21 Delicious Wedding Canapés Your Guests Will Love
Ensure your guests have delicious bites to enjoy while celebrating your big day. From classic favourites to seasonal canapés, we cover the best wedding canapé ideas
Wedding canapés are an important part of your wedding catering! They play a key role in keeping your guests happy and satisfied ahead of the main meal - especially if your wedding takes place in the early afternoon.
Whether you’re looking for the best canapés for a wedding, summer canapés for an outdoor celebration or even vegan canapés, we’ve got all the inspiration and expert advice you could need, including tips from pro wedding caterers!
- Wedding canape ideas
- What are wedding canapes?
- How many wedding canapes per guest?
- Wedding canape menu inspiration
- What to ask your wedding caterer about canapes
21 Delicious Wedding Canapés: Ideas & Inspiration
If you’re planning on serving canapés at your wedding, you’re probably on the hunt for wedding canapés ideas. Here are some of our favourites to inspire you. Warning - may cause hunger!
1. Bowl Food Canapes - The Quirky Oven
The Quirky Oven, based in South East London, specialises in African, Caribbean and Afro-fusion cuisine. This bowl food wedding canapé spread of spiced chicken and salad has our mouths watering.
- Pricing: from £25
- Deals: 10% discount available to Hitched couples
2. Pub Classics - Wild Fork West
Wild Fork West can provide a range of catering services for your wedding - from signature cocktails to exciting canapes. This Somerset-based caterer can even provide the table settings too, and offer bespoke menus and quotations.
Their listing is full of gorgeous food inspo, but these Scotch egg wedding canapes caught our attention!
- Hitched couples say: “I cannot recommend highly enough.”
- Pricing: from £60
3. Selection of Classics - Wild Street Kitchen
You can’t go wrong with a platter of the classics, as Wild Street Kitchen knows. They can do full catering with their stylish food truck, including a delicious range of canapes.
Hitched couples say: “Every single thing was so delicious, and in very generous quantities, that our guests said it was the best wedding food they'd ever had.”
- Pricing: from £750
4. Sweet Canapes - Ross & Ross Events
Not a savoury person, or want to do something different for dessert? What about sweet canapes? Look at these adorable meringue canapes from Oxfordshire-based Ross & Ross events!
- Hitched couples say: “Ross & Ross events played such a huge part in making our wedding day as amazing as it was.”
- Pricing: from £35
5. Crostini Canapes - Blackberry & Bay Catering
What’s better than a canape? A canape on toast! Look at these hot smoked salmon wedding canapes, served on a crisp slice of bread, from Somerset-based caterers Blackberry & Bay.
- Hitched couples say: “Anastasia is the most professional caterer you could wish to employ to create food for a wedding or any special occasion.”
- Pricing: from £4,000
6. Canape Platter - Shoot the Bull
No matter what you choose for your wedding canapes, make sure you ask your caterers to set aside a platter for you to enjoy on the day too, like this one by Shoot the Bull, based in Yorkshire.
Often the newlyweds are too busy mingling to get a chance to eat, so this is a great way to make sure you don’t miss out!
- Hitched couples say: “From start to finish, working with Shoot the Bull on our wedding catering was an absolute dream.”
- Pricing: from £16.50
7. Tiny Tacos - Foray Catering
One of the best things about wedding canapes is the element of surprise - you can have lots of fun with the canapes you choose. Be inspired by Lancashire-based Foray Catering’s tiny tacos, and check out their listing to see other options including tarts and mini bao buns.
- Hitched couples say: “The Foray Catering team are absolutely fantastic. They catered our full wedding weekend, starting with pizzas & ice cream on Friday night, brunch on Saturday, and then the wedding dinner, plus evening cheese!”
- Pricing: from £50
8. Grazing Platters - The Full Spoon
Grazing tables are a growing trend in weddings, and this includes canapes too! We love this striking grazing display from The Full Spoon, which allows your guests to pick and choose what to nibble on.
- Hitched couples say: “From canapes to our sharing style mains it worked wonderfully.”
- Pricing: from £4,000
9. Gyozas and Dipping Sauce - Season Catering
What could be more delicious than serving up crisp and succulent gyozas for your guests to graze on? It’s just one of the canape options offered by Scottish catering firm Season Catering!
- Hitched couples say: “We wanted a grazing buffet instead of canapes at our drinks reception which they easily accommodated for, and all of our guests loved it."
- Pricing: from £35
- Deals: Hitched couples can take advantage of two exclusive deals, including a 10% discount.
10. Soups and Spoons - Food Champs
If you’re looking for creative wedding canape ideas, consider this from Warwickshire-based Food Champs. They offer shot glasses of soup and oversized spoons loaded with delicious morsels your guests won’t be able to resist!
- Hitched couples say: “Food Champs catered my wedding and were absolutely fantastic!”
