What to Buy for a Cosplay Competition

A cosplay competition needs more than costumes and a stage. You will need a clear registration point, judging materials, reliable audio, changing and mirror space, photo equipment, prizes, and enough refreshments for participants and staff. Use this shopping list alongside your event plan, then adjust quantities to your expected attendance. Order prizes and catering early, and check power, lighting, and microphone needs before the venue setup day.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 10
Chairsqty 80
Foldable tablesqty 3
Clothes racksqty 6
Mirrorsqty 6
Party tentsqty 2
Bollardsqty 12
Stoolsqty 8

Equipment

Speakersqty 2
Wireless microphonesqty 2
Microphone standsqty 2
Mixer
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Laptop
Printer
Camera
Tripodqty 2
Ring lightsqty 2
Power banksqty 4

Lighting

LED spotlightsqty 6
String lightsqty 8
Batteriesqty 24

Decorations

Photo backdrop
Backdrop clothqty 2
Balloonsqty 80
Balloon pumpqty 2
Garlandqty 6
Tableclothsqty 10
Directional signsqty 12
Trophiesqty 6
Medal ribbonsqty 10
Vouchersqty 6

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 100
Coffee cupsqty 50
Platesqty 100
Cutlery setsqty 100
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving spoonsqty 8

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4
Coolersqty 4
Ice cube traysqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 4
Knivesqty 6
Pliersqty 6
Coolersqty 4

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8
Broomqty 2
Dustpan and brushqty 3
Mop setsqty 2
Cleaning glovesqty 6
Bucketsqty 3
Hand soap dispensersqty 4
Disinfectant sprayqty 4

Other

Name badgesqty 100
Badge holdersqty 100
Pensqty 40
Clipboardsqty 12
Score sheetsqty 100
Participant listsqty 10
Wristbandsqty 100
Gaffer tapeqty 6
Cable tiesqty 100
Scissorsqty 6
Measuring tapesqty 3
Prize envelopesqty 10

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Black tea - 2 boxes
- Green tea - 1 box
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Sweetener - 1 box
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Lemons - 8 pieces
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Iced tea - 8 bottles
- Spa Blue - 48 bottles
- Spa Rood - 24 small bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Non-alcoholic beer - 24 bottles
- Tonic - 12 cans
- Bitter Lemon - 12 cans
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Salted sticks - 4 bags
- Mini pretzels - 4 bags
- Popcorn - 4 bags
- Mixed nuts - 3 bags
- Rice crackers - 4 bags
- Mini cucumbers - 4 trays
- Carrots - 4 bags
- Grapes - 6 bunches
- Apples - 30 pieces
- Bananas - 24 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 4 trays
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Cream cheese - 4 tubs
- Young cheese - 2 kilos
- Chicken breast topping - 1 kilo
- Vegetarian spreads - 6 tubs
- Whole grain bread - 8 loaves
- White rolls - 80 pieces
- Mini croissants - 60 pieces
- Butter - 4 tubs
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Sweet and sour sauce - 2 bottles
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Cinnamon - 1 jar
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Paper straws - 200 pieces
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 4 rolls
- Freezer bags - 2 boxes
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- Dishwasher tablets - 1 box
- All-purpose cleaner - 3 bottles
- Glass cleaner - 2 bottles
- Toilet cleaner - 3 bottles
- Sponges - 12 pieces
- Microfiber cloths - 12 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 packs
- Hand sanitizer gel - 6 bottles
- Bandages - 2 boxes
- Tissues - 12 packs
- Chewing gum - 10 packs
- Coins - 10 bags

Tips

Plan one name badge and one printed score sheet per participant, plus at least 10% extra for late registrations or damaged copies. Keep spare pens at the registration desk and judges’ table.
For every 25 participants, provide at least one full-length mirror, one clothes rack, and several stools or chairs near the preparation area. Add more racks if contestants arrive in large costumes.
Allow one wireless microphone for the host and a second microphone for judges or announcements. Bring extension cords, power strips, and charged power banks; test every connection before doors open.
Prepare one prize package per award category and wrap them before the event day. Keep prizes, certificates, and spare packaging together so the presentation does not interrupt the competition schedule.
Estimate two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then one drink per person for each additional hour. Chill drinks in advance and confirm dietary requirements before ordering catering.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need for a cosplay competition registration desk?: Bring a table, chairs, a laptop or printed registration list, a printer if you need last-minute badges, name badges, pens, and directional signs. Prepare one badge per participant plus at least 10% spare, and set the desk up 30–60 minutes before registration opens.
How many microphones do I need for a cosplay contest?: Use two microphones for a typical competition: one for the host and one for judges or participant announcements. Add a microphone stand for each fixed microphone, and test the mixer, speakers, cables, and extension cords at least one hour before the program starts.
How many judging sheets should I print for a cosplay competition?: Print one score sheet per judge for every participant, then add at least 10% spare copies. For 30 participants and 3 judges, that means 90 sheets plus 9 extra, or 99 sheets in total.
How much catering and how many drinks do I need for a cosplay event?: Use the confirmed participant and staff count rather than venue capacity. For drinks, plan two to three per person during the first hour and one more per person for every following hour; order catering only after collecting dietary requirements, ideally at least 3–7 days in advance.

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