Buffets seem to be the thing to do in weddings right now – and I don’t mean for dinner. There are some great buffet ideas hitting the top weddings and I thought I would compile a run down of my favorites and why I think they are worth considering.

1. Candy Buffet – How didn’t LOVE walking into a candy bar as kids? A candy buffet is a fun way to relive that memory at your wedding. A candy buffet replaces traditional wedding favors and gives your guests a chance to pick the candy THEY want. Surveys continually show that guests prefer edible favors – the a candy buffet has been a HUGE hit over and over again. A candy buffet is not always a cheap option, but check out our Candy Buffet section in the side menu for ideas on how to make more affordable.

2. Popcorn Buffet – This is a new one I read about last week and it sounds like a great alternative or addition to the candy buffet. Basically, you set this up like a candy buffet but with different flavored popcorns, regular popcorn with seasonings, etc. You can also look into renting a popcorn maker an offering theatre style fresh popcorn at your reception. There are plenty of types of caramel and flavored popcorns that you could make yourself and this could be a very very affordable alternative to candy and a affordable wedding favor.

3. Coffee Buffet – This is something I haven’t seen often but read about recently and loved. It’s like having a coffee bar at your wedding. If you have decided not to offer alcohol but want something more exciting then punch this might be just the ticket. A coffee buffet would include basic coffee, espresso, etc. You should also have things like teas and hot chocolate for those who don’t drink coffee. Your coffee buffet can also include dessert items like coffee cake, biscuits and other desserts that you might find at a local Starbucks or other coffee shop. A coffee buffet can be a very chic and affordable alternative to alcohol and it makes a wonderful addition especially for a winter wedding.

4. Dessert Buffet – Basically, the idea with a dessert buffet is to offer a selection of desserts rather then a wedding cake. If you want a wedding cake, you can have a smaller cake and then offer the buffet rather then cake for dessert. A dessert buffet has a great number of benefits. In many cases, a dessert buffet will be cheaper then a cake but that will depend on your caterer and the desserts you choose. If you aren’t having a caterer, you can get desserts at the local grocery store or bakery – or even bake them yourself. If you do them yourself, aim for desserts that can be made a week or two earlier and frozen so that you aren’t baking the night before. Another benefit of a dessert buffet is the selection. Not everyone likes cake and no matter what type of wedding cake you pick, some guests won’t like it. A dessert buffet offers more selection, and most guests will find something that will suite their tastes.