What you need for a dance party

A dance party needs more than drinks and a playlist. You will need serving equipment, a reliable sound setup, lighting, decorations and a practical way to handle coats and cables. Plan drinks for the first hour separately from the rest of the evening, and buy snacks that can be served without slowing down the dance floor. This checklist covers the items to buy or bring before guests arrive.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 30
Clothing rack
Clothes hangersqty 60
Bar stoolsqty 4

Tableware

Glassesqty 70
Platesqty 60
Cutlery setsqty 60
Serving bowlsqty 8
Serving boardsqty 4
Serving spoonsqty 8

Kitchen

Coolersqty 3
Cutting boardsqty 3
Kitchen knivesqty 3
Bottle openersqty 3
Serving jugsqty 4

Equipment

Active speakersqty 2
Audio mixer
Laptop
Microphone
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4

Lighting

LED party lightsqty 4
String lightsqty 4
Batteriesqty 24

Decorations

Balloonsqty 100
Party buntingqty 6
Table décorqty 6
Tapeqty 4
Cable matsqty 4

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Broomqty 2
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Mopqty 2
Bucketsqty 2
Cleaning glovesqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Still Water - 48 bottles
- Sparkling water - 24 bottles
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Ice tea - 4 bottles
- Lemonade syrup - 2 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Tonic - 3 bottles
- Beer - 80 bottles
- Non-alcoholic beer - 24 bottles
- Red wine - 4 bottles
- White wine - 4 bottles
- Rosé - 2 bottles
- Prosecco - 3 bottles
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 1 box
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 4 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Ice cubes - 12 kilo
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Salsa - 4 jars
- Snacks - 4 bags
- Olives - 4 jars
- Mixed nuts - 3 bags
- Cheese cubes - 3 kilo
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Apples - 30 pieces
- Cucumber - 6 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Baguettes - 8 pieces
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Cream cheese - 4 tubs
- Herb butter - 4 tubs
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 1 jar
- Paper napkins - 200 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

Tips

Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then adjust the remaining quantity based on the party length and guest list. Chill drinks before setup and keep extra bottles in coolers.
Prepare at least two snack portions per guest, with serving bowls, boards, spoons and plates ready before people arrive. Check dietary requirements before shopping so suitable options are not an afterthought.
Test the active speakers, mixer, laptop and microphone at least 24 hours before the party. Bring extension cords and power strips, and keep cable mats ready for every cable crossing a walkway.
Set aside the dance floor before placing tables and chairs. Put bar stools and serving furniture around the edges so guests can eat and drink without blocking the main dancing area.
Buy or bring spare batteries, tape and basic cable protection before decorating. These small items are often needed during setup for party lights, string lights, decorations and loose cables.

Frequently asked questions

How many drinks do I need for a dance party?: Plan two to three drinks per guest for the first hour. For each additional hour, allow roughly one drink per person, then adjust for the guest list, event length and non-alcoholic options.
How much food should I buy for a dance party?: For snacks rather than a full meal, allow about six to eight bite-sized pieces per guest for a three-hour party. Buy extra for guests arriving early and provide suitable options for every dietary requirement collected.
When should I test the sound system and party lights?: Test the speakers, mixer, laptop, microphone and lighting at least 24 hours before the party. Do a second sound check two to three hours before guests arrive, once the equipment is in its final position.
What should I buy for serving drinks and snacks?: Allow at least one drinking glass and one plate per guest, plus 10 to 15 percent extra for breakage or replacements. Add serving bowls, boards, spoons, bottle openers, jugs and coolers before shopping is finished.

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