What to buy for a lantern parade

A lantern parade needs more than lanterns. You will also need reliable lighting along the route, clear signs, drinks and snacks at the reception point, and enough serving equipment for the crowd. This shopping list covers the practical items behind the event, including tables, waste bins, batteries, power supplies and hot drinks equipment. Check quantities against your registration list, route length and volunteer team before placing orders, then leave time to test every battery lantern and rechargeable power bank.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Foldable tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 40
Reception desk
Waste binsqty 6

Lighting

String lightsqty 8
LED lampsqty 30
Battery lanternsqty 8
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 4

Decorations

Paper garlandsqty 12
Balloonsqty 100
Tableclothsqty 8
Arrows for the routeqty 20
Route signsqty 12
Plate holdersqty 12

Equipment

Bluetooth speaker
Microphone
Megaphoneqty 2
Coolersqty 4
Kettlesqty 2
Coffee machinesqty 2
Rechargeable power banksqty 4

Kitchen

Thermos flasksqty 6
Coffee potsqty 2
Serving traysqty 6
Serving jugsqty 4
Serving spoonsqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 3
Bread knivesqty 3
Kitchen tongsqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 200
Reusable coffee cupsqty 100
Platesqty 100
Cutlery setsqty 100
Serving traysqty 8

Route

Traffic barriersqty 12
Traffic conesqty 20
Reflective vestsqty 20
Flashlightsqty 12

Safety

First aid kitsqty 2
Emergency blanketsqty 6
Flashlightsqty 4
Walkie-talkiesqty 8
Name badgesqty 30
Wristbandsqty 200
Registration formsqty 250

Cleaning

Litter pickersqty 4
Broom setsqty 3
Mopsqty 3
Bucketsqty 4
Cleaning glovesqty 8
Storage binsqty 10

Catering

Groceries
- Lanterns - 180 pieces
- LED lantern lights - 180 pieces
- Spare AA batteries - 200 pieces
- AAA spare batteries - 100 pieces
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 8 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Iced tea - 8 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Multi-fruit juice - 6 packs
- Spa Blauw - 12 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 6 bottles
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea - 3 boxes
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Stir sticks - 250 pieces
- Paper napkins - 500 pieces
- Paper cups - 250 pieces
- Paper plates - 200 pieces
- Wooden forks - 200 pieces
- Wooden knives - 200 pieces
- Wooden spoons - 200 pieces
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Salsa - 6 jars
- Salted sticks - 6 bags
- Mini pretzels - 6 bags
- Popcorn - 6 bags
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Whole grain cookies - 4 packs
- Mini muffins - 6 boxes
- Currant buns - 60 pieces
- Bananas - 60 pieces
- Apples - 60 pieces
- Grapes - 6 packs
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 6 crates
- Carrots - 4 bags
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Cream cheese - 4 tubs
- Mild cheese - 3 kilograms
- Sliced chicken breast - 2 kilograms
- Whole wheat bread - 12 loaves
- White rolls - 100 pieces
- Gluten-free sandwiches - 12 pieces
- Vegetarian wraps - 30 pieces
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Salt - 1 pack
- Olive oil - 1 bottle
- Ice cubes - 10 bags
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Plastic storage containers - 30 pieces
- Coffee filters - 2 packs
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 100 pieces
- Pedal bin liners - 40 pieces
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 3 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 6 packs
- Cleaning sponges - 12 pieces
- Nitrile gloves - 4 boxes
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Hand gel - 6 bottles
- Tissues - 20 packs
- Bandages - 4 boxes
- Gauze compresses - 4 packs
- Adhesive bandages - 4 rolls
- Disinfectant - 2 bottles
- Cold packs - 8 units

Tips

Count one route sign or arrow for every turn, crossing and decision point, then add two spare signs. Put them up before participants arrive so marshals are not doing this while the parade is forming.
For drinks, plan two to three servings per person during the first hour, plus extra water. Allow at least one serving jug or thermos flask per drink station so queues do not depend on a single container.
Prepare one waste bin near the reception desk, one at the drink service point and one at the exit. Add spare bin bags; full bins become a problem quickly when snacks and disposable tableware are served.
Test every battery lantern, LED lamp and power bank at least 24 hours before the parade. Bring spare batteries and keep extension cords and power strips away from the walking route and wet ground.
Set aside a clearly labelled box for wristbands, route numbers, keys and access items. Pack the megaphone or microphone with its batteries and check it before volunteers receive their route instructions.

Frequently asked questions

How many lanterns do I need for a lantern parade?: Plan one lantern for every participant who is expected to carry one, then add 10% spare lanterns for damaged units, missing batteries or late registrations. For 100 participants, that means 110 lanterns.
How many route signs are needed for a lantern parade?: Use one arrow or route sign at every turn, crossing and unclear section of the route, with two spare signs. Walk the route once in advance; a short route can still need 10 to 15 signs if it has several junctions.
How much coffee and water should I buy for a lantern parade?: Allow two to three drinks per person for the first hour, including water, coffee and other refreshments. For 100 people, prepare at least 200 servings and add extra water if the route is long or the weather is warm.
When should I buy supplies for a lantern parade?: Order lanterns, batteries, signs and rented furniture at least two weeks before the event. Buy fresh drinks and snacks during the final two to three days, and complete the equipment and battery check no later than 24 hours beforehand.

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