What to Buy for a Karaoke Night

A karaoke night needs more than a song list and microphones. You’ll need a clear setup for the screen and speakers, enough serving ware for the buffet, and drinks that can be chilled before guests arrive. This shopping list covers the practical items that are easy to overlook, including spare cables, power strips, microphone stands and waste bins. Use the guest count to adjust food, drinks and seating quantities before you shop.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 60
Buffet tablesqty 2
Stoolsqty 6

Tableware

Reusable glassesqty 70
Coffee cupsqty 50
Platesqty 70
Cutlery setsqty 70
Serving plattersqty 10
Serving spoonsqty 8

Equipment

Karaoke set
Wireless microphonesqty 2
Speakersqty 2
Laptop
Monitor screen
HDMI cableqty 2
Power stripsqty 4
Extension cordsqty 4
Microphone standsqty 2
Duct tapeqty 2

Kitchen

Coolersqty 3
Coffee maker
Kettlesqty 2
Cutting boardsqty 3
Kitchen knivesqty 3

Decorations

Balloonsqty 100
Buntingqty 6
Tableclothsqty 6

Lighting

LED spotlightsqty 4

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Cleaning bucketqty 2
Mopsqty 2
Broom
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Cleaning glovesqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Ice tea - 4 bottles
- sparkling water - 6 bottles
- Still water - 10 bottles
- Non-alcoholic beer - 24 bottles
- Pilsner - 72 bottles
- White wine - 6 bottles
- Rosé - 4 bottles
- Red wine - 3 bottles
- Non-alcoholic wine - 3 bottles
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Mints - 1 box
- Lemons - 8 pieces
- Ice cubes - 10 bags
- Baguettes - 8 pieces
- Cream cheese - 6 tubs
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Young cheese - 2 kilos
- Back ham - 1.5 kilos
- Chicken breast slices - 1.5 kilos
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Carrots - 2 kilo
- Grapes - 2 kilos
- Apples - 30 pieces
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Tortilla chips - 8 bags
- Salted peanuts - 4 bags
- Olives - 4 jars
- Salsa - 4 jars
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 40 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Toilet cleaner - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Tea towels - 8 pieces

Tips

Plan two to three drinks per guest for the first hour, then add one to two drinks per person for each additional hour. Chill them in coolers several hours before the first guests arrive.
Allow one reusable glass, plate and cutlery set per guest, plus at least 10% extra for items left on tables or dropped during the evening. Set out serving platters and serving spoons before the buffet opens.
Check the karaoke connection at least one day before the event. You need a laptop, monitor screen, HDMI cable, speakers and power strips that work together; keep extension cords and duct tape ready for floor cables.
Do not leave coffee and hot water until the last minute. Put the coffee maker and kettles on the shopping check at least two hours before guests arrive, and reserve a clear table for cups and serving supplies.
Buy or collect decorations and lighting before setup day, especially balloons, bunting, tablecloths and LED spotlights. Keep waste bins visible in the room so bottles, plates and food scraps do not build up around the buffet.

Frequently asked questions

How many drinks do I need for a karaoke night?: Plan for two to three drinks per guest during the first hour, followed by one to two drinks per person for every additional hour. Add extra non-alcoholic options when guests have dietary, medical or driving-related requirements.
How much tableware do I need for karaoke night?: Provide one glass, plate and cutlery set per guest, then add about 10% spare. For 30 guests, that means at least 33 of each reusable item, unless you plan to wash items during the event.
What karaoke equipment should I buy or reserve?: You need a karaoke set, wireless microphones, speakers, a laptop, a monitor screen, an HDMI cable and suitable power strips. Confirm compatibility and test the full setup at least one day before the event.
When should I chill drinks for karaoke night?: Chill drinks several hours before guests arrive so everything is cold when the singing starts. If your coolers are small, split the drinks into batches and keep a reserve ready to refill them during the evening.

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