How many canapes per person, and when to serve them
Canapes are the easiest catering format to get wrong, because the right number depends entirely on what the canapes are replacing. Here is how we plan them.
Quantities
- Drinks reception before dinner (45-60 minutes): 4-5 pieces per guest.
- Standalone drinks party (1.5-2 hours): 6-8 pieces per guest.
- Canapes instead of a meal (2-3 hours): 10-14 pieces per guest, ideally with two or three bowl-food items.
- Post-dinner or late reception: 3-4 pieces, weighted towards something sweet.
Balance of the menu
Aim for roughly one third meat, one third fish, one third vegetarian, with at least two vegan and two gluten-free options that are genuinely good rather than apologetic. Keep hot and cold roughly even; hot canapes need more staff and a kitchen or holding area.
Timing and service
- Serve in waves, roughly one variety every 7-10 minutes, so the room keeps moving.
- One server per 25-30 guests for a canape reception; fewer, and guests wait.
- Always have a cold vegetarian option on the first wave – late arrivals should not miss out.
- Allow 20 minutes of set-up per 50 guests in the venue itself.
Cost
Our canape reception starts at GBP 38 per head for six pieces, with a 20-guest minimum. See prices and the London catering cost report.
Quantities for other formats · Allergen policy · Ask for a quote
