What you need for a covers concert

A covers concert needs more than drinks and snacks. You’ll need tableware for serving, cooling space for beverages, coffee supplies, and the cables and lighting that keep the performance running safely. Use the confirmed guest list to calculate quantities, then check rentals and storage before shopping. Buy perishable food and chilled drinks close to the event, while arranging equipment, glassware and furniture several days ahead.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Beer tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 80
Buffet tablesqty 3
Clothes racksqty 2

Equipment

PA speakersqty 2
Subwoofersqty 2
Mixer
Stage monitorsqty 3
Singing microphonesqty 4
Microphone standsqty 5
DI boxesqty 3
XLR cablesqty 12
Jack cablesqty 8
Speaker cablesqty 6
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 8
Cable traysqty 6
Gaffer tapeqty 4

Lighting

LED spotlightsqty 8
String lightsqty 6
Light standsqty 2

Tableware

Reusable drinking glassesqty 100
Wine glassesqty 40
Coffee cupsqty 50
Platesqty 100
Cutlery setsqty 100

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 4
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving tongsqty 8
Thermos flasksqty 4

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 8
Stage backdrop
Balloon archesqty 2
Directional signsqty 8
Program postersqty 12

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Mopsqty 3

Catering

Groceries
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 8 bottles
- Sinas - 6 bottles
- Tonic - 4 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 10 bottles
- Spa Rood - 6 bottles
- Beer - 8 crates
- Alcohol-free beer - 2 crates
- White wine - 8 bottles
- Red wine - 6 bottles
- Rosé - 4 bottles
- Prosecco - 4 bottles
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Lemons - 10 pieces
- Ice cubes - 12 bags
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Salsa - 4 jars
- Salted peanuts - 4 bags
- Olives - 4 jars
- Cheese cubes - 4 kilograms
- Grapes - 4 kilograms
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 4 trays
- Carrots - 3 kilograms
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Baguettes - 10 pieces
- Herb butter - 6 tubs
- Mini quiches - 120 pieces
- Mini sausage rolls - 120 pieces
- Vegetarian snacks - 80 pieces
- Vegan appetizers - 40 pieces
- Gluten-free crackers - 3 packs
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 jars
- Napkins - 300 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 40 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Toilet cleaner - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Hand soap - 4 bottles

Tips

Plan around two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then one to two drinks per person for each additional hour. Add non-alcoholic options and keep extra chilled capacity available in coolers.
Allow one reusable drinking glass per guest plus roughly 10% extra, so 100 guests means at least 110 glasses. Add separate wine glasses and coffee cups if both are being served.
Prepare snacks for every guest, with about 4 to 6 pieces per person for a short concert. Put serving platters, plates, cutlery and napkins out before doors open rather than during the first set.
Check the band’s final input list before collecting the PA speakers, subwoofers, monitors, microphones, DI boxes and cables. Keep extension cords, power strips and gaffer tape together in one labelled transport box.
Arrange lighting and furniture at least 2 to 3 days ahead. Confirm that LED spotlights, light stands, tables and chairs fit through the access route and that cable trays can keep walkways clear.

Frequently asked questions

How many drinks do I need for a covers concert?: Start with 2 to 3 drinks per person for the first hour and 1 to 2 per person for every hour after that. Include water and other non-alcoholic drinks, and add around 10% extra for unexpected guests or higher consumption.
How many glasses and plates should I buy for a concert?: Plan one reusable drinking glass per guest, plus 10% extra. For 100 guests, prepare at least 110 glasses, plates and cutlery sets; provide separate wine glasses or coffee cups when those drinks are on the menu.
When should I buy food and drinks for the concert?: Buy dry goods, disposable supplies and non-perishable snacks 3 to 5 days before the event. Do the main grocery run for chilled drinks and fresh snacks 1 day before, then check quantities and expiry dates on the event day.
What sound equipment is needed for a covers band?: Confirm the band’s input list before booking equipment. A typical setup may include PA speakers, subwoofers, a mixing desk, vocal microphones, microphone stands, monitors, DI boxes, XLR and jack cables, speaker cables, extension cords and power strips.

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