What you need for an interfaith service

An interfaith service needs more than chairs and a microphone. You will need neutral décor, clear signs, reliable sound, printed programs, and practical arrangements for speakers, musicians, interpreters, and guests with access needs. Use this shopping list alongside the event plan to check what must be bought, hired, borrowed, or brought on the day. Order printed materials and specialist equipment early, especially when several languages or religious traditions are involved.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Folding tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 80
Speaker table
Tableclothsqty 10
Clothes racksqty 2
Waste binsqty 6

Equipment

Wireless microphonesqty 3
Microphone standsqty 3
Speakersqty 2
Mixer
Laptop
Projector
Projection screen
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Cable matsqty 6
Rechargeable batteriesqty 12
Battery chargerqty 2

Lighting

LED lampsqty 8
String lightsqty 6
Tealight holdersqty 20
Flashlightsqty 4

Decorations

Buntingqty 4
Welcome sign
Direction signsqty 8
Flower arrangementsqty 6
Neutral candlesqty 24
Vasesqty 6
Symbol cardsqty 12
Table décorqty 10

Tableware

Reusable coffee cupsqty 80
Reusable drinking glassesqty 100
Dinner platesqty 90
Dessert platesqty 90
Forksqty 90
Knivesqty 90
Spoonsqty 90
Coffee spoonsqty 80
Serving spoonsqty 12
Serving plattersqty 12
Pitchersqty 8
Thermos flasksqty 6

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 6
Chef’s knives and bread knivesqty 6
Measuring cupsqty 3
Mixing bowlsqty 6
Serving tongsqty 8
Coolersqty 4
Ice cube traysqty 4
Aluminum foilqty 2
Cling filmqty 2
Reusable storage containersqty 12
Label stickersqty 2
Waterproof markersqty 6

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Black tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 2 boxes
- Chai tea - 1 box
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Sweetener - 1 box
- Semi-skimmed milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Soy milk - 2 liters
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 8 bottles
- Still mineral water - 12 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 liters
- Grape juice - 4 liters
- Lemons - 12 pieces
- Fresh mint - 4 bunches
- Ice cubes - 10 kilograms
- Brown bread - 8 loaves
- White bread - 6 loaves
- Wholemeal bread - 6 loaves
- Pita bread - 40 pieces
- Gluten-free bread - 3 loaves
- Butter - 4 packs
- Halal hummus - 2 kilogram
- Falafel - 3 kilograms
- Vegetarian cheese - 2 kilogram
- Young cheese - 2 kilograms
- Cream cheese - 1 kilogram
- Peanut butter - 2 jars
- Strawberry jam - 2 jars
- Apricot jam - 2 jars
- Olives - 3 jars
- Sun-dried tomatoes - 2 jars
- Cucumbers - 12 pieces
- Tomatoes - 4 kilogram
- Peppers - 3 kilograms
- Carrots - 3 kilogram
- Lettuce - 8 heads
- Arugula - 1 kilogram
- Red onions - 2 kilograms
- Chickpeas - 12 cans
- Lentils - 8 cans
- Corn - 6 cans
- Green beans - 3 kilogram
- Basmati rice - 5 kilograms
- Couscous - 3 kilograms
- Potatoes - 8 kilograms
- Vegetable stock - 2 packs
- Tomato passata - 6 liters
- Coconut milk - 8 cans
- Olive oil - 2 liters
- Sunflower oil - 1 liter
- Apple cider vinegar - 2 bottles
- Tahini - 2 jars
- Mayonnaise - 2 jars
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Garlic - 6 bulbs
- Ginger - 500 grams
- Cumin - 1 jar
- Coriander powder - 1 jar
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Turmeric - 1 jar
- Cinnamon - 1 jar
- Salt - 1 pack
- Black pepper - 1 jar
- Parsley - 6 bunches
- Coriander - 6 bunches
- Apples - 8 kilograms
- Bananas - 6 kilograms
- Grapes - 5 kilograms
- Oranges - 6 kilograms
- Dates - 3 kilogram
- Dried apricots - 2 kilograms
- Mixed nuts - 2 kilograms
- Walnuts - 1 kilogram
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Salty crackers - 8 packs
- Sesame crackers - 6 packs
- Biscuits - 8 packs
- Honey - 2 jars
- Baklava - 4 kilograms
- Vegetarian vegetable pie - 6 pieces
- Vegan quiche - 4 pieces
- Gluten-free crackers - 6 packs
- Gluten-free cookies - 6 packs
- Vegan yogurt - 4 kilograms
- Raisins - 1 kilogram
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 50 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Dishwasher tablets - 40 pieces
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Toilet cleaner - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 6 dispensers
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs
- Aluminium trays - 30 pieces
- Food storage bags - 2 boxes

Cleaning

Cleaning spongesqty 12
Microfiber clothsqty 20
Floor squeegeesqty 2
Broom setsqty 2
Mopsqty 3
Bucketsqty 3
Vacuum cleaner
Rubber glovesqty 8

Registration

Name badgesqty 100
Badgesqty 100
Program bookletsqty 100
Pensqty 20
Clipboardsqty 4
Sign-up listsqty 6
Information leafletsqty 150
Wristbandsqty 100

Prayer and ceremony

Prayer matsqty 12
Text standsqty 4
Text foldersqty 12
Ceremonial bowlsqty 4
Water jugsqty 4
Fabric clothsqty 8

Safety

First aid kit
Fire extinguisher
Non-slip matsqty 6
Barrier tapeqty 2
Pocket flashlightsqty 6

Other

Toolbox
Cable tiesqty 100
Gaffer tapeqty 6
Storage cratesqty 12
Umbrella binsqty 2
Direction signsqty 10
Folding sign
Notepadsqty 12
Conversation cardsqty 100

Tips

Plan seating for the full registered audience, then keep at least 5% extra chairs available for late arrivals, speakers, and support volunteers. Add a separate speaker table and enough tablecloths before the venue setup day.
Test the sound system at least 2 hours before guests arrive. Bring spare rechargeable batteries, a charger, extension cords, power strips, and cable mats; one missing adapter can delay the opening.
Prepare one welcome sign and direction signs for every key route, including registration, toilets, seating, exits, and accessible entrances. Put them up at least 60 minutes before the service starts.
For a multilingual service, print programs only after texts and translations have been checked. Keep 10% extra copies, and prepare name badges and symbol cards in the same languages used in the program.
Treat candles, flowers, and table décor as neutral unless the participating communities have agreed otherwise. Keep flashlights and LED lamps available so lighting changes do not leave aisles or exits dark.

Frequently asked questions

What should I buy for an interfaith service?: Start with seating, folding tables, a speaker table, microphones, speakers, a mixer, a laptop, a projector and screen, signage, printed programs, name badges, neutral candles, and catering supplies. The final quantity depends on registrations and the venue layout.
How many printed programs do I need for an interfaith service?: Print one program for each registered guest, plus about 10% extra. For 150 registrations, prepare approximately 165 copies so late arrivals, speakers, and volunteers are covered.
How early should I arrange interpreters and translated materials?: Confirm interpreters and translations at least 3 to 4 weeks before the service. Leave several days after the final language review for printing programs, signage, and name badges.
How many microphones are needed for an interfaith service?: Plan one microphone for the main speaker position and one for each additional speaking or musical position used at the same time. Keep at least one spare microphone or tested backup available before guests arrive.

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