Skip to main content

Post content has been hidden

To unblock this content, please click here

emjjarvy
Beginner September 2014

Alternative to canapes??

emjjarvy, 15 April, 2014 at 11:41 Posted on Planning 0 18

Hello! Some advice / ideas please!!

We are heading to our venue this weekend (in SW France) and have a menu/wine tasting booked amongst other things! CANNOT WAIT!!!! Will likely do a mega flash when I'm back so prepare yourselves!

I definitely want to serve something with the reception drinks after the cerermony as there will be quite a gap between that and the wedding breakfast, but canapés seem a bit too fancy for us and really expensive for what you get (7.50Euros for 4), although I do appreciate they take a lot of prep work. The 4 we have chosen to taste are Fois Gras crostini, smoked salmon belini, mini quiche (v option) and shredded sweet and sour duck wrap.

As it is a la francais I had the idea of crepes but we thought this would be perhaps a bit messy and tricky for people to eat? Any other ideas would be great, The venue is fab and willing to try different things.

For info we will be having a cheese tower with cooked meats and bread for the evening food, along with the wedding cake, so bread and cheese isn't really an option unless we do something else for the evening buffet!!!

Thanks Smiley smile

18 replies

Latest activity by Raja, yesterday at 22:58
  • pammy67
    Beginner April 2015
    pammy67 ·
    • Report
    • Hide content

    Don;t really have any alternative suggestions I'm afraid just a couple of observations.

    Fois Gras - be sure you know your guests - a lot of people are offended by it on ethical grounds, but it is yummy.. You can get more ethically produced Fois Gras which might help.

    Crepes would be very messy I think. As a guest - trying to eat a crepe, balance a drink, camera etc - would I end up wearing it? Probably Smiley winking Also might a bit too filling before your main meal. Canapes are a light bite to put you on. Crepes for desert might be fantastic though.

    • Reply
  • *J9*
    VIP March 2014
    *J9* ·
    • Report
    • Hide content

    We just had crisps, nuts and olives with our drinks. Just a little something to take the edge off any hunger.

    • Reply
  • cymruangel
    Beginner December 2014
    cymruangel ·
    • Report
    • Hide content

    Depending on how hungry you think folks will get, you could always do what a lot of bars do and simply serve olives and nuts? They go well with wine, have a suitably continental (albeit Spanish/ Greek/ Italian!) feel and will fill a little hole until the wedding breakfast.

    Alternatively, is there a local delicacy in that particular bit of SW France? Might give people a flavour of the area (no pun intended) and will hopefully be easy to prepare if the locals make it all the time?

    • Reply
  • SillyWrong
    Beginner October 2014
    SillyWrong ·
    • Report
    • Hide content

    Only two unhelpful comments:

    1. Fois gras really upsets me. People might be shovelling it in and then regret it when realising what it is?

    2. WE'RE DOING OUR TRIP TO SPAIN IN 2 WEEKS for the same reasons (menu tasting, meet the tog, MU trials) ... SO excited! I'm so jealous you get to go first! Please come back and tell us all about it - and flash lots! I'd really like to see how you're doing it in France compared to ours in Spain!

    • Reply
  • ForTheLoveOfMrsBrown
    Beginner January 2012
    ForTheLoveOfMrsBrown ·
    • Report
    • Hide content

    I don't think 7.5 Euros for four canapes is massively expensive.

    I agree with pammy re: foie gras, not just those who won't eat it but also those who feel uncomfortable being anywhere that serves it. I think it would be a brave choice and this veggie would be pretty horrifed ? but this veggie has been known to leave restaurants when spying it on the menu

    We had grilled beef skewer/tempura prawn/Thai chicken breast/Pea and coriander falafel.

    • Reply
  • ATB
    Beginner August 2014
    ATB ·
    • Report
    • Hide content

    Could you do stuffed olives, pate on small slices of french crusty bread etc? Still small nibbles but easier to put together than canapes?

