What to Buy for a Karaoke Night

A karaoke night needs more than songs and a microphone. Plan the drinks, snacks, serving supplies, seating, decorations, and the connections that keep the screen and sound system working. For drinks, allow two to three servings per guest in the first hour, then about one per hour after that. Keep cold drinks in coolers before guests arrive, and test every microphone, speaker, HDMI cable, and extension lead before the first singer goes on.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 45
Bar stoolsqty 6
Coat racksqty 2

Equipment

Karaoke screen
Speakersqty 2
Wireless microphonesqty 2
Microphone standsqty 2
Laptop
Audio mixer
HDMI cablesqty 2
Power stripsqty 4
Extension cordsqty 4
Remote control

Tableware

Drinking glassesqty 50
Wine glassesqty 30
Coffee cupsqty 30
Platesqty 50
Cutlery setsqty 50
Serving bowlsqty 10
Serving plattersqty 8

Kitchen

Coolersqty 3
Thermos flasksqty 3
Cutting boardsqty 3
Kitchen knivesqty 3
Serving tongsqty 4
Pitcherqty 2

Decorations

Party buntingqty 6
Balloonsqty 50
Tableclothsqty 6
Name badgesqty 50
Adhesive stripsqty 2

Lighting

LED light stringsqty 3
Atmosphere lightsqty 4
Spare batteriesqty 16

Cleaning

Dustpan and brushqty 2
Floor mopqty 2
Bucketsqty 2
Microfiber clothsqty 10

Catering

Groceries
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Ice tea - 4 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 6 bottles
- Still mineral water - 8 bottles
- Tonic - 2 bottles
- Ginger beer - 2 bottles
- Non-alcoholic beer - 24 bottles
- Beer - 48 bottles
- White wine - 6 bottles
- Rosé - 4 bottles
- Red wine - 3 bottles
- Prosecco - 3 bottles
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 4 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Lemons - 8 pieces
- Ice cubes - 10 bags
- Paprika chips - 5 bags
- Plain chips - 5 bags
- Tortilla chips - 5 bags
- Salted peanuts - 3 bags
- Olives - 4 jars
- Salty sticks - 4 bags
- Popcorn - 4 bags
- Mini sausage rolls - 80 pieces
- Mini quiches - 60 pieces
- Vegetable spring rolls - 60 pieces
- Hummus - 4 tubs
- Cucumber - 5 pieces
- Carrots - 2 kilo
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Apples - 30 pieces
- Mini wraps - 60 pieces
- Young cheese - 2 kilos
- Cream cheese - 6 tubs
- Chicken breast topping - 1 kilo
- Herb cheese - 6 tubs
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 1 bottle
- Cocktail sauce - 2 bottles
- Barbecue sauce - 2 bottles
- Salt - 1 tin
- Pepper - 1 can
- Paper napkins - 250 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 40 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Dishwasher tablets - 30 pieces
- Hand soap - 3 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 3 bottles

Tips

Buy or bring one drinking glass per guest, plus at least 10% extra for breakages and misplaced glasses. Add separate wine glasses and coffee cups only if you are serving those drinks.
Allow two to three drinks per person for the first hour and one per person for each additional hour. Chill the first round in coolers and keep backup drinks nearby so nobody has to leave the singing area.
Plan about three to five snack portions per guest for a two- to three-hour karaoke night. Prepare serving bowls, platters, tongs, chopping boards, and kitchen knives before guests arrive, especially for snacks with dietary restrictions.
Bring at least two extension cables and two power strips, then check that the HDMI cable reaches from the laptop to the karaoke screen. Keep the remote control and spare cables beside the equipment instead of at the registration table.
Set out one chair per guest, with a few extra seats if space allows, and add tables for the buffet, bar, and registration area. Put coat racks near the entrance and keep the microphone stands clear of walkways and drink tables.

Frequently asked questions

What drinks do I need for a karaoke night?: Allow two to three drinks per person for the first hour, followed by about one drink per person per hour. Buy a mix of cold drinks and non-alcoholic options, and chill the first serving before guests arrive.
How many glasses and plates do I need for karaoke night?: Plan one drinking glass, one plate, and one cutlery set per guest, plus 10% extra. For 20 guests, that means at least 22 glasses, 22 plates, and 22 cutlery sets.
What cables do I need for a karaoke setup?: Have HDMI cables, at least two extension cables, and two power strips available. Check the cable length and connections before the event, then charge the laptop and test both microphones with the speakers.
How much food should I buy for karaoke night?: For a two- to three-hour evening, plan three to five snack portions per guest. Add extra food for guests who arrive early or have dietary requirements, and prepare serving bowls and tongs before the music starts.

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