What to Buy for a Lantern Parade

A lantern parade needs more than lanterns. You will also need reliable lights, spare batteries, route signs, communication equipment, serving supplies, and weather cover for the start and finish points. Count participants before buying, then add a small buffer for damaged items and late registrations. Check every light and power source before the parade, rather than discovering dead batteries or missing cables when the group is ready to leave.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 40
Foldable tablesqty 2
Crowd control barriersqty 12
Tableclothsqty 8

Lighting

LED lantern lightsqty 150
LED string lightsqty 6
AA batteriesqty 40

Decorations

Paper lanternsqty 150
Lantern polesqty 150
Buntingqty 8
Balloonsqty 100
Directional signsqty 20
Information boardsqty 4

Equipment

Sound system
Microphoneqty 2
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 4
Walkie-talkiesqty 8
Power banksqty 4
Megaphone
Coolersqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 200
Coffee cupsqty 80
Tea glassesqty 80
Platesqty 100
Cutlery setsqty 100
Pitcherqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 6

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 3
Bread knivesqty 3
Serving spoonsqty 6
Pliersqty 4
Ice packsqty 12

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8
Broom and dustpanqty 3
Mop headsqty 2
Cleaning bucketsqty 3
Hand sanitizer dispensersqty 4

Safety

First aid kitsqty 2
Safety vestsqty 12
Flashlightsqty 8
Reflective bandsqty 12
Children's wristbandsqty 200

Registration

Registration formsqty 200
Pen setsqty 12
Clipboardsqty 6
Name stickersqty 200

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 4 boxes
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Milk cups - 200 pieces
- Cocoa powder - 1 pack
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 8 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Spa Blauw - 12 bottles
- Spa Rood - 6 bottles
- Children's lemonade - 6 bottles
- Lemons - 12 pieces
- Ice cubes - 10 bags
- Cinnamon - 1 jar
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Salted sticks - 6 bags
- Popcorn - 4 bags
- Mini currant buns - 100 pieces
- Mini muffins - 100 pieces
- Apples - 80 pieces
- Bananas - 60 pieces
- Grapes - 6 packs
- Cucumber - 6 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 6 tubs
- Carrots - 4 bags
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Whole grain bread - 8 loaves
- White bread - 6 loaves
- Butter - 4 packs
- Young cheese - 3 kilos
- Hummus topping - 3 kilo
- Jam - 3 jars
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Gluten-free crackers - 4 packs
- Vegan spreads - 2 packs
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Paper straws - 250 pieces
- Teaspoons - 200 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Trash bags - 4 rolls
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Tissues - 12 packs
- Bandages - 4 boxes
- Nitrile gloves - 4 boxes
- Cord - 4 rolls
- Tape - 8 rolls
- Markers - 24 pieces
- Colored pencils - 12 boxes
- Paper table runners - 10 rolls

Tips

Plan one lantern or handheld light per participant, then buy 10% extra for breakages, spare guests, and replacements. Test every LED light at least one day before the parade.
Buy enough AA batteries for every battery-powered lantern or light, plus one complete spare set for each 10 lights. Keep the spares together at the registration or start point.
Prepare route and information signs before shopping day. Allow at least one directional sign at every turn, with extra signs for the start, finish, toilets, registration point, and refreshments.
For drinks, count one reusable cup per person and add 10% extra. Provide separate quantities for coffee, tea, and cold drinks, and fill thermos flasks shortly before the parade starts.
If the route needs volunteers to coordinate safely, provide one tested walkie-talkie per key volunteer or marshal, plus at least two power banks. Check extension cords and power strips before bringing sound equipment outdoors.

Frequently asked questions

How many lanterns do I need for a lantern parade?: Buy one lantern or handheld LED light for each registered participant, then add 10% extra. For 80 people, that means 88 lights so you have replacements for damaged items and late arrivals.
How many batteries should I buy for a lantern parade?: Start with one full set of AA batteries for every battery-powered light, plus one spare set for each 10 lights. For 80 lights, buy 80 operating sets and at least 8 spare sets.
What should I buy for drinks at a lantern parade?: Plan one cup per person and add 10% extra, so 80 guests require 88 cups. Prepare hot drinks in thermos flasks shortly before the start and keep cold drinks in coolers until serving.
When should I buy and test lantern parade supplies?: Buy non-perishable equipment and decorations at least one week ahead. Complete the full lantern, battery, sound, and communication check no later than the day before the parade.

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