    • Reply
  • pammy67
    Beginner April 2015
    pammy67 ·
    • Report
    • Hide content

    You could do tapenade on the crostini rather than fois gras - that then gives your veggies two options as well as non veggie people likeing them of course.

    • Reply
  • emjjarvy
    Beginner September 2014
    emjjarvy ·
    • Report
    • Hide content

    Thanks for all your comments so far! I think fois gras probably should be swapped with something else! Will ask what else they can do, I am sure olive tapenade would be an option.

    I think I'm over thinking it and wanting something a bit different when it isn't necessary! My OHs family are quite big eaters so no worry of any food going to waste!

    • Reply
  • emjjarvy
    Beginner September 2014
    emjjarvy ·
    • Report
    • Hide content
    View quoted message

    Yay!!!! I honestly cannot wait! We are meeting the florist and celebrant and I'm having hair and make up trials too Smiley smile We also get to have a proper look around all of the cottages on site so we can decide who is staying where!! Had a minor panic last night as we couldn't find our passports. OH had put them in the inside pocket of his ski jacket for safe keeping.... needless to say I will be looking after the passports on this trip!!!

    
    • Reply
  • Fima
    Beginner July 2025 Cornwall
    Fima ·
    • Report
    • Hide content
    During a casual search for online casinos used in Pakistan, I discovered https://glory.net.pk and decided to explore the site. The platform includes many slot games and casino sections, with clear explanations about bonuses and deposit features that Pakistani players often need. Browsing the different game categories was easy, and I enjoyed seeing which offers were highlighted.
    • Reply
  • Willium
    New York
    Willium ·
    • Report
    • Hide content

    If you are looking for an alternative to classic catering that keeps guests entertained, I have been spending my downtime exploring the Z777 Game lately. It provides a really smooth and reliable experience that is easy to navigate, making it a great way to stay occupied while you wait for your next big event or wedding celebration.

    • Reply
  • Steve
    Beginner July 2026 Pakistan
    Steve Online ·
    • Report
    • Hide content

    MylarBags.co.uk is a trusted destination for premium Official MylarBags UK , offering reliable packaging solutions for businesses and individuals across the UK. As the Mylar Bags UK Official Store and MylarBags UK Official, the platform features high-quality products from a leading Mylar Bags Manufacturer UK and Mylar Bags Packaging Company. Customers can Mylar Bags Shop Online through the MylarBags Storefront, MylarBags Online UK, and MylarBags E-commerce platform to explore durable packaging solutions backed by the Mylar Bags Brand UK. Recognized as a Mylar Bags Distributor UK, the MylarBags Main Site supports MylarBags Packaging UK, MylarBags Sales UK, and serves as the Mylar Bags Corporate Site for quality packaging products throughout the UK.

    • Reply
  • Steve
    Beginner July 2026 Pakistan
    Steve Online ·
    • Report
    • Hide content

    HomeImproverz is a trusted home improvement resource offering practical guides, expert tips, and helpful solutions for homeowners looking to enhance their living spaces. Whether you're searching for a mobile home value estimator , a free mobile home value calculator, or inspiration for a pale yellow house with shutters, the website provides valuable insights to support your decisions. Discover exterior design ideas, including a pale yellow yellow house with shutters and a stylish yellow house with burgundy shutters, along with informative articles on home maintenance and landscaping. HomeImproverz helps homeowners make smarter renovation, decorating, and property improvement choices with reliable, easy-to-follow content.

    • Reply
  • JOHN
    Beginner April 2021 Pakistan
    JOHN ·
    • Report
    • Hide content

    If you're looking for alternatives to canapés, you could serve mini sliders, gourmet wraps, skewers, stuffed mushrooms, bruschetta, spring rolls, or charcuterie cups. They're easy for guests to enjoy while mingling and offer more variety. If you're hosting a large event or celebration, arranging group transport through https://kingdomcoachhire.com/coach-hire-birmingham/ can also help guests travel comfortably and arrive together.

