Banquet vs Canapés vs Alternate Drop: Which Wedding Catering Style Is Right for You?
Planning the food for your wedding or event can be one of the most exciting (and overwhelming) parts of the process. Once you've got the venue sorted and the guest list nailed down, the big question is: how do you want to serve the food?
Gone are the days of one size fits all catering. These days, the style of service says just as much about the vibe of your celebration as the menu itself. Whether you're after something elegant and refined, relaxed and social, or somewhere in between, the way the food is served sets the tone.
Let’s break down the three most popular catering styles: Banquet, Canapés, and Alternate Drop (Individually Plated), with some honest pros and potential challenges of each.
Canapés: Small Bites, Big Impact
Canapés are those perfectly formed, bite sized morsels of magic that seem to appear just when people start to feel a little peckish. Whether you're planning a cocktail style wedding or want a stylish way to kick off the evening before a sit down meal, roaming canapés are an excellent choice.
Best for:
Cocktail weddings or events with no formal seating
Pre dinner service during a drinks reception or photos
Interactive, social events where people are free to move around
Why we love it:
Guests get to try a variety of flavours without being tied to a table
It’s flexible, great on its own or as an addition to a larger meal
Encourages mingling and conversation
A few things to consider:
You'll need a good flow of service staff to keep trays circulating
Guests with dietary needs might miss certain options if they’re not offered directly
Hot tip: Want to make canapés the star of the show? Pair them with interactive stations or grazing tables for a well rounded experience.
Banquet Share Plates: Abundant, Relaxed, Social
Banquet style catering has taken weddings and events by storm, and for good reason. It’s warm, generous, and all about connection. Large platters are placed in the centre of each table for guests to serve themselves, passing dishes around and chatting like one big dinner party.
Best for:
Sit down weddings and gatherings where togetherness is key
Family style celebrations that want to feel inclusive and interactive
Large guest lists (yes, even 250 plus)
Why we love it:
Creates a communal feel and gets everyone involved
Guests can serve themselves based on their appetite and preferences
Great way to showcase a variety of dishes with something for everyone
A few things to consider:
Requires space on the table for platters, which can impact styling
Can be a bit messier than plated service, but that’s part of the charm
Hot tip: If you're styling your tables with lots of florals or candles, chat to your caterer about platter space early on.
Alternate Drop (Individually Plated): Elegant and Structured
The classic plated meal is still a go to for formal occasions and weddings that call for a bit more tradition or polish. With alternate drop, you typically choose two dishes per course, which are then alternated between guests. Everyone is served at the same time and it feels more like fine dining.
Best for:
Black tie weddings, corporate functions or private dinners
Guests who prefer a structured, seated dining experience
Venues with limited space or tight service timelines
Why we love it:
Elegant presentation, each plate is a work of art
Guests can relax and be served without lifting a finger
Easy to structure speeches and formalities around timed courses
A few things to consider:
Guests don’t get to choose which dish they receive (unless pre-organised), which isn’t ideal for picky eaters
Slightly more rigid than banquet service, less opportunity for spontaneous moments
Dietary needs must be carefully managed ahead of time
Hot tip: Add roaming canapés beforehand to create more variety and keep guests fuelled during cocktail hour.
So, which catering style should you choose?
Honestly, it depends on your vibe.
If your event is all about mingling, movement and playful bites, canapés are your go to.
If you’re after connection, abundance and a shared experience, you can’t go past a banquet.
And if you want a refined, formal sit down affair, alternate drop is a classic for a reason.
You can even mix and match. We often serve canapés first, followed by a banquet or plated meal.
Still unsure? Chat to your caterer (hello, that’s us) about what style suits your venue, timeline and guest list. We’ve done it all, from beachside feasts to black tie banquets, and we’re here to help bring your vision to life.