- Pricing: from £30
11. A Spread of Snacks - Blame Frank
Don’t feel tied down to just one or two canape options for your wedding - just look at this incredible spread by London-based Blame Frank. We spy honey mustard sausages, tomato and mozzarella skewers, watermelon and feta towers and more… What are you going for?
- Hitched couples say: “The canapes, sharing platters, and desserts were all delicious, and it was easy to accommodate all of our guests' food preferences.”
- Pricing: from £15
12. Arancini Bites - Brookes Catering
No one can resist arancini, it’s a fact! Worcestershire based wedding catering company Brookes Catering offer a range of options for your catering - including these delicious truffle and parmesan arancini canapes.
- Pricing: from £45
13. Seafood Platters - MP Catering & Events
Seafood selections add an air of class to your wedding appetisers. MP Catering & Events, based in Leicestershire, offer a range of catering options, including a sumptuous seafood spread.
- Hitched couples say: “Nothing was too much bother and food was PHENOMENAL!”
- Pricing: from £10
14. Cocktail Sausages with Class - Southcott Events Catering
We all love a cocktail sausage, right? But you might not see them as wedding food.
That’s about to change - the banger has had a glow up, coated in irresistible honey-mustard sauce and served up alongside other canapes, just like Cumbria-based Southcott Events Catering have done here.
- Hitched couples say: “The food was out of this world and went down a treat with our guests.”
- Pricing: from £50
15. Fire-Cooked Canapes - Grate Catering
Hampshire-based catering firm Grate Catering cooks their food over live fire, making it theatre as well as food. This includes their canapes too, with sticky, sauced skewers and smoky salmon on offer, to name just a few options.
- Hitched couples say: “We loved having Norman and Iris cooking on the open fire during the drinks reception, it got everyone so excited for dinner!”
- Pricing: from £1,750
16. Vegetarian Canape Option - Events by the Camberwell Arms
All the canapes on the Camberwell Arms’ listing look so delicious it was hard to choose just one to include here - but this veggie canape option won! Featuring parmesan cheese (check it’s veggie-friendly!), spinach and cream in filo pastry, it’ll make your vegetarian guests feel loved.
- Pricing: from £10
17. Tapas Canapes - Paella Fella
West Sussex-based Paella Fella specialises in paella for weddings (no surprises there!), but also offers authentic Spanish tapas as canapes as well - and tapas makes for the perfect wedding canape!
- Pricing: from £3,000
18. Oyster Bar - Dood and Frink Events
Apart from having a cool name, Devon-based catering company Dood and Frink also offer seriously cool canapes. There’s lots of gorgeous seafood, including oyster bars - which are about to have a moment, mark our words.
- Pricing: from £40
19. Shepherd’s Pie Bites - MCM Canape Food
MCM Canape Food specialises in gourmet canapes and covers events across the West Midlands. We love the idea of their Shepherd’s Pie bites - ideal as a winter wedding canape, or for people who love classic British food.
- Pricing: from £8.50
20. Mini Yorkshire Puddings - Kemp & Kemp Catering
Talking about classic British food, what about mini yorkies with roast beef? Kemp & Kemp Catering, based in Staffordshire, offer a range of delectable options for canapes and more.
- Hitched couples say: “The food was delicious, the beef was so tender and the sharing dessert was a huge hit, the portions were very generous.”
- Pricing: from £55
21. Vegan Canapes - The Hogless Roast
Vegan canapes don’t have to be boring - The Hogless Roast specialises in exciting vegan wedding catering with plenty of options for the herbivores on your guest list.
- Hitched couples say: “Wow, where to begin. Honestly the star of our entire wedding was The Hogless Roast.”
- Pricing: from £2,000
- Deals: two deals available, including an exclusive 5% discount for Hitched couples
Wedding Canape FAQs
Got questions about wedding canapes? We’ve got you! Complete with expert advice from wedding caterers, read on for everything you could need to know about canapes for weddings.
What are wedding canapés?
Wedding canapés are small, bite sized appetisers, usually served during the drinks reception at a wedding, following on from the wedding ceremony.
They are designed to be eaten in a bite or two, making them the perfect thing to eat whilst mingling with other guests. They’re practical and chic, and will help banish hunger until the wedding breakfast is served!
Do you need canapés at a wedding?
Your wedding isn’t going to be a disaster if you don’t have canapés, but it is a good way to keep your guests happy and occupied during the drinks reception. It’s a good idea to have canapés at your wedding, particularly if your guests have a long gap between meals.
It’s also a fun way to personalise your wedding and add to your chosen wedding theme.
How many canapés should you serve per person at a wedding?
A good rule of thumb is to serve between four and six canapés per guest if you’re having a full meal later, or 8-12 if they are the main food offering. Jasmine Ebdon-Coulling, Event Sales & Marketing Manager at Wild Fork says: "Six per person works well before a sit-down three course meal. This usually means you can select six different canapés from your caterer, which gives you a lovely varied choice.
