Help with two things

jennj2752

Any suggestion for what candy to have for a fall wedding and also any cheap and fast invatation places?

Ms.BriarRose

Candy:
I am doing a candy buffet as well, for my October 2, 2010 wedding.  In terms of thinking about what candy to have, we didn't really consider the time of year, nor the wedding colors.  It is very expensive to do those things, and 99% of the time you have to have it shipped in because your local stores won't have the specialized candy.  Not only that, but when you do specific colors or themes, you limit the type of candy you can have, and take the risk that with limited types guests may not prefer the items that fit your color scheme/theme.  And I will say it again, it is tremendously expensive.
We first asked our close friends and family what they wanted (only the very close, like the WP and our parents, thats it!), and am including those (things like Skittles, Twizzlers, Black Licorice Bites or GoodnPlentys, Caramel Creams). 
Then, we thought about adding some items for people who can't have candy (diabetics, pregnant women on restriction, gluten free or casen free diets, etc), and added in some items they could have so they don't feel left out (things like any type of nuts, except peanuts because of allergies, animal crackers, popcorn esp caramel corn goes over well, trail mix, just different things).
Next, we thought about what candy I didn't want at my wedding.  Yes, Fun Dip is a great candy, but I don't want it to accidently be spilled on my dress, or anywhere else for that matter.  While a chocolate fountain is great, I can see it down the front of someone.  We thought about that kind of stuff, and nixed anything that might cause issues.
We then thought about where to get the candy, and what is going to be cost effective.  There are several places to get the candy: Costco/BJs/Sams Club all have bulk items of your basic stuff (like kisses, MMs, Skittles).  There is a place in Philly called Nuts 2 You which sells only bulk items (over 2 lbs), and they also have a very wide selection of items (including not just candy); check their website for more info.  Finally, the Amish usually sell candy that is cheaper; I plan on going to a place in Dover/Hartly by my sister's called Bylers, which has a decent selection for a great price.  You might also check the Farmer's Market, as the Amish have a shop there.
Then we compiled our list.  Caramel Creams, Skittles, MMs, Kisses, Animal Crackers, Sour Patch Kids, Twizzlers, Reece's Peanut Butter Cups, Jelly Beans, Peach Rings, GoodnPlentys, Smarties, Saltwater Taffy, Pillow Mints, Andre Mint Chocolates...that's pretty much what we have, we might add some more.  I wanted a good mix of items, so everyone can enjoy.

Invitations:
There are several places to go for invitations.  Fulton Paper does invitations, and they are a decent price (they offer 20% the listed price of Carlson Craft, their main invitation vendor).  My only issue with them is they don't really help you out along the way; you look thru the books yourself, choose, write everything down, and then place your order with them.  But they have a wide selection at decent prices, and offer the 20% off.

My preferred vendor for Invitations was Apropos in Greenville, DE.  They were absolutely wonderful to deal with (we had to go in 3 times just to pick out and order, and they made us feel very welcome and all), and they offer 20% off of all their invites (Carlson Craft, Crane & Co, and William Arthur which is who I used).  They know what is ettiquite and what is not, how to save money by moving fonts and all that kind of stuff.  Plus, they will work with you on any budget; they had a girl there during one of our appts who was ordering and her total came to 150 bucks.  It can be done, and they will help you thru it.  In terms of ordering, I ordered, got my first proof via email in 36 hours, got the second proof the 3rd day out, and my invites were in the store in a week and a half; that's about as fast as it's going to get, unless you print them yourself.

I will warn you, though, if you want cheap invites, your best bet is probably Carlson Craft, and you probably won't have many "frills" on them.  Just letting you know so you can adjust your budget or your expectations; I don't want you to go and expect something and be upset about it later.

Anyway, hope all that helps you in some way or form.  Let me know if you need more help, and when your wedding is.  Depending on when your wedding is, and if you need Candy Bar containers/jars, I am planning on selling mine after October 2.  Email me at MsBriarRose@gmail.com.  Good Luck!