Anniversary musical shopping list

An anniversary musical needs more than costumes and a script. You also need the practical items that keep rehearsals, backstage changes, audience seating and the performance running smoothly. This checklist covers stage furniture, sound and lighting equipment, decorations, catering supplies and visitor materials. Check quantities against your guest list, cast size and venue before shopping, then allow time to collect the cake and catering and test every technical item before the general rehearsal.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Stage sectionsqty 12
Audience chairsqty 110
Tablesqty 12
Buffet tablesqty 4
Folding chairs backstageqty 12
Coat racksqty 3
Clothes hangersqty 120
Waste binsqty 8

Equipment

Wireless microphonesqty 8
Microphone standsqty 4
Mixer
Speakersqty 2
Monitor speakersqty 2
DI boxesqty 2
Audio cablesqty 12
Extension cordsqty 8
Power stripsqty 8
Laptop for music
Music backup USBqty 2

Lighting

LED stage spotlightsqty 6
Light standsqty 2
Mood lightingqty 6
Battery lanternsqty 6

Decorations

Anniversary bannerqty 2
Balloonsqty 100
Balloon ribbonqty 2
Balloon weightsqty 8
Tableclothsqty 12
Table decorationsqty 12
Flower arrangementsqty 6
Photo backdrop
Photo booth propsqty 20
Directional signsqty 8
Program cardsqty 120
Name badgesqty 120
Wristbandsqty 120

Tableware

Dinner platesqty 120
Dessert platesqty 120
Glassesqty 160
Coffee cupsqty 100
Cutlery setsqty 120
Serving traysqty 8
Pouring jugsqty 8

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef’s knives and bread knivesqty 6
Serving spoonsqty 10
Cake Knife and Cake Serverqty 2
Corkscrewsqty 3
Coolersqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 8
Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Napkin holdersqty 8
Serving plattersqty 12
Food warmersqty 4
Kitchen scalesqty 2

Costumes

Clothes racksqty 4
Garment coversqty 30
Makeup mirrorsqty 4
Theater makeup setsqty 10
Makeup brushesqty 20
Makeup removerqty 4
Safety pinsqty 100
Fabric tapeqty 6

Props

Hand propsqty 20
Decorative panelsqty 8
Decorative bannersqty 6
Prop boxesqty 8
Gaffer tapeqty 8
Cable tiesqty 100
Toolboxqty 2

Cleaning

Vacuum cleanerqty 2
Mopsqty 4
Bucketsqty 4
Cleaning clothsqty 20
Toilet brushesqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Black tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Sweetener - 1 box
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 8 bottles
- Sinas - 6 bottles
- Iced tea - 6 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 10 bottles
- Spa Rood - 6 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Alcohol-free wine - 6 bottles
- White wine - 8 bottles
- Red wine - 8 bottles
- Beer - 6 crates
- Alcohol-free beer - 2 crates
- Ice cubes - 12 bags
- Mini quiches - 120 pieces
- Cheese sticks - 120 pieces
- Puff pastry snacks - 120 pieces
- Olives - 4 jars
- Hummus - 2 kilograms
- Cucumber - 8 pieces
- Carrots - 4 kilograms
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Salted peanuts - 4 bags
- Grapes - 6 kilograms
- Apples - 60 pieces
- Mandarins - 60 pieces
- Mixed salad - 8 kilograms
- Cucumber salad - 4 kilograms
- Baguettes - 20 pieces
- Herb butter - 2 kilograms
- Pasta - 8 kilograms
- Tomato sauce - 8 liters
- Ground meat - 8 kilogram
- Vegetarian meatballs - 4 kilogram
- Onions - 4 kilograms
- Garlic - 8 bulbs
- Bell peppers - 30 pieces
- Zucchini - 15 pieces
- Mushrooms - 4 kilogram
- Olive oil - 3 liters
- Salt - 1 pack
- Black pepper - 1 jar
- Italian herbs - 2 jars
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Grated cheese - 3 kilogram
- Parmesan cheese - 1 kilogram
- Pesto - 6 jars
- Mayonnaise - 3 jars
- Ketchup - 3 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Anniversary cake - 1 piece for 120 people
- Whipped cream - 12 aerosol cans
- Petit fours - 120 pieces
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Chocolate - 3 kilograms
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Napkins - 300 pieces
- Trash bags - 50 pieces
- Toilet paper - 48 rolls
- Liquid hand soap - 6 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 4 bottles
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- Dishwasher tablets - 1 box
- Cleaning vinegar - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 3 bottles
- Glass cleaner - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 12 pieces
- Rubber gloves - 6 pairs

Tips

Plan seating and tables from the confirmed visitor list, not from the venue’s maximum capacity. Count audience chairs, backstage folding chairs, buffet tables, coat racks and hangers separately so performers and guests are not left without a place.
Test the complete microphone and speaker setup during the technical rehearsal, including the mixer, monitor speakers, DI boxes, audio cables, extension cords and power strips. Keep the music backup USB with the laptop rather than relying on one playback device.
Buy or prepare decorations as a set: an anniversary banner, balloons, balloon ribbon, balloon weights, tablecloths, table decorations and flower arrangements. Balloon weights and tablecloths are easy to overlook and are usually needed before guests arrive.
Match costumes and props to the final cast list before buying anything. Try on and label each costume at least several days before the performance so missing pieces can still be replaced without disrupting the general rehearsal.
Separate performance supplies from catering and visitor materials when packing. Keep program cards, name tags and wristbands together, and collect the cake and catering on the agreed day with enough time for buffet tables and serving areas to be arranged.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for an anniversary musical?: Plan for wireless microphones, microphone stands, a mixer, speakers, monitor speakers, DI boxes, audio cables, extension cords, power strips, a laptop for music and a backup USB. Add LED stage spotlights, light stands, mood lighting and battery lanterns if the venue does not provide lighting.
How many chairs and tables do I need for an anniversary musical?: Use the confirmed visitor list to count one audience chair per registered guest, then add separate folding chairs backstage for the cast and crew. Count tables for the buffet, catering service and any seating or display areas rather than assuming the venue’s existing tables are enough.
When should I buy costumes and decorations for an anniversary musical?: Have costumes and decorations ready several days before the technical and general rehearsals. This leaves time to label costumes, check props, assemble the anniversary banner and balloon decorations, and replace anything missing before performance day.
What should I prepare for guests at an anniversary musical?: Prepare one program card, name tag and wristband per registered guest, plus a small spare supply for last-minute changes. Finalize dietary requirements before ordering catering and confirm the cake and catering collection time at least one day in advance.

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