Lantern parade shopping list

A lantern parade needs more than lanterns and sticks. You will also need safe lighting for the route, clear markers, warm drinks, serving supplies and equipment for announcements. Count one lantern and one lantern stick per participant, then add spares before shopping. For the reception, plan cups, plates and drinks around your confirmed headcount rather than estimating on the day. This list helps you gather the items that are easy to overlook, especially batteries, extension cords and weather-ready shelter.

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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
Folding benchesqty 4
Clothes racksqty 2

Decorations

Lanternsqty 120
Lantern sticksqty 120
LED tea lightsqty 150
Buntingqty 12
Balloonsqty 100
Tableclothsqty 8
Barrier tapeqty 4

Lighting

LED string lightsqty 6
Work lightsqty 4
Flashlightsqty 10
Spare batteriesqty 40

Equipment

Portable speakersqty 2
Microphone
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 4
Power banksqty 4
Walkie-talkiesqty 8
Megaphone

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 150
Coffee cupsqty 60
Platesqty 120
Cutlery setsqty 120
Serving jugsqty 6

Kitchen

Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4
Coolersqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 4
Knivesqty 6
Serving spoonsqty 6
Serving plattersqty 12
Pliersqty 6
Thermometer
Cratesqty 12

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 4 boxes
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Chocolate milk - 6 liters
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 8 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Spa Blauw - 12 bottles
- Spa Rood - 6 bottles
- Bananas - 3 kilos
- Apples - 4 kilos
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Snack tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Cucumber - 8 pieces
- Carrots - 3 kilos
- Hummus - 8 tubs
- Cream cheese - 6 tubs
- Young cheese - 3 kilos
- Chicken breast slices - 2 kilos
- Vegetarian spreads - 8 tubs
- Baguettes - 12 pieces
- Wholemeal bread - 6 loaves
- Gluten-free bread - 2 loaves
- Butter - 1 kilo
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Paper straws - 200 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Trash bags - 4 rolls
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 4 bottles
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 12 pieces
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8
Litter pickersqty 4
Broom setsqty 3
Mopsqty 3
Bucketsqty 3

Safety

First aid kitsqty 2
Safety vestsqty 12
Traffic conesqty 20
Route signsqty 20
Conesqty 12
Rain umbrellasqty 10

Office

Registration formsqty 150
Pen setsqty 4
Name stickersqty 150
Clipboardsqty 6
Tapeqty 6
Cable tiesqty 200
Ropeqty 4

Tips

Buy one lantern and one lantern stick per participant, plus at least 10% extra for breakages, late registrations and children who need a replacement.
Use LED tea lights rather than open flames, and pack spare batteries separately. For an evening route, take at least one flashlight or work light for every two volunteers at setup and the reception point.
Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then add more if the reception lasts longer. Bring serving jugs, reusable cups, coffee cups and thermos flasks so cold and hot drinks can be served separately.
Allow one plate, one cutlery set and one snack portion per guest, with an extra 10% for volunteers and seconds. Tablecloths make the reception tables easier to keep clean, especially outdoors.
Check power before the day: bring extension cords, power strips, power banks and spare batteries, and keep cables away from the walking route. Pack barrier tape, route arrows and traffic posts together so the route can be marked quickly.

Frequently asked questions

How many lanterns do I need for a lantern parade?: Plan one lantern and one lantern stick for every registered participant. Add at least 10% extra, so a group of 50 needs 55 lanterns and sticks.
How many drinks should I buy for a lantern parade?: Allow two to three drinks per person for the first hour, including hot drinks at the reception. For 50 guests, that means 100 to 150 servings before adding extra for a longer event.
What lighting do I need for a lantern parade route?: Use one flashlight or work light for every two setup or route volunteers, plus LED string lights where people gather. Pack spare batteries and at least two power banks so a failed light does not stop the event.
How much extra food and tableware should I buy?: Buy one snack portion, plate and cutlery set per guest, then add 10% for volunteers, spills and seconds. For 50 people, prepare at least 55 portions and 55 sets of tableware.

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