What you need for a cover band performance

A cover band performance needs more than food and drinks. You’ll need enough reusable glasses, plates and cutlery for the guest count, plus reliable sound, lighting and cable supplies for the stage. Plan drinks separately for the arrival period and the full performance, and keep coolers and thermos flasks ready before guests arrive. The items below cover the practical shopping and equipment needs for a smooth evening, from buffet service to the sound check.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Buffet tablesqty 3
Dining tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 60
Coat racksqty 2

Tableware

Reusable glassesqty 80
Reusable wine glassesqty 40
Platesqty 70
Cutlery setsqty 70
Serving spoonsqty 8

Equipment

PA speakersqty 2
Music mixer
Singing microphonesqty 3
Microphone standsqty 3
DI boxesqty 3
Speaker cablesqty 4
Microphone cablesqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Extension cordsqty 8
Guitar cablesqty 6
Guitar amplifiersqty 2
Instrument standsqty 5

Lighting

LED stage lightsqty 4
Decorative light garlandsqty 6

Decorations

Balloonsqty 100
Balloon ribbonqty 2
Tableclothsqty 9
Welcome sign

Kitchen

Coolersqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 3
Cutting boardsqty 3
Kitchen knivesqty 3
Serving traysqty 6
Small bowlsqty 12

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Mopsqty 2
Cleaning glovesqty 4
Cable cover matsqty 8

Catering

Groceries
- Baguettes - 8 pieces
- Whole wheat loaves - 4 loaves
- Mini bake-off rolls - 60 pieces
- Butter - 500 grams
- Young cheese - 1,5 kilogram
- Brie - 600 gram
- Cream cheese - 600 grams
- Hummus - 1 kilogram
- Chicken breast slices - 1 kilogram
- Roast beef slices - 600 grams
- Eggs - 30 pieces
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Tomatoes - 2 kilograms
- Bell peppers - 1 kilogram
- Arugula - 500 grams
- Mixed salad - 2 kg
- Pasta salad - 3 kilograms
- Potato salad - 3 kilogram
- Herb cream cheese - 500 grams
- Olives - 1 kilogram
- Grapes - 2 kilogram
- Apples - 30 pieces
- Melons - 3 pieces
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Snack mix - 4 bags
- Salted peanuts - 1 kilogram
- Mayonnaise - 1 bottle
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Mustard - 1 jar
- Garlic sauce - 1 bottle
- Tomato sauce - 1 bottle
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 8 bottles
- Sinas - 6 bottles
- Ginger ale - 4 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 12 bottles
- Spa Rood - 6 bottles
- Beer - 6 crates
- Alcohol-free beer - 2 crates
- White wine - 8 bottles
- Red wine - 6 bottles
- Rosé - 4 bottles
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Ice cubes - 15 kilograms
- Lemons - 12 pieces
- Cocktail sticks - 2 boxes
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Trash bags - 3 rolls
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Toilet cleaner - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces

Tips

Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then one to two drinks per person for each additional hour. Buy non-perishables and drinks several days ahead, but leave fresh produce until one or two days before the performance.
Provide one glass, plate and cutlery set per expected guest, plus at least 10% extra for breakage, dropped items and replacements. Count wine glasses separately if wine is being served.
Confirm the band’s sound requirements at least one week before the event. Check how many microphones, DI boxes, guitar cables, speaker cables and power points they expect before buying or borrowing equipment.
Allow enough cable length to keep walkways clear, then tape every cable crossing securely before the band arrives. Do the sound check after the stage area is cleared and all instruments are unloaded.
Set aside stage lighting and decorative light garlands before decorating the room. Keep the welcome sign, balloons and balloon ribbon away from speakers, amplifiers and cable runs so they cannot interfere with setup.

Frequently asked questions

How many glasses do I need for a cover band performance?: Plan one reusable glass per guest, plus 10% extra. For 80 guests, that means at least 88 glasses; add separate wine glasses for guests who will drink wine.
How much drink should I buy for a live music event?: Allow two to three drinks per person for the first hour and one to two for every later hour. For 80 guests and a four-hour event, plan roughly 320 to 560 drinks, adjusting for non-drinkers and the type of service.
What sound equipment does a cover band need?: Confirm the band’s input list at least one week before the performance. A typical setup may include PA speakers, a mixer, singing microphones, microphone stands, DI boxes, instrument cables and power strips, but the band should confirm the exact requirements.
When should I buy supplies for a cover band performance?: Buy drinks, disposable or reusable service supplies and other non-perishables three to seven days in advance. Buy fresh produce one or two days before the event, and check all sound and lighting equipment no later than the day before.

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