5 Questions to Ask Dessert Vendors at a Wedding Show (That Most Couples Forget)

At Lily’s Magical Treats, we believe a great lollipop should be more than just sweet — it should be clear, smooth, flavorful, and beautiful. Achieving that consistently takes the right recipe, careful timing, and professional techniques most people never see. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at how we make our lollipops and why each step matters. Scroll to the end for a list of supplies to make your own! **Please note, candy making involves extremely high temperatures and should only be attempted with proper equipment and experience.** The Foundation: A Balanced Sugar Recipe For many of our classic lollipops, we start with a traditional sugar base: 2 cups sugar ¾ cup water ⅔ cup tapioca syrup This mixture is slowly heated to 300°F (hard crack stage) , creating a stable, glass-like candy that sets cleanly and holds its shape. Choosing the Right Sweetener (Especially for Edible Images) Different sweeteners behave very differently — and clarity matters. For standard lollipops , we often prefer organic cane sugar for flavor and ingredient quality. For edible image lollipops , we switch to white granulated sugar, which produces a clearer base. For ultra-clear designs , isomalt is our go-to choice. Because isomalt is less sweet than sugar, we add monk fruit to balance the flavor without sacrificing clarity. Working with Isomalt: A Different Process Isomalt behaves very differently from traditional sugar, and it requires a slightly different approach. Unlike sugar candy: No syrup is needed when working with isomalt Only a small amount of water is used — just enough to prevent scorching Isomalt is heated to a slightly higher temperature, around 311°F Many people melt isomalt in the microwave , but we prefer using an induction burner for all of our candy making. This gives us greater control over temperature and consistency, especially for larger or custom batches. One of the biggest advantages of isomalt is its stability: It can be reheated multiple times It does not recrystallize like sugar It is far less prone to burning This makes it ideal for intricate designs, edible images, and detailed finishing work. Cooling Before Flavoring (A Crucial Step) Once the candy reaches temperature, it’s removed from heat and allowed to cool slightly before adding : ~4 teaspoons natural flavoring Optional: ¼ teaspoon citric acid Optional: plant-based color Optional: sprinkles for some extra fun This preserves flavor quality and prevents bitterness. How We Make Edible Image Lollipops Our edible images are printed using food-safe inks on wafer paper with an edible printer , then cut on a food-only Cricut . We use a two-pour method : Pour a thin base layer into the mold Place the edible image once the base begins to set Seal with a top pour This protects the image while keeping it centered and clear. Customization Through Sticks, Ties & Finishing Details Customization goes beyond the candy itself. We offer: Different stick lengths Clear or bedazzled sticks for themed or upscale events Decorative twist ties, often finished with a bow for a playful touch When using plastic lollipop sticks, always wait until the candy has cooled enough before inserting them to prevent melting. Why We Prefer Silicone Molds Silicone molds: Release cleanly Support layered designs Create smooth edges Maintain clarity and consistency They’re especially important for edible image lollipops. The Finishing Touch Most People Don’t Know About After the lollipops have fully hardened, each one is finished with a light pass of a kitchen torch to: Remove tiny surface bubbles Smooth sharp edges Restore a glossy finish Why This Process Matters This method allows us to create lollipops that are: Crystal clear Smooth and polished Flavor-forward Highly customizable Durable enough for events and favors. Every detail matters when lollipops are part of a celebration. Crafted with Care, Every Time From weddings to corporate events, every lollipop we make is crafted with intention, precision, and care. If you’re interested in custom lollipops — including edible images, specialty sticks, or ultra-clear designs — we’re always happy to help bring your vision to life. Tools We Use to Make Our Lollipops (Affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you) 2" round silicone lollipop molds Induction burner Thermometer Torch Pots with pour spout Heat proof silicone spatulas Wrap and twist ties Twist tie bows Clear sticks Bedazzled sticks Natural f lavors Red natural food coloring This is a great bulk option! Just mix the beet powder with a little bit of water to create a paste that you mix in to the sugar mixture before pouring. If you are doing natural colors, reds and pinks work best. Greens and blues are extremely temperamental and don't work nearly as well with the high heats. Citric acid Tapioca syrup Corn syrup works the same way Isomalt Edible printer Icing sheets These produce better colored images than wafer paper but are more expensive Wafer paper Food safe Cricut mat for use with wafer paper. Icing sheets you need a regular cricut mat as the back is lined with a plastic sheet Cricut

