What you need for an aubade

An aubade needs more than instruments and musicians. This shopping list covers the practical supplies for an outdoor morning performance, from coffee cups and serving trays to coolers, tablecloths and sound equipment. Plan for the audience, performers and catering team separately, especially when estimating drinks and tableware. Check the weather before buying or collecting outdoor items, and arrange power, cables and shelter early rather than on the morning itself.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Beer tablesqty 10
Chairsqty 120
Buffet tablesqty 4
Stoolsqty 12
Coat racksqty 2

Equipment

Active speakersqty 2
Mixer
Wireless microphonesqty 3
Microphone standsqty 3
Speaker standsqty 2
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 4
Cable reelsqty 2
Music standsqty 12
Lecternsqty 2

Tableware

Coffee cupsqty 100
Glassesqty 120
Platesqty 120
Cutlery setsqty 120
Serving traysqty 8

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 6
Coolersqty 4
Serving spoonsqty 8
Cutting boardsqty 3
Bread knivesqty 3

Decorations

Buntingqty 12
Tableclothsqty 10
Flower arrangementsqty 6
Program standsqty 4

Lighting

LED light stringsqty 6
LED lampsqty 8

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Broom setsqty 3
Mopsqty 3
Bucketsqty 3

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea selection - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Sweeteners - 2 boxes
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Chocolate milk - 4 liters
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 8 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Iced tea - 8 bottles
- Sparkling water - 12 bottles
- Still water - 18 bottles
- Alcohol-free beer - 48 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 liters
- Orange juice - 6 liters
- Lemons - 12 pieces
- Ice cubes - 10 kilos
- Coffee cakes - 120 pieces
- Mini croissants - 120 pieces
- Baguettes - 12 pieces
- Whole grain bread - 8 loaves
- Unsalted butter - 2 kilos
- Young matured cheese - 3 kilos
- Back ham - 2 kilos
- Chicken breast topping - 2 kilos
- Hummus - 1.5 kilos
- Cream cheese - 1,5 kilo
- Jam - 4 jars
- Chocolate sprinkles - 2 packs
- Cucumbers - 12 pieces
- Tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Paprika chips - 10 bags
- Plain chips - 10 bags
- Snack mix - 6 bags
- Peanuts - 4 bags
- Apples - 8 kilos
- Bananas - 6 kilos
- Grapes - 5 kilos
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Lemon cake - 6 pieces
- Vegetarian bites - 120 pieces
- Gluten-free sandwiches - 12 pieces
- Vegan toppings - 1 kilo
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 3 boxes
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs

Tips

Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then add more if the aubade runs longer. Keep chilled drinks in coolers and use separate glasses for cold drinks and coffee.
For tableware, count one plate, cutlery set and glass per guest, then add at least 10% extra. Morning events often need more coffee cups than expected because people return for refills.
Allow one coffee cup per expected coffee serving and keep hot water available in kettles or thermos flasks. Prepare enough serving spoons, trays and cutting boards before the catering arrives.
Count every powered item before setup: active speakers, mixer, microphones and coffee machines may need separate sockets. Bring extension cords, power strips and cable reels, and test the full setup before guests arrive.
If the aubade is outdoors, arrange party tents, tablecloths and coat racks at least one day ahead when possible. Secure the tents and keep music folders, microphones and other equipment protected if rain is forecast.

Frequently asked questions

What should I buy for an aubade?: Plan for drinks, coffee supplies, tableware, catering service items, outdoor furniture, shelter and sound equipment. For each guest, allow one plate, cutlery set and glass, plus at least 10% spare items.
How many drinks do I need for an aubade?: For the first hour, allow two to three drinks per person. Add extra stock for a longer program, warm weather or guests who stay for catering afterward.
How much tableware do I need for an aubade?: Count one plate, glass, cutlery set and coffee cup per guest, then add 10% to 15% spare tableware. Coffee cups usually need the highest buffer because guests may have more than one serving.
When should I arrange tents and sound equipment for an aubade?: Arrange party tents, tables, chairs and power equipment at least one day before the event. Test the mixer, speakers and microphones before guests arrive, preferably during the final setup rather than immediately before the performance.

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