What you need for a comedy night

A comedy night needs more than drinks and snacks. You’ll need enough tableware for the buffet, coffee service and bar, plus the technical equipment that keeps every punchline audible. Use your guest count to calculate catering and drinks, then check borrowed items several days before the event. Microphones, power cables, lighting and coat storage are easy to overlook and difficult to replace at the last minute.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Chairsqty 65
Tablesqty 8
Bar stoolsqty 4
Stage sectionsqty 4
Speaker table
Coat racksqty 2
Waste binsqty 4

Tableware

Water glassesqty 70
Wine glassesqty 70
Coffee cupsqty 70
Platesqty 70
Cake platesqty 70
Cutlery setsqty 70
Serving plattersqty 10

Equipment

Active speakersqty 2
Wireless microphonesqty 2
Microphone standsqty 2
Mixer
DI box
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Gaffer tapeqty 2

Lighting

LED spotlightsqty 4
Mood lightingqty 4
Light standsqty 2

Decorations

Theater curtainsqty 2
Table décorqty 8
Welcome sign
Program postersqty 6

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 4
Serving spoonsqty 8

Cleaning

Bucketsqty 2
Mopsqty 2
Broomsqty 2
Microfiber clothsqty 12

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea assortment - 4 boxes
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 8 bottles
- Sinas - 5 bottles
- Tonic - 4 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 8 bottles
- Still mineral water - 10 bottles
- Non-alcoholic beer - 24 bottles
- Beer - 48 bottles
- White wine - 8 bottles
- Red wine - 4 bottles
- Prosecco - 4 bottles
- Lemons - 12 pieces
- Ice cubes - 10 bags
- Baguettes - 12 pieces
- Cream cheese - 6 tubs
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Herb butter - 6 tubs
- Mild cheese - 3 kilograms
- Cooked ham - 2 kilograms
- Smoked chicken breast - 2 kilograms
- Vegetarian spreads - 8 tubs
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 3 kilograms
- Grapes - 4 kilograms
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Salsa - 6 jars
- Mixed nuts - 3 kilograms
- Olives - 6 jars
- Mini meatballs - 5 kilogram
- Vegetarian bitterballen - 4 kilograms
- Mustard - 3 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 3 bottles
- Ketchup - 3 bottles
- Coffee creamer - 2 packs
- Whipped cream - 6 cans
- Brownies - 70 pieces
- Mini cheesecakes - 70 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Napkins - 150 pieces
- Garbage bags - 30 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Hand soap - 4 bottles

Tips

Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then about one drink per person for each additional hour. Buy a small reserve rather than relying on a late restock during the show.
Count tableware by guest, not by table. For a seated event, prepare one plate, one cutlery set, one water glass and one coffee cup per person, plus 10% extra for replacements.
Reserve the sound system, wireless microphones and mixer at least one week before the comedy night. Test every microphone, cable and speaker together at the venue before guests arrive.
Provide one waste bin for roughly every 20 to 30 guests and place them near the bar, buffet and exit. Add coat racks before doors open, especially if the event is held in a small room.
Bring gaffer tape, extension cords and power strips with the technical equipment. Tape down every cable crossing a walkway and keep spare batteries for wireless microphones on hand.

Frequently asked questions

How many drinks do I need for a comedy night?: Allow two to three drinks per person during the first hour, followed by about one drink per person for each extra hour. Add roughly 10% if guests cannot buy more at the venue.
How much tableware do I need for a comedy night?: Prepare one plate, cutlery set, water glass and coffee cup per guest, then add 10% extra. For cake or dessert, count one cake plate per guest plus a few spares.
When should I test the microphones and speakers?: Test the complete sound system at the venue at least one day before the event, then run a short check again 60 to 90 minutes before doors open. Check microphone batteries and cable connections both times.
What technical equipment is needed for a comedy night?: Plan for active speakers, a mixer, microphones, microphone stands, a DI box if instruments are used, extension cords, power strips and gaffer tape. Add LED spotlights and light stands so the speaking area is clearly lit.

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