It's one of the questions we're asked most. The honest answer is that it depends on what the canapés are doing: are they a warm-up before a meal, or are they the meal?
A rough guide
These are the numbers caterers generally work to, and a good starting point:
- Before a sit-down meal (a wedding drinks reception, say): around 4 to 6 per guest over an hour
- A drinks party of two hours or so, with no meal afterwards: around 8 to 10 per guest
- Canapés instead of dinner, over an evening: 12 or more per guest, including some more substantial bowl-food or "fork" dishes
Longer receptions need more. So do events where drinks flow freely, or where guests have come straight from work and haven't eaten.
Get the mix right
Variety matters as much as quantity. A good selection usually has:
- something meaty and rich, like miso beef bites or sticky Asian beef rib pieces
- something fresh and light, like sumac salmon
- at least one vegetarian or plant-based option that everyone will want to try, not just the vegetarians
- a sweet bite to finish, like Persian love cake squares or rose triple chocolate brownie bites
As a rule of thumb, around a third of the selection should be vegetarian. If you know you have vegan, gluten-free or allergy guests, tell us early so those canapés are made as carefully as the rest.
Make them easy to eat
The best canapés are one or two bites, don't drip and don't need a knife. Guests are holding a glass and talking, so anything that needs juggling gets left on the tray.
Serving
Canapés are best passed round, so they arrive fresh and nobody has to queue. For a smaller party at home, platters set out on boards work well too.
Planning a wedding or party?
Have a look at our canapé reception menu for ideas, and our wedding catering page if canapés are part of a bigger day. Tell us how long the reception lasts and what comes afterwards, and we'll suggest the right number for your guests.
