What to Buy for a Costume Show

A costume show needs more than costumes and a stage. You will need a clear backstage setup, enough hangers and covers, full-length mirrors, reliable sound equipment, and signs that guide guests without constant questions. This shopping list also covers practical details that are often left until the last minute, such as extension cords, table coverings, name badges, and garment steaming. Use the expected number of models, guests, and volunteers to adjust quantities before you shop.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 90
Clothes racksqty 10
Foldable tablesqty 3
Coat racksqty 4
Bar stoolsqty 6

Equipment

Active speakersqty 2
Microphonesqty 2
Mixer
Laptop
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 8
Laptop stand
Steam cleanerqty 2
Clothes steamer

Lighting

LED spotlightsqty 6
String lightsqty 4
Light standsqty 3

Decorations

Backdrop clothqty 2
Decorative panelsqty 6
Fabric drapesqty 8
Plantsqty 8
Decorative cushionsqty 12
Photo framesqty 6
Table décorqty 8
Tableclothsqty 8
Directional signsqty 10

Clothing & Styling

Clothes hangersqty 100
Clothing coversqty 40
Full-length mirrorsqty 4
Changing room screensqty 6
Sewing kitsqty 4
Pin cushionsqty 4
Clothes brushesqty 4
Makeup mirrorsqty 4
Styling tablesqty 4

Tableware

Reusable glassesqty 120
Coffee cupsqty 60
Platesqty 120
Cutlery setsqty 120
Small bowlsqty 20

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 6
Coolersqty 4
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving tongsqty 8
Cutting boardsqty 4
Knivesqty 6

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8
Cleaning bucketsqty 3
Broom setsqty 3
Mopsqty 3
Microfiber clothsqty 20

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea - 6 boxes
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Lemon - 2 kilos
- Still water - 8 bottles
- Sparkling water - 8 bottles
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 8 bottles
- Sinas - 6 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 liters
- Orange juice - 6 liters
- Ice cubes - 10 bags
- Baguettes - 12 pieces
- Mini wraps - 8 packs
- Hummus - 2 kilos
- Cream cheese - 1,5 kilo
- Young cheese - 2 kilos
- Brie - 1 kilo
- Ham - 1,5 kilo
- Chicken breast slices - 1.5 kilos
- Smoked salmon - 1 kilo
- Cucumber - 12 pieces
- Tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Bell peppers - 2 kilos
- Arugula - 6 bags
- Grapes - 4 kilos
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Mandarins - 40 pieces
- Strawberries - 3 kilos
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Salted crackers - 6 packs
- Olives - 2 kilos
- Nut mix - 2 kilo
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Balsamic vinegar - 1 bottle
- Olive oil - 2 bottles
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Mini quiches - 160 pieces
- Vegetarian Savory Snacks - 160 pieces
- Vegan savory bites - 80 pieces
- Gluten-free crackers - 4 packs
- Mini brownies - 120 pieces
- Mini muffins - 120 pieces
- Vegan cookies - 60 pieces
- Gluten-free cookies - 60 pieces
- Napkins - 300 pieces
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 4 rolls
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- Dishwasher tablets - 60 pieces
- All-purpose cleaner - 3 bottles
- Glass cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 6 packs
- Hand soap - 4 bottles

Tips

Allow at least one hanger and one clothing cover per costume, plus 10% extra for last-minute changes or damaged items. Label each cover before costumes arrive so the running order is easy to follow.
Provide one full-length mirror for every 8–10 models sharing a changing area. Add clothes racks with enough space to keep each outfit separated and off the floor.
Prepare two microphones if one person is presenting while another handles announcements. Test the microphones, mixer, speakers, laptop, and all power connections at least one day before the show.
Buy or print one directional sign for each decision point, such as the entrance, registration desk, changing area, toilets, and seating. Put the signs up before volunteers arrive so they can focus on guests and models.
Keep a clothes steamer or steam cleaner backstage, but test it before the event and place it near a safe power outlet. Pack extension cords and power strips separately; forgetting them can leave lighting or steaming equipment unusable.

Frequently asked questions

How many clothes hangers do I need for a costume show?: Plan for at least one hanger per costume, then add 10% extra. For 40 costumes, bring 44 hangers so a replacement outfit or a change in the running order does not create a scramble backstage.
How many mirrors are needed backstage for a costume show?: Use one full-length mirror for every 8–10 models in the changing area. For 24 models, prepare at least three mirrors and place them where models can check outfits without blocking the racks.
What sound equipment is needed for a costume show?: Prepare active speakers, a mixer, a laptop for the music list, and at least one microphone for the presenter. Test the complete setup at least 24 hours beforehand, including extension cords and power strips.
When should I buy supplies for a costume show?: Buy non-perishable supplies, signage materials, hangers, covers, and décor at least one week before the show. Check the full shopping list again 48 hours before the event, then handle costumes and steaming equipment on the final setup day.

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