Every bride wants her wedding to look like it came off the pages of the latest bridal magazine... but most brides don’t have that kind of budget. That's where partnering great products from Dollar Tree with a little creativity can really pay off! Our wedding table features glass vases and candleholders, dinnerware, flatware, wine glasses, favors and more... all from Dollar Tree. Your wedding CAN be gorgeous without being expensive!

Who doesn’t love candy, right? Candy buffet tables are a fun wedding trend being used in different ways by brides. Some brides just want to add some whimsy to the reception, while others have the candy buffet do double duty as the guest favors. Some couples are opting out of serving an expensive wedding cake altogether and putting their creativity into a candy and dessert table (while saving money, too). Whatever your reasons, your guests will love it, and you will love the look. Here’s a few tips and ideas to help you put on a cool and colorful candy buffet:

• While it’s not a must, most brides choose candy and desserts that complement their color schemes. Use several colors together, or different hues and shades of a single color. It also adds interest to use a variety of different candies (both wrapped and unwrapped) that have different textures and designs.
• Use different sized containers to create height and depth that will give your table a unique look. If using unwrapped candy, be sure your containers are safe for food.
• If you want, add other small desserts like trendy cake pops, cupcakes & cookies to round out the dessert offering.
• Labeling each candy and dessert selection helps the guests know what they’re getting, but also adds a decorative touch. You can even trim the containers in ribbon and add other decorative accents to the table, such as a centerpiece, pretty linens, embellishments, and more.
• Use your beautiful candy buffet for guest favors... this is fun for the guests and will save you money, too! Just add a tray of favor boxes or a basket of favor bags to the table and let the guests fill them with their favorite selections.

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As a bride, you know that all the little expenses of your wedding — favors, centerpieces, table décor, etc. — can add up quickly. One way to cut down on costs is to have your table décor double as your guest favors. We have a great selection of glass vases and candleholders that will help you create a beautiful table ambiance, but can also be taken home by your guests as favors. Simply tie a glass vase or candleholder with a ribbon and tag, or add a sticker to personalize. If you’re really crafty, you could paint or etch the glass with your names and wedding date.

Click on an image below to check out the look and download the project sheet.

Food can be one of your biggest wedding expenses. Here are some ideas for being frugal while still serving up a dash of fabulous:

• Skip the sit-down dinner or full buffet-style meal and serve heavy hors d’oeuvres instead. Smaller bites means less food, so you can still offer great culinary treats while cutting down on costs.
• Opt for DIY wedding fare and ask a few close friends or family members (who are also great cooks, of course!) to cater the reception. This can help you save considerably on food costs, plus it adds a personal touch. You’ll also want to check out our amazing selection of catering supplies.
• Choose to have more of a cocktail-hour-style reception that’s shorter in length and just offer up finger foods. You may even choose to have a dessert reception and serve only cake or cupcakes... throw in a little champagne and it’s elegant while still being budget friendly!

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Here’s a fun, cost-saving tip – instead of offering an open bar (which can get really expensive), just serve one or two signature cocktails along with a selection of non-alcoholic beverages. You can also ditch the expense of a bar tender and mix your signature cocktail(s) in pitchers ahead of time. Just place a pitcher on each reception table, or create a serve-yourself drink bar complete with garnishes. You may even decide to create a cocktail punch and serve in punch bowls. Here are some tips to consider when planning your signature cocktails:

• Choose a drink that coordinates with your wedding theme or color scheme... it’s a lot of fun & will look great in pictures.
• Think about the time of year you are getting married. If your wedding day will be warm, maybe you’ll want to go for a cool, frothy concoction. Getting married in the fall or winter? Warm it up with a spiced sangria or hot cider-type offering. See drink recipes ideas.
• Another fun idea is to pick one signature drink for the bride and one for the groom. Don’t forget to give them fun and creative names that personalize them for your wedding.
• Try to choose cocktails that will appeal to a wide audience and avoid choosing anything that’s too strong.
• Using a cute table sign, be sure to post the drink’s name and ingredients at each bar or table.
• Tackle two budget items with one great idea... buy your glasses from us and use them as your wedding favors, too! You can etch or paint them with your names and wedding date, or simply add a fun little personalized “charm” tag.

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Looking for really inexpensive favor ideas? Maybe you want personalized favors that won’t break your budget? Simple... just get really creative with the ordinary! With a little paper or label sheets, double-sided tape, a color printer, and a dash of creativity, you can create whimsical personalized favors out of seemigly ordinary items like lip balm, playing cards, bottled water, and more.

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Fun Game Idea: Toilet Paper Wedding Dresses
Wake the inner fashionista in all your guests! This game is so creative and is sure to get everyone laughing!

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Easy and Colorful Decoration Idea: Giant Tissue Paper Flowers
Made from layers of tissue paper, the finished flowers are not only really big, they also make a huge decorating impact at the shower!

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2-in-1 Favor Idea: Personalized Flower Vases That Double as Décor
Decorate your shower space with vases of fresh or faux flowers (with DIY personalized labels), then let the guests take them home as shower favors... 2-in-1 and you’re done!

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Sometimes uncomfy shoes can really kill the mood at a wedding reception. Make it easy for your guests to relax and really kick up their heels by letting them kick off their heels! Offer your guests a pair of inexpensive flip-flops and watch your dance floor fill up! They’re ideal for beach-themed weddings.

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