Build a Better Candy Bar

Candy Bars and Buffets aren't a new concept for events these days, but clients that I work with still ask the same questions when putting one together for their upcoming event or wedding. 

How much candy should I purchase?

This usually depends on how many guests you are expecting, but a general rule to use is 5 lbs of 6-7 different types of candy. If you are expecting 200+ guests, I would increase the amount to 5-7 lbs of 7-8 types. If you are expecting less than 100 guests, 5 lbs of 5-6 types should be plenty!

What type of candy should I purchase?

I advise my clients to purchase candy that they like to eat and are their favorites, not to base it on their event colors. Sometimes when you purchase candy based on colors, you are limited with the kinds you can buy and there tends to be tons left over that no one likes. You should also consider the time of year for your event. If you are having a summer event, you probably want to avoid a lot of chocolate or other coated candies that could melt easily in the hot weather. Lastly, if you have a limited budget, name brand candies are usually more expensive so go with a generic version if you can. 

Where should I purchase the candy?

I recommend buying from a bulk candy vendor. I order from CandyWarehouse, but there are lots of other sites and local stores to choose from. CandyWarehouse usually has coupon codes for discounts or shipping offers. You can also search by color, type of event or type of candy which makes choosing your candy a lot easier. 

How many jars do I need to purchase?

For an average candy bar, you'll be ordering 5 lbs of 5-6 different types of candy so you will need 7-8 different jars. Apothecary jars, vases and bowls can all be used as candy jars and it's good to use a good mix of high, low and medium to create levels. For apothecary jars, try to use ones that don't have too small an opening because guests will have trouble getting the candy out of them. Also, take into account the age of your guests. If it is a kids' party, you'll want to have jars that are lower and can't easily be knocked over. My favorite site for jars is SaveOnCrafts. They have a variety of vases, bowls & jars to choose from at great prices. Make sure to order your scoops too! 

How do I decide which candy goes in which jars?

I always wait until the candy comes to plan out the buffet, so I can see the actual size of the candy and which will fit best in which jars/vases. Put your jars out and try different candies in each to see what looks best. Your larger candy may be better in tall vases to fill the whole container. You can also decide if one type of candy is going to go in multiple vases, jars or bowls on the table. Post-it notes and taking photos can help plan out the candy bar for easy set-up the day of the event.

What bags or containers should I buy for my guests to take the candy in?

Small bags are the easiest option. You can purchase custom bags on Etsy and other websites which can be displayed on the candy bar table or the guest place settings. Boxes can be good too, but only if you have a place to display them. 

Do I need to decorate my candy table?

You don't need to do much and can always re-purpose decor items. For weddings, use a floral arrangement from your place card table for the candy table since the place card table is normally re-purposed for favors. A simple sign thanking your guests for coming or adding to the theme of your event is also a good idea to decorate the table. Another way to decorate is adding some ribbon to the jars or vases.

Make sure you get some photos of your candy bar before your guests dig in!

Still have questions about your candy bar? Email me at Classiceventsbykris@gmail.com and I'll help you!

Chalkboard Sign Tutorial

Chalkboard signs have become increasingly more popular these days. With chalkboard paint readily available, it is so easy to turn a mirror, frame, old window pane or just a wall into a chalkboard sign area. There are also lots of gorgeous designs for artwork and designs available if you don't want to actually make a chalkboard or buy one.

I decided it was finally time for me to make a chalkboard of my own! This has been a project on my To-Do list for a while now and I'm happy to report that it was NOT a "Pinterest Project Failure" post. A couple purchases (mirror from Home Goods and Chalkboard Paint at Lowe's) and two coats later, I was in business to start posting quotes, lists and more on my new chalkboard.

If you aren't confident with your own handwriting skills, you can always print out the letters and trace them onto the board. Recently, I helped a friend create a sign for her MIL's retirement party. We were nervous about handwriting the main letters, so we found this easy process after a quick Pinterest search.

1. Print out the letters or saying that you want to put on the chalkboard. Make sure the letters are large enough for your sign. You may need to cut each letter out to be able to place them where you want on the board.

2. Turn over the paper and cover the backside of the paper with the chalk.

3. Place the paper, chalk-side/backside against the chalkboard and outline the letter with a pen or pencil. When you take away the paper, you will see a faint outline of the chalk letter which you can go over again with the chalk on the board. 

4. Continue with all the letters/sayings/design that you want to put on the board until complete. 

We did a very simple design for our first try, but you could put different designs or sayings on the board from printed out images from websites. Need ideas for what to post on your chalkboard when you're not using it for a certain event? Check back here for my "Chalkboard Ideas" on Pinterest and follow my pages for ideas! 

Jungle Theme Baby Shower

I had so much fun working with my friend Gwen and her mom on her sister Erin's Jungle Theme Baby Shower! Gwen and her mom put together a wonderful Sunday afternoon shower for Erin and Pat at Trattoria Giuseppe in Edgemont, PA. Here are some photos from the event:

Place cards and board made by Classic Events by Kris

 

Banner by Classic Events by Kris

Baby Shower Bingo created by Classic Events by Kris

Cake was inspired by the invitations by Tiny Prints

Gwen and her mom purchased these cute "Preserve Our Future" bags as favors for guests.

Tags by Classic Events by Kris

So excited to meet the new little one next month, Congrats Erin and Pat!

Summer Special: 15% OFF Customized Favors!

Summer is finally here!

Enjoy 15% customized favors for any type of event in June, July or August!

This offer includes:

- Wedding Welcome Bags

- Candy Bar for any type of event

- Kids' party favors (bags, buckets, etc...)

- Bridal or Baby Shower favors

- Bachelorette Party Bags

Any type of favor for ANY type of event... Contact me today at classiceventsbykris@gmail.com to claim this offer and discuss ideas for your upcoming event!

Ladies Room Basket

Check out this Ladies Room Basket I put together for a recent client’s wedding:

I tried to include all essential items that ladies would need including mouth wash, deodorant, hair spray, tissues, pain reliever, Q-tips, bobby pins, tampons, floss, mini tooth brushes, band-aids, hand sanitizer and mints. This is a great basket to put together for any ladies event (bridal shower, baby shower, bridal suite, tea party, etc…)

Let’s not forget about the men! Men’s Baskets can be put together also for bachelor parties, golf outings or weddings. You could include some of the same items and other men’s products that are essential.


Most drug stores or grocery stores have a travel size area that you can purchase most of these items.