It is the question that comes up every time a reception is organised: how many canapés should you plan per person? Too few, and the buffet runs out early, leaving guests hungry. Too many, and the budget soars for nothing. Here are clear benchmarks to get your corporate cocktail reception right, from a quick aperitif to a full dinner reception, in Paris and Île-de-France.

In short: allow 6 to 8 canapés per person for an aperitif reception, 12 to 14 for a lunch reception and 16 to 18 for a dinner reception that replaces the meal, with a 10% margin above the confirmed headcount.

  • L'Invitation: 8 canapés, €29.90 per person excl. VAT.
  • La Réception: 12 canapés, €40.90 per person excl. VAT.
  • La Célébration: 16 canapés, €51.90 per person excl. VAT.
  • Split: about two thirds savoury canapés to one third sweet canapés.

The basic rule: it all depends on when the reception takes place

The number of canapés per person is not set at random: it depends on what the reception has to replace. An aperitif reception before a dinner or in the late afternoon does not have the same needs as a dinner reception that stands in for a meal. The first accompanies, the second feeds. That is the starting point of any calculation.

How many canapés per person by type of reception?

Type of receptionDurationCanapés per personOur packagePrice excl. VAT / person
Aperitif, after-work1 to 2 h6 to 8L'Invitation, 8 canapés€29.90
Lunch reception (replaces lunch)1 h 30 to 2 h12 to 14La Réception, 12 canapés€40.90
Dinner reception (replaces dinner)2 h 30 to 3 h16 to 18La Célébration, 16 canapés€51.90

Aperitif reception: 6 to 8 canapés per person

For an aperitif reception lasting one to two hours, allow 6 to 8 savoury and sweet canapés per person. It is the format for after-work events, drinks and welcomes before an event. The idea is not to fill people up, but to accompany the conversation with something pleasant to nibble. A ratio of about two thirds savoury to one third sweet works well.

Lunch reception: 12 to 14 canapés per person

For a lunch reception that replaces lunch, allow 12 to 14 canapés per person. Guests go back to work: they need to be fed without being weighed down.

Dinner reception: 16 to 18 canapés per person

For a dinner reception that replaces dinner, go up to 16 to 18 canapés per person, depending on the length and the generosity you want. At this level, the reception should include more substantial canapés, hot or cold, and a larger share of sweet items at the end of service. It is the format for company parties, openings and partner receptions.

How many canapés in total by headcount?

Headcount8 canapés / person12 canapés / person16 canapés / person
20 people160 canapés · €598 excl. VAT240 canapés · €818 excl. VAT320 canapés · €1,038 excl. VAT
30 people240 canapés · €897 excl. VAT360 canapés · €1,227 excl. VAT480 canapés · €1,557 excl. VAT
50 people400 canapés · €1,495 excl. VAT600 canapés · €2,045 excl. VAT800 canapés · €2,595 excl. VAT
100 people800 canapés · €2,990 excl. VAT1,200 canapés · €4,090 excl. VAT1,600 canapés · €5,190 excl. VAT

Budgets calculated on our 2026 packages, excluding delivery (€29 excl. VAT in Paris and nearby towns). The price per person stays fixed whatever the headcount.

Should there be more savoury or sweet?

The rule is simple: savoury dominates, sweet punctuates. Allow about two thirds savoury canapés to one third sweet canapés. The sweet items arrive at the end of the reception and close the occasion. For a long dinner reception, you can slightly increase the sweet share, which serves as dessert.

Adjusting for the time, the length and the audience

These benchmarks are a base to adjust. An evening reception, after work, calls for a few more canapés than a mid-afternoon one. A long reception requires planning generously to avoid running out at the end of service. And an audience that will not have had dinner beforehand clearly justifies the dinner reception format. When in doubt, it is better to plan a little more: a slight surplus gets shared, a shortage gets noticed. Allow a 10% margin above the confirmed headcount.

Ordering your corporate cocktail reception in Paris and Île-de-France

L'Écrin Traiteur puts together your cocktail reception packages with the right number of canapés for your format and headcount, hand-made bites and careful presentation. We advise you on quantities when preparing the quote: request your quote and let us work out together the right amount for your reception.

To compare all end-of-year formats and their prices, see the costed guide to end-of-year celebrations at work.

L'Écrin Traiteur prices, October 2026.

Frequently asked questions about canapés per person

How many canapés per person for an aperitif?

For an aperitif reception lasting one to two hours, allow 6 to 8 savoury and sweet canapés per person, i.e. the L'Invitation package with 8 canapés, €29.90 per person excl. VAT. It is the format for after-work events, drinks and welcomes: enough to accompany the conversation without filling people up. Plan a 10% margin above the confirmed headcount.

How many canapés for a dinner reception that replaces dinner?

Plan 16 to 18 canapés per person for a dinner reception that replaces dinner, i.e. La Célébration with 16 canapés, €51.90 per person excl. VAT. For a lunch reception, allow 12 to 14 canapés. The canapés are more substantial, with a larger share of sweet items at the end of service. It is the format for company parties and openings.

What ratio of savoury to sweet canapés?

Allow about two thirds savoury canapés to one third sweet canapés. For a reception of 12 canapés per person, that means 8 savoury and 4 sweet. Savoury dominates and accompanies, sweet punctuates and closes the reception. For a long dinner reception, you can slightly increase the sweet share, which serves as dessert.

Is it better to plan a few more canapés?

Yes, plan a 10% margin above the confirmed headcount. A slight surplus gets shared until the end, whereas a shortage is noticed straight away. For a long reception or an audience that will not have had dinner beforehand, it is better to aim high: for 50 people, that means 55 portions, i.e. 5 extra guests.