Dessert and candy buffets: Sweet!

While creating my posts for this blog, I always sift through the World Wide Web to look for pretty pictures to post, probably as a stand-alone post or as part of an inspiration board. And one of the things I've been enjoying seeing are dessert and candy buffets in wedding receptions.

I remember my cousin doing this, using sweets that are found in Goldilocks, one of the Philippines' bakeshops. I thought, being one with a sweet tooth, I should've done this in my own wedding! (Well, we had music CDs as souvenirs, which is also one thing about us: hubby and I are also audiophiles.)

And any bride or groom with a sweet tooth should have one in their wedding, too. Dessert and souvenir in one -- and something that everyone will absolutely love.

One of my favorite dessert buffet creators is Amy Atlas. Just looking at her pictures makes me swoon! And just like this dessert buffet she created for Martha Stewart Weddings, all her buffets are works of art -- they're so nice to look at!

Part of designing the dessert and candy buffet is to keep in mind the theme and the decor that should go along with it. I like this dessert buffet from Sweet & Saucy Shop that they made for an actual wedding. Looks fun and yummy at the same time.

Here's another dessert and candy bar I found on Yummy Piece of Cake's Flickr. Aside from candies, they also have cupcakes. I like the elegant white theme and how all the food was arranged.

What's nice about a dessert and candy buffet is that you can match it with your color motif. Since candies come in lots of colors, you can just choose what you want and put them in nice jars like this candy buffet arrangement from Classic Candy Buffet. And it's also okay to buy a lot of candy. The more, the merrier, and the better it looks on photos.

For your dessert and candy buffets, also consider the packaging where guests will put the candies. You can put your names or monograms on it, similar to the paper bags found in this candy bar from Inspired Goodness.

Aren't all these gorgeous? And I think they're practical, too. As a guest, you won't be bothered by favors that you'll just keep in a shelf. You'll actually enjoy this one. Dessert and candy buffets will surely be loved by people of all ages. It's one idea to consider for your wedding.

On wedding favors

Choosing your favors is also essential in wedding preparations. It's one of the things that will make your guests remember your special day.

I've always believed that wedding favors should tell something about the couple -- their personalities, their love story, something that would remind the guests about the two of you, the bride and groom.

Many wedding favors have sprouted through the years. The earliest I know of are the small bells which guests would ring if they want the couple to kiss. Another is a figurine of two doves or swans that symbolizes the couple. But today, more couples have been adventurous. And with the advent of new technology, a host of unique favors have surprised and delighted many guests. The rental of a photo booth is one example of a high-tech souvenir.

Sometimes the favors also depend on your wedding theme. For example, a couple who would have an Asian-themed wedding prepared chopsticks as souvenirs. Fans and parasols with the couple's names could be a great favor to get for outdoor weddings. Couples who would do a destination or beach wedding can give away flip flops or shell-shaped candles.

I've seen some weddings that have souvenirs with a 2-in-1 purpose, like place card holders or table napkins with the couple's monogram. Some choose functional favors, those that guests are likely to use even after the big day. Others choose edible ones, such as candies, chocolates and the like. And for those concerned with the environment, there are already "green" favors, such as plants or something recyclable.

When you look around the Internet, you will find many inspirations for wedding favors. I've collated some, which I have posted below. You may be overwhelmed by the options, but I guess what's important is that the favors you get speak about the both of you. And it should be both your choice, too. ;-)

Top row, from left: Silver Teapot Placecard Holders from HotRef.com; Heart-shaped Measuring Spoons from Beau-Coup.com; Scented Bath Salts from HansonEllis.com; Bendable Comical Bride and Groom Magnets from MomentsofElegance.com.

2nd row, from left: Hug Salt and Pepper Shakers from ProductWiki.com; Airplane Luggage Tag in gift box with Suitcase Tag from MyWeddingFavors.com; Seeds of Love Personalized Wildflower Favor from FavorIdeas.com; Chocolate Lollipops with print from Chocolography.com.

3rd row, from left: Love Chopsticks from ThingsFestive.com; Personalized Chocolate Favors from AmericanBridal.com; Custom Imprinted Wedding Napkins from CharmingWeddings.com; Photo Booth from RentPhotoBooths.com.