One of the most common questions couples ask when booking a candy cart is: “When should we actually have it open?” The good news? There’s no wrong answer — but there are options that work especially well depending on the vibe you want to create. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular (and most loved) times to have candy service at a wedding. Late Night During Dancing (The Crowd Favorite) If you ask past couples and guests, this is hands-down the most popular option. After dinner, speeches, and the first dances, energy starts to dip — and that’s where a late-night candy service shines. Why it works so well: Guests are ready for a second wind Sweet + salty snacks are exactly what people crave It pulls people back onto the dance floor It feels like a fun surprise The ultimate combo? 🍭 Fresh cotton candy + warm popcorn Cotton candy satisfies the sweet tooth, popcorn hits the salty craving, and together they feel indulgent without being too heavy. Bonus: Guests love posing with cotton candy on the dance floor. It’s playful, photogenic, and makes for some of the most fun reception photos of the night. Cocktail Hour (Fun, Interactive, and Unexpected) Another increasingly popular option is opening the candy cart during cocktail hour. This works especially well if: You want something interactive while guests mingle You’re serving passed appetizers and want a playful contrast You want to spread dessert moments throughout the evening Cotton candy during cocktail hour feels whimsical and elevated, while popcorn offers a familiar, comforting snack guests can enjoy with a drink in hand. It also keeps guests entertained during that transition time before dinner. Bonus, we can create custom cotton candy flavors that mimic or pair well with your signiture cocktail. During Dessert Service (A Modern Twist) Some couples choose to replace or supplement traditional dessert service with a candy cart. This option works well if: You’re not doing a full cake cutting You want a more casual or modern feel You want guests to choose their own treat Freshly spun cotton candy during dessert service feels special and interactive, while popcorn offers an option for guests who prefer something less sweet. Can You Do More Than One Time? Yes — and some couples do! Popular combinations include: Cocktail hour cotton candy + late-night popcorn Late-night service with both treats available Dessert service followed by a second late-night opening We help couples decide what works best based on timeline, guest count, and overall flow of the reception. Our Recommendation If you’re unsure and want maximum guest excitement, we almost always recommend: ✨ Late-night candy service during dancing ✨ Cotton candy AND popcorn together It’s fun, memorable, and consistently one of the most talked-about parts of the night. Planning Your Wedding Timeline? If you’re attending (or attended) a wedding show and are considering a candy cart, timing is one of the first things we’ll help you decide. We’ll work with you and your planner to make sure it fits seamlessly into your reception — and creates a moment your guests won’t forget. 💍 Be sure to ask about wedding-show–only upgrades and booking incentives, available for a limited time.

Contact us right away to secure your date and your upgrade! Email lilysmagicaltreats@gmail.com

