One of the more expensive aspects of a wedding reception can be whether you decide shell out for an open bar. For some couples, this is a must have. For others, alcohol is not important at all — and this includes my husband and I. However, I have an idea for you — how about drowning your wedding guests in sugar, instead of alcohol?

I took this photo at a bridal show last year. This used to be the only way you’d see candy at a wedding reception — in small, bite-sized servings as a fancy giveaway. No, no, no. I’m talking about major servings of chocolate and candy. And really — who doesn’t love candy?

Here’s another photo I took at the same bridal shower last year. From the pamphlet I picked up here, I’m guessing this is Judy Pomykata of Classic Candy Buffet. This is one way to have a sugar fest — hard candies, chocolates, gummies, taffies, etc. in fancy glass jars, vases and bowls. Her pamphlet also includes pretzels and different kinds of popcorn. She has silver, gold and platinum categories of displays (the more expensive, the more varied the buffet) and charges per person.

Flickr photo by stephbond

Then, there is the ever popular chocolate fountain. Have you noticed the only popular way lately to fondue is if its with chocolate? I digress. This photo is actually of a 1st birthday party, not a wedding, but its as scrumptious as any display I’ve seen at a wedding. I’ve seen strawberries, pineapples, cookies and Rice Krispie treats paired with the chocolate fountains. In fact, I believe there was a chocolate fountain at Jinah’s wedding — but then again, I was too busy eating my way at the other end of the dessert table to partake.

But you really don’t have to get that fancy with it. My friend Belinda recently attended a wedding in El Paso that simply had a variety of candies in a jar.

Photo by Belinda Long Ivey

Above, that’s simply Skittles of M&Ms in a glass jar. How easy is that?

Photo by Belinda Long Ivey

Here’s another jar, filled with Jolly Ranchers. They did dress up the jar’s a little, with a bit of a logo and a quote, but it really was not necessary. I mean, are the guests going to be reading the quote as they dig into the jar? Not really. You just know they’re going to be digging for the red Jolly Ranchers.