What to Buy for a Holocaust Memorial

A Holocaust memorial needs a carefully prepared setting, clear information, and reliable equipment for speeches, music, and moments of silence. This shopping list covers the practical items to bring or buy, from chairs and printed programmes to candles, flowers, refreshments, and audio equipment. Plan quantities from your confirmed attendance, then add a small reserve for late arrivals. Arrange memorial flowers, wreaths, printed materials, and any rented equipment several days in advance.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Chairsqty 120
Tablesqty 10
Speaker table
Reception desk
Clothes racksqty 2

Equipment

Wireless microphonesqty 3
Speakersqty 2
Mixer
Audio cablesqty 8
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 6
Laptop
Presentation screen

Lighting

LED lampsqty 8
Battery lanternsqty 6

Decorations

Memorial wreath
Flower arrangementsqty 4
Dutch flagsqty 2
Israeli flag
Program standsqty 3
Candle holdersqty 30

Tableware

Coffee cupsqty 120
Glassesqty 120
Platesqty 120
Teaspoonsqty 120
Serving spoonsqty 12

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 6
Coolersqty 4
Serving traysqty 8
Milk jugsqty 6
Sugar bowlsqty 6
Bread basketsqty 6

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8
Bucketsqty 3
Spongesqty 6
Dishclothsqty 12
Broom and dustpanqty 2
Mop headsqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Black tea - 3 boxes
- Herbal tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 2 kilograms
- Sweeteners - 2 boxes
- Semi-skimmed milk - 12 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Lemons - 12 pieces
- Still water - 12 bottles
- Sparkling water - 12 bottles
- Apple juice - 8 liters
- Orange juice - 8 liters
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Ginger beer - 4 bottles
- Mini water bottles - 120 pieces
- Butter - 1 kilogram
- Whole grain bread - 8 loaves
- White bread - 4 loaves
- Hummus - 2 kilograms
- Young cheese - 2 kilograms
- Aged cheese - 2 kilogram
- Turkey breast - 1 kilogram
- Cucumbers - 12 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 3 kilograms
- Carrots - 2 kilogram
- Grapes - 4 kilograms
- Apples - 6 kilogram
- Bananas - 4 kilogram
- Currant buns - 120 pieces
- Mini raisin buns - 120 pieces
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Low-salt crackers - 6 packs
- Gluten-free crackers - 4 packs
- Vegan cookies - 6 packs
- Butter cookies - 8 packs
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Disposable napkins - 300 pieces
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 50 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Matches - 4 boxes

Tips

Plan one chair per registered attendee and keep 5–10% extra seating available for unplanned guests. Add a separate speaker table, reception desk, and clothes racks if the venue does not provide them.
For a one-hour reception, allow 2–3 drinks per person in the first hour, plus coffee and tea supplies. Prepare at least one cup and glass per expected guest, with extra cups for refills.
Order the memorial wreath and flower arrangements at least 3–5 days before the ceremony. Check the spelling of names and the wording on any cards or printed tributes before sending them to print.
For spoken presentations, prepare at least one wireless microphone for the speaker and one backup option. Test the microphones, mixer, speakers, laptop, screen, cables, extension cords, and power strips at the venue before guests arrive.
Use enough candle holders for every candle in the ceremony and bring battery lanterns or LED lamps for dark parts of the route. Keep spare batteries and check the memorial route and traffic arrangements before setting out.

Frequently asked questions

What should I buy for a Holocaust memorial ceremony?: Prepare seating, a speaker table, microphones, speakers, cables, lighting, printed programmes, candles, candle holders, a memorial wreath, flowers, flags where appropriate, and refreshments. Add one chair and one programme per attendee, plus 5–10% extra.
How many chairs do I need for a Holocaust memorial?: Plan one chair for each confirmed attendee and keep 5–10% extra chairs available. For 100 registered guests, prepare at least 105–110 chairs, depending on the expected number of walk-ins.
How many drinks should I buy for a memorial reception?: Allow 2–3 drinks per person for the first hour, then add water, coffee, and tea. For 50 guests, that means approximately 100–150 drinks, plus hot-drink supplies and a small reserve.
When should I order the wreath and flowers?: Order the memorial wreath and flower arrangements 3–5 days before the ceremony. Confirm the delivery time and placement at least one day in advance, especially if the event includes a route or outdoor memorial site.

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