Canapé and evening food calculator

Plan your canapés first, then work out evening food. The number you need depends on when your ceremony ends and whether guests eat a full meal. If you serve a three-course dinner, you will need fewer canapés and a lighter evening snack. If there is no main meal, your guests will rely on the canapé and evening food to stay fed.

A good starting point is around 4 or 5 pieces per guest for the first hour, then 2 or 3 per guest for each extra hour. You can adjust these figures once you know your timings. Think about whether you want a sit-down buffet or a grazing table, as this changes how quickly food is taken.

Evening food keeps your guests happy after the dancing starts. Plan for a mix of hot and cold items so everyone finds something they like. A buffet works well for large groups because people serve themselves at their own pace.

• Order enough hot food for the first hour after the main meal ends.
• Add a late-night snack for the final hour of the party.
• Include vegetarian and vegan options alongside meat dishes.
• Check with your caterer about how much they recommend per person for your chosen menu.

If you are unsure, it is better to have a little extra than to run out.

Timing is the key to getting quantities right. A long gap between the ceremony and dinner means you need more canapés. A late dinner means your evening food will be needed sooner.

• Ask your caterer how many pieces they count as one serving.
• Consider the length of your reception and how much dancing there will be.
• Remember that children and older guests may eat less than adults.
• Confirm your final numbers with your caterer a few weeks before the wedding.

Use this calculator to get a sensible baseline, then fine-tune it with your caterer.