Canapé tapas
Small, one- or two-bite pieces carried round on boards or trays while guests stand and mingle. Ideal for drinks receptions, launches and the gap between a ceremony and the meal. They need staff to carry them round.
Table tapas
Bowls and boards set down in the middle of each table to share. Ideal as a starter at a seated meal, and great for getting guests talking. They need table space and serving dishes.
Combining them
Many weddings have both: canapés with the drinks, then table tapas as a starter before the paella. Others skip the starter and go straight from canapés to paella.
Staffing
Canapés need staff walking round with trays for the length of the reception. Table tapas need staff to set down and clear dishes. Ask your caterer how many staff each option needs for your numbers.
Diets
With canapés, make sure each tray includes or is clearly labelled with vegetarian and other options, and that staff know what’s in each. With table tapas, put a few dishes suitable for each diet on every table.
Timing
A drinks reception of an hour or more needs a decent number of canapés per guest. If the gap is short, a few canapés is enough before the meal.
Our suggestion
For most weddings and parties with a seated meal, a few canapés during the drinks and table tapas as a starter make a generous, sociable start. For standing receptions and evening parties, canapés alone work well, followed by paella served in bowls. Talk to your caterer about the length of each part of the day and they’ll suggest the right balance.
Either way, make sure vegetarian and other diets are covered on every tray and every table, and that staff know exactly what is in each dish.
Which suits your event?
- Standing reception with no seated meal: canapé tapas
- Long tables and a relaxed sit-down: table tapas
- Short gap before the meal: a few canapés
- Long gap (photos, travel between venues): more substantial canapés
See tapas catering.
Planning an event? Tell us about it and we’ll suggest a menu and send a quote.