What to Buy for a Candle Ceremony

A candle ceremony needs more than candles and matches. You will also need safe holders, drip trays, backup LED candles, table and serving items, and enough equipment for music or readings. Plan quantities around your guest count, then add spares for breakage, spills and last-minute replacements. This list helps you shop for the ceremony itself as well as the drinks, snacks and practical setup items people often forget.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Chairsqty 55
Tablesqty 6
Tableclothsqty 6
Stoolsqty 4

Tableware

Glassesqty 70
Coffee cupsqty 60
Platesqty 70
Cutlery setsqty 70
Serving plattersqty 10

Decorations

Candlesqty 65
Candle holdersqty 65
Drip traysqty 12
Lanternsqty 8
LED candlesqty 12
Table décorqty 8
Program boardsqty 4
Guest book
Ballpoint pensqty 8

Lighting

String lightsqty 4
Standing lampsqty 4

Equipment

Speakersqty 2
Wireless microphonesqty 2
Microphone standsqty 2
Audio mixer
Extension cordsqty 5
Power stripsqty 5
Cable matsqty 12

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Water jugsqty 6
Thermos flasksqty 4
Serving plattersqty 10
Serving spoonsqty 8
Coolersqty 4
Ice containersqty 2

Safety

Fire extinguishersqty 2
Fire blanketsqty 2
Buckets of waterqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Spa Blauw - 10 bottles
- Spa Rood - 6 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 liters
- Orange juice - 6 liters
- Lemonade syrup - 2 bottles
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Black tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Sweetener - 1 box
- Stirrers - 100 pieces
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Mini wraps - 70 pieces
- Hummus - 1.5 kilos
- Cream cheese - 1 kilo
- Young cheese - 1,5 kilo
- Smoked chicken breast - 1 kilo
- Cucumber - 6 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Bell pepper strips - 1 kilo
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Apples - 50 pieces
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Mixed nuts - 1 kilo
- Ice cubes - 10 kilos
- Napkins - 150 pieces
- Tealights - 100 pieces
- Long matches - 2 boxes
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Hand soap - 3 bottles
- Paper towels - 4 packs
- Tissues - 6 boxes

Tips

Buy at least one candle and holder per guest, plus 10% extra for replacements. Add drip trays wherever lit candles will be placed, especially on the ceremony table.
Choose LED candles for areas where open flames are unsuitable, and keep lanterns or other protected lighting available for dim rooms. Test every battery-powered light before bringing it to the venue.
For refreshments, allow one glass or cup per guest plus 10% spare, and match the number of plates and cutlery sets to the expected number of people being served. Include serving platters and serving spoons rather than relying on guests to share.
Plan coffee service separately: provide one coffee cup per guest, at least one water jug for every 10 guests, and enough thermos flasks or coffee machines to serve the group without a long queue.
Check the technical kit before shopping is finished. Count the speakers, wireless microphones, stands and audio mixer, then add extension cords, power strips and cable mats for every power and cable route.

Frequently asked questions

How many candles do I need for a candle ceremony?: Plan one candle per participant or guest who will light one, then buy 10% extra. For 50 guests, that means at least 55 candles, with matching holders and drip trays where needed.
How many candle holders and drip trays should I buy?: Use one holder for every lit candle and one drip tray for every candle location that could damage a table or floor. Buy 10% spare holders and trays if the ceremony involves carrying or passing candles.
How much tableware do I need for a candle ceremony?: Provide one glass or cup, plate and cutlery set per guest, plus 10% spare. For 40 guests, prepare at least 44 of each item if there is food or a drink service.
When should I buy candles and test the equipment?: Buy candles, holders and lighting at least 7 days before the ceremony so you can check sizes, batteries and safe placement. Test speakers, microphones, the mixer and power connections no later than the day before.

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