Attending a wedding show is exciting — and overwhelming. Between florists, venues, DJs, and photographers, it’s easy to walk away with a stack of brochures and a hundred decisions still to make. One detail couples often underestimate? Dessert. Dessert isn’t just food — it’s an experience your guests will remember. Here’s how to decide what works best for your wedding. 1. Think Beyond the Traditional Cake Wedding cake is classic, but many couples are choosing alternatives (or additions) that feel more interactive and memorable. Popular options include: Live dessert stations Custom favors guests can take home Late-night snack setups Dessert displays that double as décor The goal is something guests talk about, not just eat. 2. Decide: Experience, Favors, or Both? Before booking, ask yourselves how you want dessert to function at your reception. Live dessert experience Great for cocktail hour or late night Keeps guests mingling Freshly made treats = minimal waste Take-home favors Perfect for thank-you gifts Can double as place settings or escort cards Easy to customize with names, dates, or colors Both A live experience and a favor is often the best of both worlds 3. Customization Makes All the Difference The most memorable wedding desserts feel intentional. Customization options to consider: Matching your color palette Personalized signage Flavors chosen to reflect your style Custom labels with your names and date Treats that align with your overall vibe (elegant, whimsical, modern, fun) When dessert feels like part of the design, it elevates the entire reception. 4. Don’t Forget Guest Experience Ask vendors questions like: How fast can guests be served? Is it fun to watch? Will guests of all ages enjoy it? Does it work indoors and outdoors? Dessert should enhance the flow of your reception — not slow it down. 5. Timing Matters (Yes, Really) Many couples don’t realize how quickly popular wedding dates book. As a general rule: Live dessert services should be booked 6–12 months in advance Custom favors should be finalized at least 4–8 weeks before the wedding. Wedding-show–only upgrades often have short booking windows. If you find something you love at a show, it’s usually worth securing early. 6. Ask About Wedding Show–Only Perks Wedding shows often come with: Complimentary upgrades Exclusive pricing Limited-time add-ons Priority booking for peak dates If you attended a show, be sure to ask vendors what’s available after the event — many offers are only valid for a short time. Ready to Check Dessert Off Your List? If you’re looking for a dessert option that’s: Fun but polished Customizable Guest-approved Stress-free to coordinate We’d love to help you create something magical for your big day. ✨ If you attended the wedding show, be sure to ask about show-only upgrades and booking incentives — available for a limited time.

One of the most common questions we hear is: “Can you make this match my theme?” The answer is almost always yes. Custom treats are at the heart of what we do at Lily’s Magical Treats. Whether you’re planning a wedding, corporate event, birthday party, or fundraiser, we love turning your ideas into edible details. Step 1: Understanding Your Event Every custom order starts with learning about: Your event type Color palette or branding Guest count How the treats will be used (favors, dessert table, place settings, giveaways) This helps us recommend the right treats — not just what looks good, but what works best for your event. Step 2: Choosing the Treats Popular custom options include: Cotton candy favors (boxed or bagged) Custom-labeled popcorn Lollipops in select shapes or with edible images Dessert table accents like cotton candy cakes Each option can stand alone or be combined for a cohesive dessert experience. Step 3: Design & Personalization Customization can include: Color matching Flavor selection Custom labels or tags Edible images (logos, photos, or themed designs) Personalized packaging for names, dates, or branding This is where your event personality really shines. Step 4: Production & Quality Once designs are finalized, everything is made in small batches with care. Because many treats are delicate, we focus on freshness, proper packaging, and safe handling — especially for larger orders. Why Custom Treats Matter Custom treats aren’t just favors — they’re part of your event story. Guests notice the details, and personalized treats show intention and care. They also: Make great photo moments Double as décor Give guests something memorable to take home Ready to Create Something Custom? If you have an idea — even a vague one — we can help shape it into something magical. Reach out to start planning your custom treats, or browse our offerings to see what’s possible.

When planning an event, dessert is often treated as an afterthought — but the right dessert experience can completely transform how guests remember your celebration. Candy catering isn’t just about serving something sweet. It’s about creating a moment, a conversation starter, and an experience guests can interact with. What Is Candy Catering? Candy catering brings freshly made treats directly to your event. Instead of pre-packaged desserts sitting on a table, guests get to watch treats being made, choose flavors, and enjoy something made just for them. At Lily’s Magical Treats, candy catering can include: Freshly spun cotton candy Warm, movie-theater-style popcorn Custom treat displays and carts Personalized signage and flavor menus Why Guests Love It Candy catering creates a sense of fun and nostalgia that works for all ages. Kids are excited to watch treats being made, while adults are transported back to childhood — but with a polished, elevated feel. It also: Keeps guests engaged during cocktail hour Reduces dessert waste (everything is made fresh) Encourages mingling and interaction A Fit for More Than Just Weddings While candy carts are popular at weddings, they’re just as perfect for: Corporate events and brand activations Birthday parties and anniversaries School events and fundraisers Grand openings and community celebrations Because everything can be customized, the same service can feel whimsical, elegant, or modern depending on your event style. Customization Makes the Difference From flavor choices to signage, colors, and packaging, candy catering can be tailored to your theme or brand. That’s what turns a dessert into a design element — not just a snack. Is Candy Catering Right for Your Event? If you want guests to: Talk about your event afterward Take photos and share them Feel like something special was planned just for them Candy catering is a perfect fit. Interested in adding a candy cart or custom treats to your event? Explore our catering options here or reach out to start planning something magical.

