A Christmas Wedding

A Christmas wedding in Sydney is simply stunning; sunny days, long evenings thanks to daylight savings and with so many waterside venues to take advantage of the balmy nights many couples opt for a December dates.

One of the sweetest ideas I have seen which is elegant and classic enough for a wedding whilst acknowledging the Christmas season is the wedding of Shen-Tel Lee and Bobby Ting at Sydney's Westin Hotel.

The table centrepieces were gold trees trimmed with gold, silver, glass and crystal trinkets which turned the ballroom into a twinkling fairyland.

At the end of the evening guests were invited to take the decorations home to hang on their own Christmas trees, a yearly reminder of the couples beautiful day.

Photography by Sugarlove Pictures and also featured in Real Wedding Magazine.

Candy Bar Jars

Searching for the perfect mix of decorative and practical jars for your candy bar or table decorations? Look no further than Brown Button Trading, a gorgeous online store which ships worldwide- how perfect is that?!

After some tips for your own candy bar or dessert bar? See here for a how-to including yummy lollies. And see here for more candy bar inspirations.

Of course, apothecary jars aren't just for yummy lollies, up next is some more wonderful inspiration for gorgeous glass jars.

How to: Candy Buffet

As promised here are some tips and ideas for creating your own delightful candy buffet filled with all things sweet!

Getting started
- Budget for it! Lollies are inexpensive however buying large quantities and displaying them can add up.
- Consider what yours and your fiancé's favourite lollies are to make it more meaningful.
- What are the colours and themes of the day/the reception? Tie the buffet in to this theme.
- How you imagine the table to look. I.E brightly coloured, all one colour, personalised.
- Discuss the concept with the venue and ensure they have the space and a large enough table.
- Consider displaying the cake on the table to add to the overall look and also draw guests attention to it.

Lollies
- M&M's can be custom ordered (from the U.S) in 25 different colours, with initials and even sketches for a yummy personalised touch.
- Pink Frosting stocks a range of bonbonierre including Jelly-Bellies and super cute Conversation Hearts. Words include love, joy, our day and hope.
- Wrapped lollies like milk-shakes and sherbies are colourful and easy for guests to pick.
- Lolly-pops are always a favourite and will look great sticking out of the display. These pretty pink ones are also available in white from Papier d'Amour.- Sugared Almonds are available in many different colours and can match any theme. Buy in bulk online or go glam with silver or gold almonds (available from Papier'dAmour or online here)
- Other favourites include musk sticks, mints, rock candy, marshmallows, foil-wrapped chocolates, lindt balls, jaffas and bo-peeps. The Little Gift has a big selection where you are sure to find some childhood favourites.

Jars, vases and bowls - Apothecary jars look glamourous and will show off the lollies. Try homewares stores. In Sydney, Coco Republic stock jars of different sizes priced at $100-$200.
- Clear glass or crystal jars create a classic look, glossy black glass is modern and different.
- Open topped bowls and vases look great with lollies overflowing out and also makes life easy for guests.

Image: The Sweetest Event

Goody Bags
- Simple white or brown paper bags are sweet yet inexpensive.
- Poppies For Grace have paper bags with different prints which are pretty and nostalgic
- There are a zillion sized favour boxes and noodle boxes with different prints, colours and motifs. Personalise plain boxes with mongrammed stickers or stamps. Pink Frosting has a huge range of boxes, bags and stickers.
- Roll some pretty squares of paper into cones for guests to fill. Easy and unique.
Tips
- Hiring the jars, platters and bowls can cut back on the cost.
- Have plenty of lolly scoops on hand- no one will want to touch the jars after people have their hands in them!
- Have the emcee remind guests to visit the buffet throughout the night to avoid chaos at midnight when guests are leaving.
- Displaying simple lollies in unexpected ways makes the buffet fun and unique. This pink dessert table by event coordinator Vicky Crease features m&m's (or maybe smarties?) in shot glasses! For more droolworthy images from Vicky's events, as well as an interview where she shares her experiences see Absolutely Beautiful Things.

The best thing about Candy Buffets is that they work for any event; bridal showers, baby showers, birthdays- just adapt to suit the event.

Image: (at top) Stephanie Williams

Candy Buffet

I am obsessed with the concept of a Candy Buffet. When done well, it is a great way to create an amazing visual display at the reception as well as a fun bonbonierre for guests.

The more the merrier!
Plan the buffet based on the overall look, rather than quantities per guest. There will be more lollies this way but it will look amazing and be a talking point for guests throughout the night.

Image: The Sweet Stuff

Image: Details Events & Party

Traditional meets modern
Almonds have been used since ancient times to celebrate weddings and births.Over the centuries, this developed into coloured sugared almonds.
Traditionally, five (Jordan) almonds are presented in a tulle and given to guests to represent fertility, longevity, wealth, health and happiness. The bitterness of the almond and the sweetness of the coated candy represent the bitter sweetness of a marriage.

Image: Details Events & Party. 2nd image: I'm not sure I am sorry!

Maximum Impact
Team with the theme (to borrow from Kath 'n Kim)
Image: Details Events & Party, The Sweetest Event

ColourImage: Details Events & Party, Budget Weddings

Think outside the square
Nuts, cookies or popcorn are good options if candy is not your thing or you aren't convinced every guest has such a sweet-tooth.

Images: The Knot, Martha Stewart

Make it easy!
To avoid chaos at the candy bar, individually wrap the favours in cellophane or little boxes with thank-you tags for guests.
The gifts can still be gorgeously displayed, becoming a feature of the reception without the hassle of guests filling bags

Like the idea? Tomorrow I will have candy ideas, stockists and other tips for creating your own fabulous lolly buffet!