What to buy for a fashion show

A fashion show needs more than runway panels and chairs. You also need a workable backstage setup, reliable power, garment care supplies and enough equipment for sound, lighting and photography. Use the shopping list below to cover the items that are easy to overlook, from spare hangers and gaffer tape to memory cards and battery lamps. Check quantities against your number of models, designers, guests and venue layout before buying or hiring anything.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Runway panelsqty 12
Chairsqty 120
Cocktail tablesqty 8
Buffet tablesqty 4
Registration desk
Clothes racksqty 12
Clothes hangersqty 150
Foldable tablesqty 6
Curtains of passionqty 4

Equipment

Speakersqty 2
Mixer
Wireless microphonesqty 2
Laptop
DJ controller
Extension cordsqty 8
Power stripsqty 8
Gaffer tapeqty 6
Clothes steamersqty 3
Ironing boardsqty 2
Cameraqty 2
Memory cardsqty 4
Power banksqty 6

Lighting

LED spotlightsqty 8
Light standsqty 6
Mood lightingqty 10
Battery lampsqty 8

Decorations

Backdrop clothqty 2
Brand signsqty 6
Flower arrangementsqty 8
Table runnersqty 8
Wayfinding signsqty 8
Number cardsqty 120

Tableware

Wine glassesqty 140
Water glassesqty 140
Platesqty 140
Cutlery setsqty 140
Coffee cupsqty 80
Serving plattersqty 20
Serving boardsqty 8

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 6
Coolersqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 6
Serving tongsqty 12
Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knifeqty 4

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8
Mopsqty 4
Bucketsqty 4
Hand broomsqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee beans - 2 kg
- Tea bags - 200 pieces
- Black tea - 4 boxes
- Herbal tea - 3 boxes
- Sugar - 2 kg
- Sweeteners - 2 boxes
- Milk - 12 liters
- Oat milk - 6 liters
- Lemon - 2 kg
- Spa Blauw - 12 bottles
- Spa Rood - 8 bottles
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 8 bottles
- Sinas - 6 bottles
- Tonic - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Alcohol-free sparkling wine - 12 bottles
- White wine - 12 bottles
- Red wine - 8 bottles
- Beer - 6 crates
- Alcohol-free beer - 2 crates
- Cocktail ice - 20 kg
- Mineral water - 4 bottles
- Ciabatta - 12 pieces
- Baguettes - 12 pieces
- Mini wraps - 160 pieces
- Cream cheese - 2 kg
- Hummus - 2 kg
- Smoked salmon - 1.5 kg
- Chicken Breast Topping - 1,5 kg
- Young cheese - 2 kg
- Brie - 1.5 kg
- Cherry tomatoes - 3 kg
- Cucumber - 3 kg
- Arugula - 1 kg
- Bell pepper - 2 kg
- Olives - 2 kg
- Grapes - 4 kg
- Strawberries - 3 kg
- Apples - 4 kg
- Pears - 3 kg
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Snack mix - 6 bags
- Nut mix - 3 kg
- Chocolate brownies - 120 pieces
- Mini quiches - 120 pieces
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 bottles
- Olive oil - 1 liter
- Balsamic vinegar - 1 bottle
- Salt - 500 grams
- Pepper - 250 gram
- Herb mix - 3 jars
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Cocktail picks - 500 pieces
- Paper straws - 200 pieces
- Coffee filters - 200 pieces
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 3 bottles
- Glass cleaner - 2 bottles
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 4 rolls
- Paper towels - 12 packs
- Hand soap - 6 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 6 bottles

Tips

Allow at least one clothes hanger per outfit, plus 10–15% extra for last-minute changes. Label garments by model before the event so a missing hanger does not become a backstage delay.
Plan power before buying lighting or audio equipment. Use separate power strips where possible, carry extension cords long enough to reach the runway, and keep gaffer tape ready to secure cables across walking routes.
Bring two charged memory cards for the camera and at least one power bank for each key mobile device. Charge the laptop, DJ controller, wireless microphones and other equipment before the venue opens.
For garment preparation, provide one clothes steamer and ironing board for each busy backstage area. A single steamer may be enough for a small show, but it creates a queue when several outfits need attention at once.
Count seating and tables from the floor plan rather than estimating. Include a registration desk, buffet tables, cocktail tables and foldable tables where needed, and reserve space for clothes racks behind the runway.

Frequently asked questions

How many clothes hangers do I need for a fashion show?: Plan one hanger for every outfit, then add 10–15% spare hangers for changes, damaged items or extra looks. For 40 outfits, that means at least 44–46 hangers.
How many clothes racks are needed backstage?: Use one rack for roughly 15–25 outfits, depending on garment size and how quickly models change. A show with 40 outfits will usually need two or three racks to keep clothing separated and accessible.
How much gaffer tape and extension cable should I buy for a fashion show?: Have at least two rolls of gaffer tape for a small runway and increase the amount if cables cross several walkways. Measure the venue in advance and bring 20–30% more extension cable than the measured distance.
What lighting and camera supplies do I need for a fashion show?: Prepare LED spotlights with light stands, mood lighting or battery lamps, a camera and at least two charged memory cards. Keep one spare battery or power bank per camera and mobile device, and test the setup at least 24 hours before the show.

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