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Planning a themed event in the near future? When it comes to making a celebration truly unforgettable, the details matter—and nothing delights guests quite like freshly made, beautifully styled treats. At Lily’s Magical Treats , we specialize in custom candy catering and favors that are designed to match your exact theme, color palette, and vision. From elegant backyard birthdays to whimsical themed parties, our treats don’t just taste amazing—they become part of the décor. The butterfly-themed celebration shown above is a perfect example of how we bring a theme to life. Soft purples, delicate butterfly details, and cohesive custom labeling were carried across every element—from the cart to the favors—creating a magical, pulled-together look. Here’s how we can customize your event: 🍭 Cotton Candy Catering Our cotton candy catering adds a live, interactive element that guests love. We spin fluffy clouds of cotton candy on-site, with options for: Custom colors to match your theme Unique flavors Beautifully styled carts and treat displays Perfect for birthdays, weddings, school events, and corporate celebrations. 🍿 Popcorn Catering Fresh-popped popcorn is a crowd favorite for all ages. Our popcorn catering can be styled to fit playful or elegant events and pairs beautifully with candy displays. 🎁 Cotton Candy Favors Send guests home with a little magic! Our cotton candy favors can be: Individually packaged Labeled with custom designs, names, dates, or messages Coordinated to your theme or event colors 🎂 Cotton Candy Cakes A fun, allergy-friendly alternative to traditional cake, our cotton candy cakes are a show-stopping centerpiece. They’re perfect for: Birthdays Celebrations where guests don’t love cake or have allergies Themed dessert tables Decorations and colors are fully customizable. 🍿 Popcorn Favors with Custom Labels Our popcorn favors are packaged with fully custom labels, making them perfect for: Party favors Thank-you gifts Table place settings Labels can include names, event details, themes, and artwork—just like the butterfly designs shown above. 🍬 Lollipops in Select Theme Shapes We offer lollipops in select themed shapes that add a playful and cohesive touch to dessert tables and favor displays. 🖼️ Lollipops with Edible Images For maximum customization, our edible image lollipops allow us to feature: Characters Logos Names Custom artwork Event themes These are perfect for birthdays, weddings, branded events, and milestone celebrations. One Theme. Endless Possibilities. Whether your vision is butterflies, princesses, sports, florals, dinosaurs, or something totally unique, we can carry your theme across: Catering carts Treat colors Packaging Labels Display styling The result is a celebration that feels thoughtful, cohesive, and completely custom. Ready to Create Something Magical? If you’re planning a party and want treats that are as memorable as the celebration itself, we’d love to help bring your vision to life. ✨ Let’s design a sweet experience that matches your theme perfectly.

New to our store, Freeze Dried Candy! We love freeze-dried Skittles but wanted something without all of the artificial ingredients. YumEarth Giggles are the perfect substitution! We freeze-dried the tasty, fruity, chewy candies and the end results are filled with the same flavors, but come out crunchy and airy!  YumEarth Giggles Ingredients: Organic cane sugar, organic rice syrup, organic palm oil, citric acid, organic flavors, turmeric (color) sodium citrate, organic sunflower lecithin, malic acid, color (radish, sweet potato, carrot, blackcurrant), organic carnauba wax, spirulina (color), pectin