"We suggest choosing two veggie, two meat and two fish canapés for an exciting variation of options for your guests!"
What's the best balance of flavours and textures in a wedding canape selection?
"Keep your canapé board in mind when choosing your canapés," says Jasmine. "For example, although a sea of beige deep fried items will be absolutely delicious, they won't look the most inspiring on the board.
"We suggest choosing a mixture of items, such as crispy and deep fried options, some served on spoons and some even in little shots with spoons for visual wow-factor. A variation in flavour is important too; balance hearty and salty options with fresh and zingy options to keep your guests taste buds awake!"
What common canape mistakes do nearlyweds make, and how can they avoid them?
Jasmine has some expert advice when it comes to making the right choice for your wedding canapes: !We tell our couples to choose what they love, and not what they think other people will love.
"It's their day and with so many palettes to please, it's best to go with your gut (quite literally!) and choose the canapés you both will enjoy. All of our canapés are delicious, so there's no doubt there will be options that everyone loves."
Wedding Canapé Ideas
Trying to decide what kind of canapes to serve at your wedding? Here are some sample wedding canape menus to inspire you:
Classic Canapés for a Wedding
- Smoked salmon blinis with crème fraîche
- Mini Yorkshire puddings with rare roast beef
- Bruschetta with tomato and basil
- Chicken satay skewers with peanut sauce
Summer Canapés for a Wedding
- Gazpacho shots with cucumber garnish
- Mini prawn cocktails
- Feta, watermelon & mint skewers
- Grilled halloumi bites with honey drizzle
James and Anastasia from award-winning wedding catering firm Blackberry & Bay recommend going for fresh flavours: “Pea and mint croquettes are very popular with our couples, as they’re fragrant and refreshing and are perfect with prosecco or champagne.
“Parmesan shortbreads with pesto and slow-roasted tomatoes work well too.”
Winter Wedding Canapes
- Honey-mustard pigs in blankets
- Mini shepherd’s pie bites
- Cranberry and brie crostini
- Goats cheese and caramelised onion tartlets
For an indulgent winter wedding canape, the team at Blackberry & Bay recommend “venison fillet with mini yorkshire puddings and horseradish, as it’s so in season.”
Vegan Wedding Canapés
- Stuffed mushrooms with garlic and herbs
- Sweet potato and chickpea falafels with tahini dip
- Avocado and lime crostini
- Mini beetroot tartlets
Sweet Canapés
- Mini macarons in assorted flavours
- Chocolate-dipped strawberries
- Bite-sized lemon meringue tarts
- Raspberry and white chocolate profiteroles
When it comes to fun and unusual wedding canape ideas, Blackberry & Bay have canape-style desserts tipped as a new trend: “Everyone gets to mingle again, stand up and walk around while being served desserts. It seems like a very popular aspect we like to recommend”
How to Serve Canapés at a Wedding
The best way to serve canapés at a wedding is with roaming waitstaff offering trays to guests. This ensures a seamless and elegant experience.
Alternatively, you can have a dedicated canapé station where guests can help themselves, if you don’t have the budget or the option to have roaming staff.
Important Things to Think About When it Comes to Wedding Canapés
You can’t just choose your canapes and leave it at that - there are a few other things you can do to elevate the experience for your guests:
- Pair with Drinks: Choose canapés that complement your welcome drinks. For example, seafood pairs beautifully with champagne, while spicy bites work well with refreshing cocktails.
- Presentation Matters: Elegant serving trays, edible garnishes, and decorative elements like edible flowers can elevate the visual appeal of your canapés.
- Dietary Options: Ensure you have a variety of options for guests with dietary requirements, including gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free choices.
Questions to Ask About Wedding Canapes
When it comes to choosing your wedding caterer and deciding on your wedding canapes, there are a few key questions to ask. Take note of these for when you meet with your caterer:
- Do you offer a set menu of canapes, or can we customise our selection?
- Can you create canapes to match our theme or culture?
- Do you provide seasonal variations?
- What vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options do you offer?
- How do you handle allergies and dietary restrictions?
- How many canapes do you recommend per guest?
- How are the canapes served?
- Do you provide set up, serving and display options?
- Are your ingredients seasonal, organic and locally sourced?
- Do we get a tasting session before making our final choices?
- How far in advance do we need to confirm our choices and numbers?
- What is the cost per person for the canapes?
- Do you charge extra for service or equipment rental?
- Do you provide plates, napkins and other serving essentials?
- Can you recommend a drink pairing for our canapes?
- How can we ensure our canapes complement our main meal choices?
Wedding canapés are a fantastic way to start your reception, offering guests delicious bites while they mingle. Whether you opt for classic flavours, seasonal summer canapés, or a mix of sweet and savoury options, a well-thought-out canapé menu will set the stage for an unforgettable wedding feast.
Looking for the perfect wedding caterer? Explore top-rated vendors on Hitched and discover delicious wedding canapé options tailored to your taste and budget!