    • Reply
  • Noraiz
    Beginner July 2026 New York
    Noraiz ·
    • Report
    • Hide content

    Lumeart Studio specializes in Custom Book Cover Design, creating unique, eye-catching covers that help authors stand out in a competitive market. Their experienced designers work closely with writers to transform book ideas into professional, genre-specific visuals that capture readers' attention. Whether you're publishing your first novel or launching your next bestseller, Lumeart Studio delivers high-quality Book Cover Design services with unlimited revisions, a collaborative design process, and covers tailored to your story and publishing goals

    • Reply
  • Noraiz
    Beginner July 2026 New York
    Noraiz ·
    • Report
    • Hide content

    If you're looking for dependable appliance repair services in the St. Paul and Minneapolis metropolitan area, Merit Appliance Repair is a trusted choice for both residential and commercial customers. Their experienced technicians handle a wide range of repairs, including refrigerators, washers, dryers, ovens, ice makers, HVAC systems, and commercial kitchen equipment. With same-day service availability, transparent pricing, quality replacement parts, and a warranty on repairs, Merit Appliance Repair is committed to delivering fast, reliable solutions that help keep your home or business running smoothly

    • Reply
  • Steve
    Beginner July 2026 Pakistan
    Steve Online ·
    • Report
    • Hide content

    Beehive Web Solutions is a premier creative agency in San Diego dedicated to driving growth through custom web design, SEO, and strategic marketing. Recognized among top-tier advertising agencies in San Diego, our team delivers results-driven campaigns that help local and national brands stand out in competitive markets. As a leading branding agency in San Diego, we help businesses craft memorable brand identities, while our work as a full-service video animation agency allows us to produce high-impact visual stories. Ranked among the most innovative animation studios in San Diego , Beehive Web Solutions sets the standard for San Diego advertising agencies by combining technical expertise with creative vision to turn concepts into measurable business growth.

    • Reply
  • Wilson
    Beginner August 2026 Missouri
    Wilson ·
    • Report
    • Hide content

    Crepes could be a lovely French touch, but I agree they might be a little awkward for guests to eat while mingling. I’d go for simple, bite-sized options that feel relaxed rather than overly formal—mini savoury tarts, gougères, stuffed mushrooms, small sausage rolls, vegetable skewers, or little croque monsieur bites could work really well with reception drinks.

    Since there will be a gap before the wedding breakfast, having a few substantial finger foods is a good idea rather than just delicate canapés. You could also ask the venue about a couple of budget-friendly alternatives and compare the portions and preparation involved. If you’re also looking at ways to manage other wedding-related expenses, Self Empowered Financing may be worth exploring for general financing information.

    Most importantly, choose things that guests can eat easily with one hand while holding a drink—it will keep the reception feeling relaxed and enjoyable!

    • Reply
  • Raja
    Beginner September 2026 New York
    Raja ·
    • Report
    • Hide content

    Congratulations! It sounds like you have such an exciting weekend ahead — the menu and wine tasting in SW France sounds amazing!

    For the reception drinks, I agree that you probably want something a little more substantial than just drinks, especially with a gap before the wedding breakfast. If you want to avoid the cost and formality of traditional canapés, you could consider mini savoury pastries, gougères (French cheese puffs), mini sausage rolls, vegetable tartlets, or small savoury crêpe bites. Gougères would be particularly fitting for a French-style wedding and are easy for guests to eat while mingling.

    You could also ask the venue about small individual portions served in little cups or cones, such as seasoned fries, mini quiche pieces, or small portions of duck. That can feel more relaxed and less expensive than plated canapés.

    Since you're already having a cheese tower, cooked meats and bread later in the evening, I'd probably avoid adding another bread-and-cheese station. Something warm and savoury during the drinks reception would give you a nice contrast.

    And if you're looking for something to browse while planning the relaxed, bookish details of the wedding, FireHouse Book Bin is also worth having a look at.

    Whatever you choose, I'd focus on easy-to-eat, one- or two-bite options so guests can mingle without needing plates and cutlery. Have an amazing tasting weekend! 🥂

    • Reply

You voted for . Add a comment 👇

×

Related articles

General groups

Hitched article topics