What you need for a fashion show

A fashion show needs more than a catwalk and clothing. Your shopping list should cover the audience area, backstage changing space, sound and lighting, guest guidance, and drinks service. Plan quantities from your confirmed guest and model numbers: allow one chair per seated guest, at least one clothes rack per designer, and enough mirrors and screens for quick changes. Order printed materials, cables, glasses and signage early, because these are easy to overlook until setup day.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

What to bring

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

Furniture

Catwalk platformsqty 8
Stage stepsqty 2
Chairsqty 120
Foldable tablesqty 8
Bar stoolsqty 6
Clothes racksqty 12
Changing room screensqty 8
Mirrorsqty 8
Bar stoolsqty 4

Equipment

Speakersqty 2
Mixer
Wireless microphonesqty 2
Laptop
Audio extension cablesqty 4
Power stripsqty 8
Cable reelsqty 4
Clothes steamersqty 3
Ironsqty 2
Ironing boardsqty 2
Cameraqty 2
Tripodqty 2
Power banksqty 6
Clothes hangersqty 250
Storage boxesqty 20
Clothing coversqty 150
Sewing kitsqty 6
Safety pinsqty 500
Adhesive rollersqty 12
Tape measuresqty 6
Clothes brushesqty 6
Shoe hornsqty 4
Spare batteriesqty 40
USB sticksqty 4

Lighting

LED spotlightsqty 12
Light standsqty 6
Atmosphere lightsqty 10
Spare bulbsqty 8

Decorations

Backdropqty 2
Fabric backdropsqty 4
Flower arrangementsqty 6
Table runnersqty 8
Welcome sign
Route signsqty 8
Table décorqty 10
Buntingqty 6
Ribbonsqty 10
Plantsqty 12
Clothing labelsqty 150
Name badgesqty 150
Pensqty 30

Tableware

Wine glassesqty 130
Water glassesqty 130
Coffee cupsqty 100
Platesqty 130
Cutlery setsqty 130
Serving traysqty 12
Pouring jugsqty 8

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 4
Ice containersqty 3
Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef’s knives and bread knivesqty 4
Serving tongsqty 8
Thermos flasksqty 6
Waste binsqty 8

Cleaning

Cleaning bucketsqty 4
Mopsqty 4
Broom setsqty 3
Dustpan and brushqty 3
Microfiber clothsqty 20
Hand soap dispensersqty 6
Toilet brushesqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee beans - 3 kilo
- Tea bags - 200 pieces
- Decaf coffee - 500 grams
- Whole milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 6 liters
- Semi-skimmed milk - 4 liter
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Sweeteners - 200 pieces
- Lemons - 20 pieces
- Still water - 60 liters
- Sparkling water - 40 liters
- Cola - 24 bottles
- Coke Zero - 24 bottles
- Orange soda - 12 bottles
- Tonic - 12 bottles
- Ginger beer - 12 bottles
- Apple juice - 12 liters
- Orange juice - 12 liters
- Non-alcoholic sparkling drinks - 18 bottles
- White wine - 18 bottles
- Red wine - 12 bottles
- Rosé - 12 bottles
- Beer - 120 bottles
- Alcohol-free beer - 36 bottles
- Ice cubes - 20 kilo
- Baguettes - 12 pieces
- Mini bake-off rolls - 100 pieces
- Butter - 1 kilo
- Cream cheese - 2 kilo
- Hummus - 2 kilos
- Young cheese - 3 kilos
- Brie - 2 kilos
- Smoked chicken breast - 2 kilo
- Smoked salmon - 1.5 kilos
- Vegetarian spreads - 2 kilos
- Cucumbers - 12 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Bell peppers - 12 pieces
- Carrots - 3 kilos
- Grapes - 4 kilos
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Pears - 30 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Strawberries - 3 kilos
- Mixed nuts - 2 kilos
- Paprika chips - 12 bags
- Plain chips - 12 bags
- Tortilla chips - 10 bags
- Olives - 2 kilos
- Salted crackers - 12 packs
- Rice crackers - 8 packs
- Mini quiches - 120 pieces
- Vegetarian wraps - 60 pieces
- Chicken wraps - 60 pieces
- Vegan wraps - 40 pieces
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Pesto dressing - 2 bottles
- Honey mustard sauce - 2 bottles
- Salt - 500 grams
- Pepper - 250 gram
- Paprika powder - 250 gram
- Fresh basil - 8 bunches
- Fresh mint - 6 bunches
- Butter cake - 6 pieces
- Mini muffins - 120 pieces
- Brownies - 100 pieces
- Cookies - 10 packs
- Vegan cookies - 6 packs
- Gluten-free crackers - 6 packs
- Gluten-free rolls - 20 pieces
- Vegan cream cheese - 1 kilo
- Paper napkins - 500 pieces
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 48 rolls
- Trash bags - 100 pieces
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 3 bottles
- Glass cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant spray - 3 bottles
- Nitrile gloves - 200 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 3 rolls
- Cling film - 3 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Label stickers - 200 pieces
- Paper cups - 200 pieces
- Wooden stirrers - 300 pieces
- Cocktail sticks - 300 pieces
Beverage coolersqty 4
Buffet warmersqty 4
Coffee filtersqty 200
Serving utensilsqty 20
Menusqty 12
Allergen cardsqty 30

Tips

Plan one seat per invited guest, then add 5–10% extra if the venue allows it. Keep a clear route to the catwalk, emergency exits and backstage area rather than filling every available space.
Give each designer at least one clothes rack and label every garment before delivery. Add changing-room screens and mirrors based on the number of models changing at the same time, not just the total model count.
Prepare the sound and power kit before the event: speakers, mixer, microphones, laptop, extension cables, power strips and cable reels should be tested together at least 24 hours in advance.
Use a separate lighting check for the catwalk and the audience. Count LED spotlights and stands for the planned positions, keep spare bulbs available, and test atmosphere lighting before guests arrive.
Buy or bring guest-facing items according to the confirmed headcount. Allow at least one water glass per guest, and confirm wine glasses, coffee cups, table décor, route signs and the welcome sign before printing or setup.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need for a fashion show?: You need catwalk platforms, stage steps, seating, clothes racks, changing-room screens, mirrors, sound equipment, lighting, signage and serving items. Also prepare backstage labels and printed run sheets for the models, designers and crew.
How many chairs do I need for a fashion show?: Start with one chair for every seated guest and add 5–10% spare capacity where possible. Keep aisles and the visitor route clear, and do not place chairs in front of emergency exits or backstage access.
How many clothes racks are needed for a fashion show?: Allow at least one rack per designer, then add extra racks if collections need to be separated by model, outfit order or changing area. Confirm the final number when clothing transport and the running order are fixed.
When should I prepare the fashion show shopping list?: Create the first list as soon as the venue, guest count and backstage layout are known. Finalise quantities at least two weeks before the show, and test sound, lighting, cables and microphones no later than 24 hours before setup.

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.