There are two reasons why you might chose to have canapes at your reception - the first as tasty treats to nibble on before the wedding breakfast itself, and the second as something substantial enough to be a meal in themselves. A good caterer will be able to give you endless ideas and help you put together a canape.
Canapes will be passed round by waiters and they are designed to be picked from the tray and eaten more or less in a couple of bites - guests should not be required to juggle plates and cutlery.
Canapes are sometimes referred to as a finger buffet, although in this case, the food would be laid out rather than passed around and guests will be given little plates. The content of the food is usually pretty similar, and would still be eaten with the fingers.
Suggestions include:
- Mini Yorkshire puddings with roast beef and horseradish
- Bite size warm walnut and stilton quiche
- Tiny sandwiches
- Lobster and mango on mini pittas
- Spicy chicken satay
- Oriental prawns
- Italian bruschetta, with basil and mozzarella
- Mini chocolate eclairs
- Bite size fruit tarts
- Miniature meringues
Canapes should be small and neat - they shouldn't drip or fall apart, and they certainly shouldn't leave the guest with a claw, tail or bone as reminder of what they have just eaten.