Large Wedding Shopping List

What to bring

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

Tips

• Count tableware for every guest across the full meal: provide one dinner plate, one dessert plate, one soup bowl if soup is served, and a complete set of dinner cutlery per person. Add 5–10% extra for breakages and unexpected guests.
• Plan at least one water glass and one wine glass per guest, plus champagne glasses for the toast. For a large wedding, confirm whether glasses are washed and reused between courses or whether you need separate sets.
• Allow roughly 10–12 seated guests per round table and provide enough chairs for the ceremony and meal separately if the room layout changes. Include high tables for standing guests and a separate wedding table if your seating plan uses one.
• Match serving equipment to the menu before ordering: allow at least one serving platter and one pair of serving tongs per buffet dish, with carafes for table water. Confirm the final menu before placing the catering order.
• Order printed and decorative items early enough to correct errors: name badges, table numbers, the welcome sign and ceremony programs should be checked at least two weeks before the wedding. Keep balloons, ribbons, artificial flowers and vases together for setup rather than sending them loose with the venue delivery.

Frequently asked questions

How many plates and glasses do I need for a large wedding?

Start with one dinner plate, dessert plate, water glass and wine glass per guest, then add 5–10% spare. If soup or champagne is served, include one soup bowl or champagne glass per guest as well, unless the caterer confirms that items will be washed and reused.

How many chairs and tables do I need for a wedding reception?

Provide one chair per seated guest, plus 5–10 spare chairs if the ceremony and reception use different layouts. A round table usually seats about 10–12 guests, but check the table diameter and your caterer's service space before finalising the seating plan.

When should I order wedding decorations and tableware?

Place orders for hired furniture, tableware and large decorations at least 8–12 weeks before the wedding. Finalise quantities and delivery details 1–2 weeks beforehand, after the guest list, menu and seating plan are confirmed.

What wedding supplies are commonly forgotten?

Couples often miss spare tableware, serving tongs, carafes, coat racks, table numbers and a welcome sign. Check these items 7 days before the wedding and keep printed materials, ribbons and small decorations in labelled boxes for setup.