What to buy for a bachelor weekend

A bachelor weekend needs more than drinks and snacks. Plan for welcome drinks, a shared lunch, overnight logistics, games, music and the practical details that keep the group moving. This shopping list covers tableware, serving equipment, decorations, sports and karaoke gear, plus charging and cooling supplies. Check the final guest count before shopping, then adjust quantities for the number of people attending and the length of the weekend.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Foldable tablesqty 3
Folding chairsqty 14
Buffet table
Clothing rack

Tableware

Platesqty 16
Bowlsqty 16
Drinking glassesqty 24
Coffee cupsqty 16
Cutlery setsqty 16

Decorations

Balloonsqty 50
Buntingqty 6
Tableclothsqty 3
Photo propsqty 12
Wrapping paperqty 2

Equipment

Bluetooth speaker
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3
Coolersqty 3
Party lightsqty 2
Power banksqty 3
Karaoke microphone

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 3
Chef's knifeqty 2
Serving plattersqty 6
Serving spoonsqty 4
Water jugsqty 3

Sports equipment

Footballsqty 2
Frisbeesqty 2
Conesqty 12
Scoreboardsqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Whole grain bread - 4 loaves
- Mini croissants - 24 pieces
- Butter - 500 grams
- Young cheese - 1,5 kilo
- Back ham - 1 kilo
- Chicken breast slices - 750 grams
- Hummus - 4 tubs
- Eggs - 24 pieces
- Yogurt - 3 liters
- Muesli - 1 kilo
- Strawberries - 1 kilo
- Bananas - 18 pieces
- Apples - 18 pieces
- Grapes - 2 kilos
- Chicken thigh fillet - 2,5 kilo
- Ground beef - 1,5 kilo
- Vegetarian meatballs - 1 kilo
- Tortilla wraps - 36 pieces
- Black beans - 6 cans
- Corn - 6 cans
- Bell peppers - 12
- Red onions - 8 pieces
- Tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Iceberg lettuce - 4 heads
- Avocados - 8 pieces
- Grated cheese - 1 kilo
- Sour cream - 1 liter
- Mild salsa - 4 jars
- Taco mix - 8 sachets
- Rice - 2 kilos
- Nacho chips - 6 bags
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Salted peanuts - 1 kilo
- Olives - 4 jars
- Herb butter - 4 tubs
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Tonic - 4 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 12 bottles
- Spa Rood - 6 bottles
- Fruit juice - 6 cartons
- Beer - 5 crates
- Alcohol-free beer - 2 crates
- White wine - 6 bottles
- Red wine - 4 bottles
- Gin - 2 bottles
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Sugar - 500 grams
- Ice cubes - 8 bags
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Garlic sauce - 2 bottles
- Olive oil - 2 bottles
- Salt - 1 pack
- Black pepper - 1 jar
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Cumin - 1 jar
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Paper napkins - 4 packs
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles

Tips

Count tableware for every guest plus 10% extra: for 12 people, that means 14 plates, 14 sets of cutlery and at least 14 drinking glasses. Add coffee cups if breakfast or a late-night coffee stop is planned.
Chill drinks at least 4 hours before guests arrive. Use coolers for drinks that need to stay cold during activities, and set out water jugs so guests are not relying only on alcohol.
Pack serving equipment separately from food. Cutting boards, a chef’s knife, serving platters and serving spoons are easy to overlook when lunch is prepared at another location.
Check the game and activity gear before leaving: footballs, frisbees, cones and scoreboards cover outdoor games, while a karaoke microphone needs a compatible speaker and a power source.
Prepare the practical extras the night before. Charge power banks, test the Bluetooth speaker, and bring extension cords and power strips so music, party lights and phones can run without last-minute searching.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need to buy for a bachelor weekend?: Plan drinks, food, tableware, decorations, serving equipment and supplies for the planned activities. For 12 guests, buy or bring at least 14 place settings and drinking glasses, then add water, coolers and charging equipment.
How many drinks should I buy for a bachelor weekend?: For the first hour, allow roughly 2 to 3 drinks per person, then about 1 drink per person per hour. Add plenty of water and adjust the total for the length of the event, the meal schedule and how much guests are expected to drink.
How much tableware do I need for 10 people?: Prepare 11 or 12 plates, bowls, drinking glasses and cutlery sets so there is a spare for breakage or a dropped item. Provide coffee cups separately if breakfast or coffee will be served.
When should I do the shopping for a bachelor weekend?: Buy non-perishable items, decorations and equipment 3 to 7 days ahead. Get fresh food 1 day before, and chill drinks at least 4 hours before guests arrive.

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