What to buy for a Good Friday service

A Good Friday service needs more than the liturgical items used during the ceremony. You also need a simple, reliable setup for coffee and tea, refreshments, seating, readings and sound. Use the plan’s 35-item supply list to check what must be bought, borrowed or confirmed before the service. Pay particular attention to refrigerated products, serving equipment, microphones, safe candle holders and enough cups for the reception afterwards.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Chairsqty 120
Tablesqty 12
Changing roomsqty 2
Clothes racksqty 2
Lectern

Tableware

Coffee cupsqty 120
Glassesqty 120
Platesqty 120
Cutlery setsqty 120
Serving traysqty 8
Communion cupsqty 120
Water jugsqty 8

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 12
Liturgical clothsqty 3
Wooden cross
Flower arrangementsqty 4
Tealight holdersqty 40

Lighting

LED lampsqty 8

Equipment

Wireless microphonesqty 2
Microphone standsqty 2
Speakersqty 2
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 3
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 6
Coolersqty 3
Cutting boardsqty 4
Bread knivesqty 4
Serving tongsqty 8

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Mopsqty 3
Bucketsqty 3
Dustpan and brushqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Black tea - 3 boxes
- Herbal tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Coffee creamer - 2 packs
- Granulated sugar - 2 kilograms
- Mints - 1 box
- Spa Blauw - 12 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 8 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Grape juice - 6 bottles
- Red wine - 4 bottles
- White wine - 2 bottles
- Baguettes - 20 pieces
- Brown bread sandwiches - 8 loaves
- Whole wheat sandwiches - 6 loaves
- Butter - 1 kilogram
- Young cheese - 2 kilograms
- Aged cheese - 1 kilogram
- Hummus - 1.5 kilograms
- Cream cheese - 1 kilogram
- Strawberry jam - 4 jars
- Peanut butter - 3 jars
- Honey - 2 jars
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 3 kilograms
- Grapes - 4 kilograms
- Apples - 6 kilogram
- Bananas - 4 kilogram
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Salty pretzels - 4 bags
- Whole grain crackers - 6 packs
- Butter cookies - 8 packs
- Tea biscuits - 6 packs
- Gluten-free crackers - 3 packs
- Gluten-free cookies - 3 packs
- Napkins - 250 pieces
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 50 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls

Tips

Plan around two cups per guest for the coffee and tea reception: one for the first drink and one spare for refills or breakage. Add matching plates, cutlery and serving trays before shopping.
Confirm coffee machines, kettles and thermos flasks at least 3 days beforehand. A church hall may have power sockets but no working brewing equipment or enough extension cords.
Count one chair per registered guest, then add 5–10% spare seating if the hall allows it. Set out tables for the reception separately from the liturgical table so refreshments do not interfere with the service.
Check refrigerated products on the day of the service, no later than 2 hours before guests arrive. Keep them in coolers until the reception table is ready.
Test the wireless microphones, speakers, microphone stands, extension cords and power strips at least 60 minutes before the service. Bring enough cable length to keep walkways clear and prevent trip hazards.

Frequently asked questions

What should I buy for a Good Friday service?: Plan supplies for the service, the reception and the room setup. The list includes cups, glasses, plates, cutlery, serving trays, water jugs, coffee and tea equipment, candles, tablecloths, sound equipment and safe power supplies.
How many cups do I need for a Good Friday service?: Allow two coffee or tea cups per guest if you expect refills, plus 5–10% extra for breakage and late arrivals. For 50 guests, that means about 105–110 cups.
When should I check the Good Friday service shopping list?: Check the full list at least 3 days before the service, when there is still time to borrow or replace missing equipment. Recheck refrigerated products and working appliances on the day itself, at least 2 hours before guests arrive.
What equipment do I need for readings and music at a Good Friday service?: Prepare the lectern, wireless microphones, microphone stands and speakers, along with extension cords and power strips. Test every microphone and speaker at least 60 minutes before the service starts.

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