What you need for an anniversary light show

An anniversary light show needs more than lights and a laptop. This shopping list covers the serving items, drinks setup, decorations and technical equipment needed to run the show safely and keep guests comfortable. Check every cable, power strip and connector before the event, because replacements are harder to find at the last minute. Plan quantities from your guest count, then add a small buffer for breakage, spills and extra drinks.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Chairsqty 110
Beer tablesqty 10
High tablesqty 8
Coat racksqty 2

Tableware

Glassesqty 140
Wine glassesqty 100
Coffee cupsqty 80
Platesqty 140
Cutlery setsqty 120
Serving plattersqty 18
Coffee potsqty 4

Equipment

Light controller
DMX splitterqty 2
Laptop
Bluetooth speakerqty 2
Microphone

Lighting

LED light fixturesqty 12
LED barsqty 8
Light standsqty 6
DMX cablesqty 16
Extension cordsqty 12
Power stripsqty 8
Cable traysqty 10
Cable reelsqty 4
Gaffer tapeqty 8

Decorations

LED string lightsqty 12
Anniversary bannerqty 2
Balloonsqty 100
Balloon weightsqty 8
Tableclothsqty 18
Name badgesqty 120

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Vacuum cleaner
Mop set
Cleaning bucketqty 2

Kitchen

Coolersqty 4
Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 4
Bread knivesqty 4
Serving utensilsqty 18

Safety

First aid kit
Non-slip matsqty 8

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee beans - 2 kilograms
- Tea assortment - 100 bags
- Sugar - 2 kilograms
- Sweetener - 1 box
- Milk - 12 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Still mineral water - 60 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 48 bottles
- Cola - 24 cans
- Cola Zero - 24 cans
- Sinas - 24 cans
- Apple juice - 12 liters
- Orange juice - 12 liters
- Beer - 96 bottles
- Non-alcoholic beer - 24 bottles
- Red wine - 12 bottles
- White wine - 12 bottles
- Prosecco - 8 bottles
- Ice cubes - 20 kilograms
- Mini sandwiches - 150 pieces
- Vegetarian wraps - 50 pieces
- Gluten-free sandwiches - 12 pieces
- Vegan wraps - 12 pieces
- Anniversary cake - 2 cakes
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Snack mix - 4 bags
- Party nuts - 3 kilogram
- Cheese cubes - 3 kilograms
- Grapes - 5 kilograms
- Cucumber - 8 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 3 kilograms
- Hummus - 2 kilograms
- Garlic sauce - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Toast rounds - 8 packs
- Napkins - 300 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 50 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Disinfecting wipes - 3 packs

Tips

Plan one glass per guest for each drink type you serve, plus at least 10% extra for breakage and glasses left on tables. Include wine glasses, regular glasses, coffee cups, plates and cutlery rather than relying on one mixed set.
Allow two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then one to two per person for each additional hour. Chill drinks before guests arrive and keep a separate supply available for the catering team.
Count every lighting connection before setup: each fixture may need a DMX cable, power access and a secure cable route. Add extension cords, power strips, cable reels, cable trays and gaffer tape so cables do not cross walkways unprotected.
Test the light controller, DMX splitter, laptop, show files and Bluetooth speaker together at least 24 hours before the event. Charge the laptop and any other equipment that depends on batteries on the day before.
Buy or bring enough balloon weights for every balloon cluster and enough tablecloths for all guest tables. Put the anniversary banner and LED string lights aside with the decorations so they are not misplaced during technical setup.

Frequently asked questions

How many glasses do I need for an anniversary light show?: Plan one glass per guest for each drink type, then add 10% extra. For 40 guests serving wine, soft drinks and water, that means about 44 wine glasses and 88 regular glasses if guests may use separate glasses.
How much lighting cable should I buy?: Measure the planned route from the controller to the furthest light, then add 20% for adjustments and safe routing. Keep at least one spare DMX cable and one spare extension cord available for a failed connection.
When should I test the light show equipment?: Run a complete test at least 24 hours before the event, including the laptop, show files, light controller, DMX splitter, fixtures and speaker. Repeat a short connection check before guests enter.
How many drinks should I buy for the anniversary event?: For the first hour, allow two to three drinks per guest; after that, allow one to two drinks per guest per hour. Add roughly 10% extra if the event lasts several hours or guests cannot easily get more supplies.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.