Comparing Cocktail Canapés vs Live Stations: Which One Suits Your Event?
When planning an event in Singapore—be it a product launch, wedding reception, or executive networking evening—the food you serve isn’t just about feeding guests. It shapes the mood, flow, and energy of the entire occasion. Two of the most popular formats for modern, stylish events are cocktail canapés and live stations. But how do you know which one is right for your event?
At Lavish, we offer both with equal flair—crafted by expert chefs and styled for visual impact. Here’s a side-by-side comparison to help you decide which format best suits your needs, your space, and your crowd.
Cocktail Canapés: Effortless Elegance in Every Bite
Cocktail canapés are small, visually stunning bites served in trays or displays, allowing guests to eat while they mingle. Lavish’s cocktail canapé catering focuses on balanced flavours, artful presentation, and seamless circulation across the venue.
Best for:
Networking events
Corporate mixers
Intimate receptions
Product or gallery launches
Key advantages:
Easy for guests to enjoy without interrupting conversations
Great for compact or standing-room venues
Offers wide variety in a manageable portion size
Explore our curated canapé catalogue to view our full selection.
Live Stations: Interactive & Immersive Dining
Live stations turn food into theatre. Chefs prepare or assemble dishes fresh on-site, adding a dynamic and sensory element to your event. Lavish’s live station catering features everything from freshly grilled satay to made-to-order pasta, tacos, or crepes.
Best for:
Weddings
Birthdays and anniversaries
Outdoor celebrations
Events that span over meal times
Key advantages:
Adds entertainment value and a sense of luxury
Allows guests to customise their dish
Great conversation starter and photo opportunity
Still Deciding?
“Flavour meets flair—choose your catering style with confidence.”
Explore Lavish’s cocktail canapés for sleek sophistication, or opt for live stations that steal the spotlight.
Things to Consider Before Choosing
Guest Mobility & Venue Layout:
Canapés work best for events with a roaming crowd and limited seating.
Live stations need a bit more space and power sources but offer more excitement.
Event Duration & Schedule:
Shorter events are better suited for canapés.
Multi-hour celebrations benefit from live stations that serve as anchors throughout the evening.
Budget & Customization:
Both formats are scalable and flexible. Canapés tend to offer a wider spread, while live stations offer richer single-dish experiences.
Atmosphere Goals:
Want a clean, minimalist, modern mood? Canapés win.
Want vibrancy, interactivity, and gourmet fun? Live stations are your go-to.
Why Not Have Both?
Many of our clients actually combine both formats. For example:
Start the evening with elegant canapés as guests arrive.
Transition into live stations as the main event unfolds.
Finish with a beautiful dessert table that ties everything together.
At Lavish, we help you design an experience that flows naturally and leaves a delicious impression.
Let Lavish Craft Your Culinary Style
Whether you lean toward effortless elegance or interactive indulgence, Lavish has the experience and expertise to deliver. Our event planners work closely with you to create a custom setup that fits your vision—and elevates your event.
Ready to design your menu? Visit our full services page or contact us directly for personalised recommendations.
