Top 5 Must-Have Canapés for a Stylish Wedding Reception

Elevate Your Wedding Menu with Gourmet Flavours

A beautifully arranged tray of gourmet canapés with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, prawns, and fresh basil, ready to impress guests at an elegant wedding reception.

Your wedding day is one of the most important celebrations of your life, and every element—from the venue to the décor and, of course, the food—should reflect your personal style and vision.

At The Italian Job Catering, we believe that great food is at the heart of every unforgettable wedding. Our menus are carefully designed to bring people together, enhance the atmosphere, and make your wedding as seamless and stress-free as possible. With a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients and authentic flavours, we create gourmet experiences that leave a lasting impression on you and your guests.

One of the best ways to set the tone for your wedding reception is with beautifully crafted canapés. These bite-sized delights aren’t just appetisers—they’re the first taste of the feast to come. Canapés should be elegant, easy to eat, and bursting with flavour. They allow guests to mingle while enjoying a selection of perfectly portioned gourmet treats, ensuring that everyone gets a taste of something special.

So, how do you choose the best canapés for your wedding? With so many incredible options, we’ve put together our Top 5 Must-Have Canapés—all of which feature on our wedding catering menus and have been hand-picked based on guest favourites, flavour balance, and presentation.

1. Truffle & Mushroom Arancini (V)

A classic Italian favourite with a touch of luxury. Arancini is a staple in Italian cuisine, loved for its crispy golden crust and creamy, flavour-packed centre. Our Truffle & Mushroom Arancini is one of our most requested wedding canapés—offering the perfect balance of earthy truffle, rich mushrooms, and velvety risotto, all coated in a light, crunchy breadcrumb layer.

Golden, crispy truffle and mushroom arancini topped with creamy sauce and microgreens, served elegantly on a wooden board at a wedding reception.

What makes this canapé so special is its versatility—it’s an elegant vegetarian option that appeals to both vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. Truffle adds an indulgent touch, making it an ideal bite for a sophisticated wedding reception.

Perfect for couples looking for a refined yet comforting canapé that pairs beautifully with a glass of prosecco or a crisp white wine.

2. Garlic Prawn Skewers (GF, DF)

A seafood classic that never goes out of style. Seafood canapés always add a fresh and elegant touch to any wedding menu, and our Garlic Prawn Skewers are a firm favourite. We use plump, locally sourced prawns, grilled to perfection with fragrant garlic, fresh herbs, and a hint of citrus to enhance their natural sweetness.

Juicy, grilled garlic prawns skewered and garnished with fresh herbs, served on a tray, ready to be enjoyed at an outdoor event.

This canapé is light, full of flavour, and beautifully presented, making it the ideal choice for a beachside, garden, or coastal wedding. The combination of smoky charred prawns and zesty marinade creates a fresh and sophisticated bite that pairs well with champagne or a light rosé.

Perfect for couples hosting a summer wedding who want a seafood option that’s both fresh and full of flavour.

3. Prosciutto, Melon & Bocconcini Skewers (GF)

A timeless Italian combination with the perfect balance of sweet and savoury. This canapé is a beautifully simple yet incredibly flavourful option that highlights the quality of our fresh ingredients. It combines silky, premium prosciutto with juicy, ripe melon and creamy bocconcini cheese, all delicately skewered for an easy, elegant bite.

Elegant bite-sized skewers featuring sweet rockmelon, creamy bocconcini, fresh basil, and salty prosciutto, served on a rustic wooden platter.

The contrast of sweet and salty makes this canapé stand out, while the freshness of the ingredients keeps it light and refreshing. It’s perfect for a warm-weather wedding, adding a Mediterranean touch to your menu.

Perfect for couples who love classic Italian flavours and want a canapé that’s refreshing, easy to eat, and visually appealing.

4. Halloumi Bites (V, GF)

Crispy, golden, and utterly irresistible. Halloumi is one of those crowd-pleasing ingredients that everyone loves, and our Halloumi Bites are no exception. Perfectly fried to achieve a crisp, golden exterior with a soft, chewy centre, these bites are served with a light drizzle of honey or a zesty dip for the ultimate flavour contrast.

Perfectly grilled halloumi bites on skewers, served on a tray by a catering staff member at an outdoor wedding.

Halloumi adds a fun, interactive element to your canapé selection while still feeling elevated and gourmet. Whether your guests are vegetarians or not, they’ll be reaching for seconds!

Perfect for couples looking to add a fun yet gourmet vegetarian option to their canapé menu.

5. Italian Meatballs (GF)

A comforting classic, reimagined as a bite-sized wedding treat. Meatballs might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of wedding canapés, but our Italian Meatballs have been one of our most popular options for years. Made from premium-quality meat, fresh herbs, and a rich tomato sauce, they’re juicy, flavourful, and packed with authentic Italian goodness.

A plate of delicious Italian meatballs served with a rich tomato sauce, garnished with fresh basil and grated parmesan, each with a skewer for easy serving.

Served in small bites with just the right amount of sauce, these meatballs offer a hearty yet refined option for guests who love traditional Italian cuisine. They’re the perfect balance between comfort food and sophistication—and they always get rave reviews!

Perfect for couples who want to include classic Italian comfort food in their wedding menu, without compromising on style.

Curating the Perfect Wedding Catering Experience

At The Italian Job Catering, we understand that choosing the right wedding menu can feel overwhelming. That’s why we offer curated menus that ensure a seamless dining experience—so you can enjoy your wedding day stress-free.

Our menus are designed to cater to different wedding styles, whether you’re hosting a casual cocktail-style reception or an elegant sit-down dinner.

Locally Sourced Ingredients: We prioritise fresh, seasonal ingredients from local suppliers to create high-quality, flavourful dishes.
Eco-Friendly Practices: We’re committed to sustainability—no plastic, minimal waste, and responsible sourcing.
Expertly Trained Staff: Our team is experienced in delivering seamless service, ensuring every guest is well taken care of.
Tailored Canapé Selection: We offer a range of deluxe and premium canapés, so you can customise your selection based on your wedding style.

Choosing the Right Canapé Selection for Your Wedding

When deciding on your canapé selection, here are a few key tips to keep in mind.

Balance the Flavours: Include a mix of seafood, vegetarian, cold and hot, and meat-based options to cater to all guests.
Think About Dietary Needs: Consider canapés that are gluten-free, vegetarian, or dairy-free to ensure inclusivity.
Match the Canapés to Your Reception Style: If you’re having a cocktail-style wedding, opt for lighter, easy-to-eat bites. For a sit-down reception, you may want a mix of both light and substantial canapés.
Pair with Drinks: Your canapés should complement your chosen champagne, wine, or cocktail selection.

Let’s Create Your Perfect Wedding Menu!

At The Italian Job Catering, we love working with couples to curate the perfect wedding menu. Whether you’re looking for a selection of deluxe canapés, a gourmet sit-down feast, or a cocktail-style grazing experience, we have tailored menu options to suit your vision.