express and make beautiful tablescapes.  The problem with this is that we are having a buffet, so there will be no need for a decorated plate at each setting (though they still might make an appearance in kids' or out-of-towners' bags).

The great thing about candy bars is that they are edible (which I think is the key to winning the favors game) and they make fantastic displays!

They are also easy to DIY.  All you need are containers, scoops, bags, and signs.  Add candy, and boom!  You're done!  Personally, I like the apothecary jars, which can be used outside of the wedding to make seasonal displays or even terrariums.  I think a few other round containers coordinate nicely--I happen to have one that was a centerpiece in a friend's wedding that I plan on using.

You can make them colorful for fun:

Or monochromatic for a striking display:

 You can also change the overall look with your signage.

I'm not sure if ours will be all blue, all white, or a mix (maybe ombre?).  It depends partly on what candy is available in each color.  It's important to pick candy that both you and your family will eat, in case you have a ton left over.*  Lance's mom said she would help make white chocolate pretzels for us, which we love.  We also are considering rock candy (one of my favorites, and beautiful, but pricey per unit), pillow mints, raspberry frooties, gum balls, and M&M's.  My cousin suggested snowcaps.  If there is anything you're hoping to see there, please let one of us know!

I found some online candy stores, and they are fun to poke around:

http://www.candywarehouse.com/

http://www.candyfavorites.com/
http://www.bulkcandystore.com/
http://www.metrocandy.com/home.asp
http://www.candydirect.com/
http://www.blaircandy.com/
http://www.hometownfavorites.com/shop/candy_store.asp
http://www.oldtimecandy.com/
http://www.groovycandies.com/
http://www.nutsonline.com/gifts/weddingfavors/

*Our venue does not allow candy in the main hall, so our candy bar will not open until one hour before the end of the reception.  I hope that gives people an incentive to stay and celebrate with us longer!