We have a special treat for you today! We’re sharing the top ten tips on how to plan a popcorn wedding bar for your guests. Popcorn makes a great snack for your wedding and doubles as take-home favors, too. We’ve brought in expert David Beets, the co-founder of Dell Cove Spice Co. (and maker of delicious awesome popcorn flavorings, cocktail rimming salts and sugars, favors, spices, and more), to explain how to make an awesome popcorn bar for your wedding or special event. Take it away, David!

How to Plan a Popcorn Wedding Bar

By David Beets, Co-founder, Dell Cove Spice Co.

With wedding season in full swing, it’s always a challenge to find a way to entertain and feed your guests – without busting your budget. One unique solution: create a popcorn bar. Everyone loves popcorn. Salty or sweet, spicy or savory, there’s something both playful and satisfying about the crunch of popcorn. It’s a perfect snack for a wedding reception – something that guests could munch on either before dinner or afterward, while dancing the night away. Even better, popcorn is perfect for sharing, budget-friendly – and you can double-up by using custom favor bags for guests to take their popcorn home and enjoy a late-night snack.

So whether you’re hosting a special event – such as a “He POPPED the question” or “She POPPED the question” themed shower – or an oh-so-fabulous reception, here are the top 10 things you’ll need to know to plan the perfect popcorn bar for your wedding or event.

10 Tips for a Popcorn Wedding Bar

1. How much popcorn will I need for ___ guests?

That largely depends on when you’ll be serving the popcorn – and what other food and drinks will be available for guests to enjoy. If you have the popcorn bar available before dinner, people will likely be hungry and eat more. If you offer it after a meal, then guests will likely eat less.

2.What is a typical serving size?

In general, you should plan that your guests will eat an average of 1 to 2 cups of popped corn per person.

3. How much should I order?

If you’re going with pre-popped popcorn, know that one gallon typically give you about 16 cups of popcorn. Want to pop the popcorn fresh at your event? Here’s the equation you’ll need to know: One pound of unpopped popcorn kernels will make approximately 60 cups of popped popcorn.

4. What sort of theme should I use for my popcorn bar?

Whatever inspires you! You can coordinate the decoration with your event colors. Or draw inspiration from something in your lives (a love of movies, perhaps?). Need some inspiration? Here are a couple of ideas:

-Movie themed

-Art Deco themed

5. What are the basic items I need to create a popcorn bar?

You’ll need:

• Popcorn

• Containers to hold the popcorn. The sky is the limit! Think outside the box (or bowl) when trying to figure ways to hold your popcorn snacks. Try tin buckets, large Mason jars or even baskets.

• Scoops for scooping out the popcorn

• Containers guests will use to fill (such as favor bags or treat cones). Going for an upscale look? Try serving your popped corn in champagne flutes. Prefer a more rustic look? Make your own popcorn cones, using a roll of brown kraft paper. Want custom favor bags for your event? You can design some yourself, or opt for those created by a smaller artist, like the “Poppin’” ones by Give It Pretty:

One clever idea: Using your popcorn bag as a wedding program, such as those made by Anna Lou Avenue:

• Various toppings and/or popcorn seasonings. From chocolate bits and chunks of bacon, to seasonings both classic (Kettle Corn, Caramel, Buttery Garlic) to unusual (Pizza, Sriracha, Chili Lime), you can let guests mix and match the flavors to please their own tastes!

• Napkins!

6. How do I make sure the seasonings (or candy toppings) stick?

Popcorn does need a little moisture to help toppings and seasonings stick. A spritz bottle of olive oil can work great. But my favorite: Get a small crock pot and use it to melt butter. If you include a small spoon, people can drizzle warm melted butter over their popcorn, before they add the toppings.

7. How do guests know what they’re reaching for?

Be sure to label each container, whether it’s the popcorn or the seasonings, so guests know what they’re getting. The signage can be simple (handwritten labels tied onto the spice shakers) or elegant and dramatic to tie into your event theme.

8. Do I need to keep my popcorn covered?

Yes, as much as you can, particularly in humid areas. The reason is that popcorn absorbs moisture easily – which is why it works so well with melted butter or a spritz of olive oil! But it also can lose its crunch if it becomes too mushy.

9. Should I buy pre-popped – or pop the popcorn at my event?

I’ll admit: I’m biased. I think if it’s at all possible, make sure your popcorn is freshly popped – instead of being packaged and pre-popped, where it can get stale. The smell of freshly popped popcorn makes my mouth water. However, if you can’t – or prefer not to – have a popcorn machine at your event, then pre-popped can work, too.

10. How should I store my popcorn and seasonings (or toppings) before my wedding?

Once you’re stocked up, be sure to store your popcorn and seasonings in a cool, dark and dry location in order to help ensure freshness.

To find out more about popcorn wedding bar ideas, toppings, and more, visit Dell Cove Spice Co.!

Thank you, David, for sharing your expertise with us today! We’re craving popcorn just thinking about it. Have fun planning your delicious popcorn wedding bar, and feel free to leave any questions in the comments box below!

You can also view popcorn ideas in the shop.

all photos copyright Dell Cove Spice Co.

xo
-E.