Cuttings market checklist: what to arrange and when

A cuttings market needs more than vendors and tables. You also need a clear visitor route, plant-care arrangements, payment points, chilled drinks and enough time to connect power before doors open. Start with the venue and permits, then confirm vendors and registrations, and finish with the physical setup. This checklist covers the practical details that are easy to leave until the last day, including price tags, dietary requirements, cooling facilities and printed information.

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The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

Reserve venue
Check permits
Recruit vendors
2 people
Send invitations
2 people
Process registrations
Collect dietary requirements
Confirm vendors
Reserve tables
Reserve cooling facilities
Create floor plan
2 people
Create vendor assignments
Publish visitor information
Prepare price tags
2 people
Make route signs
Print the registration list
Print floor plan
Do the shopping
2 people
Collect materials
2 people
Chill drinks
2 people
Set up plant care
2 people
Open venue
2 people
Set up tables
4 people
Set up chairs
2 people
Set up party tents
4 people
Connect power and lighting
2 people
Receive vendors
3 people
Direct vendors to stalls
2 people
Have stalls set up
6 people
Set up signage
2 people
Set up coffee station
2 people
Test the cash register and payment point
2 people

Event

Welcome visitors
3 people
Staff the information desk
2 people
Serve coffee and tea
2 people
Refill drinks
2 people
Refill snacks
2 people
Water the plants
2 people
Check booths and walkways
2 people
Empty trash bins
2 people
Inform last visitors
2 people
Have vendors pack up
4 people

Aftercare

Close the register
2 people
Clear tables and chairs
4 people
Take down party tents
4 people
Wash dishes
2 people
Clean the venue
4 people
Take out the trash
2 people
Sort materials
2 people
Return borrowed materials
2 people
Care for remaining plants
2 people

What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentqty 3
Market tablesqty 18
Folding chairsqty 30
Information desk
Stoolsqty 4

Equipment

Payment terminalqty 2
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Kettleqty 2
Coffee makerqty 2
Coolersqty 3
Rechargeable work lightqty 4
Cash registerqty 2
Cash boxqty 2

Tableware

Reusable coffee cupsqty 100
Reusable water glassesqty 100
Platesqty 80
Teaspoonsqty 80

Kitchen

Pitcherqty 4
Thermosqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 2
Serving tongsqty 4
Knivesqty 4
Dishpanqty 2
Plant sprayersqty 6
Watering canqty 3
Water barrelsqty 2
Cratesqty 20
Cardboard boxesqty 60
Paper carrier bagsqty 100
Grower labelsqty 300
Waterproof markersqty 20
Plant saucersqty 100

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 20
Plant table decorationqty 12
Name badgesqty 30
Price sign holdersqty 60
Directional signsqty 10
Information boardsqty 6
Table numbersqty 20

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8
Broomqty 2
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Mopsqty 2
Bucketsqty 3
Soap dispenserqty 3
Hand sanitizer holderqty 3
Toilet paper dispenserqty 2

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Book the venue and check permits first, then recruit vendors before sending invitations. Set a registration deadline early enough to collect dietary requirements and publish accurate visitor information.
Confirm every vendor before creating the floor plan. Assign each table a number, prepare name badges and price sign holders, and print the vendor assignments before setup day.
Arrange cooling facilities and plant care before shopping. Cuttings may need a suitable place during the market, while drinks should be chilled in advance rather than after the venue opens.
Plan the visitor route with directional signs and information boards. Print the registration list and floor plan, and keep copies at the information desk instead of relying on a phone.
Allow a dedicated setup period for tents, tables, chairs, lighting and power. Test the payment terminal, cash register, extension cords and rechargeable work light before visitors arrive.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organise a cuttings market?: Start booking the venue and checking permits at least 6 to 8 weeks before the market. Recruit vendors and open registrations once the date, location and basic layout are confirmed.
How many tables do I need for a cuttings market?: Plan one market table for each vendor assignment, then add at least 2 extra tables for registration, information and refreshments. Confirm the final number after vendor registrations close.
When should I confirm vendors and dietary requirements?: Send a final vendor confirmation 7 to 10 days before the market. Close dietary requirement collection at the same time so food and drinks can be planned without last-minute changes.
When should I set up the venue for a cuttings market?: Open the venue several hours before visitors arrive. Set up tents, tables and chairs first, then connect power and lighting, arrange plant care, chill drinks and place signs before the registration desk opens.

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