What you need for a dance night

A dance night needs more than drinks and a playlist. Plan separate supplies for the dance floor, refreshment area, lighting, sound and coats so guests can move around without creating bottlenecks. Reusable glasses, coolers, extension cords and serving equipment are easy to overlook until setup starts. Use this shopping list alongside your plan, then check quantities against your guest count before you buy or borrow anything.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

What to bring

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

Furniture

Foldable tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 60
Buffet tablesqty 3
Clothes racksqty 2
Bollardsqty 4

Tableware

Reusable drinking glassesqty 100
Wine glassesqty 40
Coffee cupsqty 40
Platesqty 80
Cutlery setsqty 80
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving spoonsqty 8

Equipment

Active speakersqty 2
Mixer
Wireless microphone
Laptop
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Coolersqty 4

Lighting

String lightsqty 4
LED spotlightsqty 4
Disco lightsqty 2

Decorations

Balloonsqty 100
Buntingqty 8
Tableclothsqty 8
Vasesqty 8

Kitchen

Coffee maker
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4
Ice cube traysqty 4

Cleaning

Broomqty 2
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Mopsqty 2
Bucketsqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 8 bottles
- Sinas - 6 bottles
- Tonic - 4 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 24 bottles
- Spa Rood - 12 bottles
- Non-alcoholic beer - 24 bottles
- Pilsner - 72 bottles
- White wine - 8 bottles
- Rosé - 6 bottles
- Red wine - 4 bottles
- Sparkling wine - 3 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Lemons - 8 pieces
- Ice cubes - 12 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Salted peanuts - 4 bags
- Cashews - 3 bags
- Olives - 6 jars
- Cheese cubes - 3 kilograms
- Sliced sausage - 2 kilograms
- Grapes - 4 kilograms
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilograms
- Carrots - 2 kilogram
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Garlic sauce - 3 bottles
- Ketchup - 3 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 3 bottles
- Baguettes - 10 pieces
- Herb butter - 6 tubs
- Mini wraps - 100 pieces
- Wrap filling - 6 kilogram
- Vegetarian wrap filling - 3 kilograms
- Napkins - 300 pieces
- Straws - 100 pieces
- Coffee filters - 100 pieces
- Trash bags - 40 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Liquid hand soap - 4 bottles
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Cleaning spray - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 10 pieces
- Microfiber cloths - 12 pieces

Tips

Allow at least one reusable drinking glass per guest, plus 10% extra for breakage or misplaced glasses. Add wine glasses and coffee cups only if those drinks are on the menu.
For the first hour, plan around two to three drinks per person; chill drinks in coolers before guests arrive and keep a second batch ready if the night runs longer.
Keep the dance floor clear by placing buffet tables, chairs and coat racks outside the main dancing area. One table for every 20 to 25 guests usually prevents queues at the snack station.
Test active speakers, the mixer, laptop, microphone and all extension cords before setup day. Bring power strips and at least one spare connection path so lighting does not compete with the sound system.
Use string lights or LED spotlights to illuminate entrances and serving tables, then reserve disco lights for the dance floor. Check every light and cable while the venue is still empty, at least 60 minutes before opening.

Frequently asked questions

How many glasses do I need for a dance night?: Plan one reusable drinking glass per guest, plus 10% extra. For 50 guests, that means at least 55 glasses; add wine glasses or coffee cups separately if you serve those drinks.
How many drinks should I buy for a dance night?: For the first hour, allow two to three drinks per person. For 50 guests, that is 100 to 150 drinks before allowing for later hours, non-alcoholic options and dietary requirements.
What sound equipment do I need for a dance night?: The basic setup includes active speakers, a mixer and a laptop for the music program, plus a wireless microphone if announcements are planned. Test the full setup at least one day beforehand and again 60 minutes before guests arrive.
When should I chill drinks for a dance night?: Chill drinks for at least 4 hours before opening, or overnight when possible. Load coolers before setup begins and keep a separate reserve so the serving area does not need to be restocked during the busiest part of the night.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.