What to Buy for a Lantern Parade

A lantern parade needs more than lanterns and poles. You also need reliable lighting for the route, supplies for registration and briefings, and equipment that still works if the weather changes. Use the confirmed participant count to plan lanterns, wristbands, maps and catering, then add backups for batteries, lantern holders and power. Buy or gather the core supplies at least one week before the parade so there is time to test everything and replace missing items.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Foldable tablesqty 8
Folding chairsqty 30
Standing tablesqty 2
Tableclothsqty 10

Lighting

LED string lightsqty 6
LED lanternsqty 8
Flashlightsqty 10
Spare batteriesqty 40

Decorations

Lanternsqty 180
Lantern polesqty 180
Spare lantern holdersqty 20
Buntingqty 6
Balloonsqty 100
Ropeqty 100
Cable tiesqty 200
Duct tapeqty 6

Equipment

Speaker
Microphone
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Power banksqty 4
Clipboardsqty 4
Pensqty 20
Scissorsqty 4
Staplersqty 2
Measuring tapesqty 2
Walkie-talkiesqty 8
Phone chargersqty 6
Umbrellasqty 6
Rain ponchosqty 20

Safety

High-visibility vestsqty 12
Conesqty 24
Crowd control barriersqty 8
Barrier tapeqty 4
First aid kitsqty 2
Emergency blanketsqty 4
Work glovesqty 12

Information

Route mapsqty 200
Route arrowsqty 30
Program postersqty 12
Name stickersqty 200
Wristbandsqty 200

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 250
Reusable mugsqty 100
Platesqty 200
Cutlery setsqty 200
Serving spoonsqty 6
Thermos flasksqty 6
Water jugsqty 4

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Kitchen knivesqty 4
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving tongsqty 6
Coolersqty 4
Ice packsqty 16
Kettlesqty 2
Coffee machinesqty 2
Insulated glovesqty 4

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8
Cleaning bucketsqty 4
Broom setsqty 3
Floor squeegeesqty 2
Washing-up basinsqty 4
Reusable cleaning clothsqty 20

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Assorted Tea - 200 bags
- Sugar - 2 kilograms
- Sweetener - 1 box
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Chocolate milk - 12 liters
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 8 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Multivitamin juice - 6 cartons
- Spa Blauw - 12 bottles
- Spa Rood - 6 bottles
- Sparkling juice - 6 bottles
- Lemons - 12 pieces
- Apples - 100 pieces
- Bananas - 60 pieces
- Grapes - 6 kilograms
- Mandarins - 8 kilograms
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Salted breadsticks - 6 bags
- Popcorn - 5 kilograms
- Mini currant buns - 120 pieces
- Mini muffins - 120 pieces
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Gluten-free cookies - 2 packs
- Vegan cookies - 2 packs
- Raisins - 3 kilograms
- Muesli bars - 100 pieces
- Mini pizzas - 120 pieces
- Vegetarian mini pizzas - 40 pieces
- Vegan mini pizzas - 20 pieces
- Tomato soup - 12 liters
- Vegetable soup - 8 liters
- Breadsticks - 8 packs
- Sandwiches - 200 pieces
- Mini rolls - 100 pieces
- Unsalted butter - 2 kilograms
- Hummus - 2 kilograms
- Herb cream cheese - 2 kilogram
- Mild cheese - 3 kilograms
- Slices of chicken breast - 2 kilograms
- Cucumbers - 12 pieces
- Tomatoes - 5 kilograms
- Lettuce - 10 heads
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Cinnamon - 1 jar
- Cocoa powder - 1 kilogram
- Marshmallows - 5 kilograms
- Wooden stirrers - 300 pieces
- Paper napkins - 500 pieces
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 4 bottles
- Sponges - 12 pieces
- Garbage bags - 100 pieces
- Compostable trash bags - 50
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Freezer bags - 2 boxes
- Paper bread bags - 250 pieces
- Diet food labels - 100 pieces

Tips

Count one lantern and one pole per participant, then add at least 10% spare lanterns and holders. Check the count again after registration closes, not only when shopping.
Test every LED lantern, string light and flashlight 2–3 days before the parade. Keep spare batteries and power banks together in a clearly labelled box for quick handovers.
Prepare one route pack for each volunteer team, including a map, clipboard, pens, phone charger and walkie-talkie where needed. Pack these separately from the decoration supplies.
Bring cable ties, rope and duct tape for securing bunting, lanterns and extension cords along the start and finish areas. Pack scissors and measuring tapes with them so small fixes do not require a second trip.
Plan weather cover before the event day: allow enough umbrellas for key volunteers and keep catering chilled until it is needed. Party tents, table covers and seating should arrive with the other venue equipment, not after the parade starts.

Frequently asked questions

How many lanterns do I need for a lantern parade?: Plan for one lantern per registered participant, plus at least 10% spares. For 80 participants, that means 88 lanterns; count poles and holders against the same total.
When should I buy supplies for a lantern parade?: Buy the main supplies at least 7 days before the parade. Test lighting and check lantern counts 2–3 days beforehand, leaving time to replace faulty batteries or missing holders.
What backup lighting do I need for a lantern parade?: Keep spare batteries for every battery-powered lantern and bring at least one flashlight for each volunteer group. Add power banks for phones and a few extra LED lanterns so a failure does not leave part of the route dark.
What should I bring if it rains during the lantern parade?: Prepare umbrellas for route leaders and key volunteers, and arrange covered areas for registration and catering. Check the forecast 24 hours before the event and confirm that tents, tables and electrical equipment can stay dry.

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