Micro wedding shopping list: what to buy and bring

A small wedding still needs a surprising number of practical items. This shopping list covers the pieces that are easy to overlook, from enough dinnerware and serving bowls to ceremony chairs, a welcome sign and table details. Use your guest count to work out quantities, then add a small buffer before shopping. Check the list again after the menu, seating plan and indoor backup plan are final, because those decisions affect what you need to bring or hire.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Dining tablesqty 4
Buffet tablesqty 2
Ceremony chairsqty 30
Bridal chairsqty 2
Folding chairsqty 4
High tablesqty 3
Coat racksqty 2
Clothes hangersqty 35
Tablecloth tablesqty 6

Tableware

Dinner platesqty 35
Dessert platesqty 35
Coffee cupsqty 35
Water glassesqty 40
Wine glassesqty 40
Champagne glassesqty 35
Coffee spoonsqty 35
Dinner cutlery setsqty 35
Serving spoonsqty 8
Serving bowlsqty 8
Serving traysqty 6

Decorations

Ceremony arch
Table runnersqty 6
Cloth napkinsqty 35
Name badgesqty 30
Table numbersqty 4
Vasesqty 8
Artificial flowersqty 8
String lightsqty 6
LED candlesqty 24
Welcome sign
Photo framesqty 6
Balloonsqty 40
Balloon ribbonqty 2

Equipment

Bluetooth speakerqty 2
Wireless microphone
Microphone stand
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Rechargeable batteriesqty 12
Battery chargersqty 2

Kitchen

Coolersqty 3
Thermos flasksqty 4
Coffee maker
Kettlesqty 2
Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knivesqty 3
Serving utensilsqty 8
Cake knife
Cake stand
Aluminum foilqty 2
Cling filmqty 2
Food containersqty 12
Ice cube traysqty 6

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Cleaning bucketsqty 2
Mopsqty 2
Broom and dustpan
Cleaning glovesqty 4
Paper towelsqty 6
Toilet paperqty 24
Hand soap dispensersqty 3

Catering

Groceries
- Sparkling water - 12 bottles
- Still water - 12 bottles
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Tonic - 4 bottles
- Ginger beer - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Non-alcoholic beer - 24 bottles
- Pilsener - 48 bottles
- White wine - 8 bottles
- Red wine - 6 bottles
- Rosé - 4 bottles
- Prosecco - 6 bottles
- Gin - 2 bottles
- Vodka - 1 bottle
- Bourbon - 1 Bottle
- Coffee beans - 2 kilos
- Tea bags - 100 pieces
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Honey - 1 jar
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Lemons - 12 pieces
- Limes - 12 pieces
- Mint - 4 Bunches
- Basil - 3 bunches
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Apples - 30 pieces
- Strawberries - 2 kilos
- Mixed nuts - 1 kilo
- Olives - 1 kilo
- Hummus - 1.5 kilos
- Cream cheese - 1 kilo
- Brie - 1 kilo
- Gouda cheese - 1.5 kilos
- Parmesan cheese - 500 grams
- Salami - 1 kilo
- Dry-cured ham - 1 kilo
- Baguettes - 12 pieces
- Crackers - 8 packs
- Puff pastry - 6 packs
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Popcorn - 4 bags
- Mixed bar snacks - 4 bags
- Olive oil - 2 bottles
- Balsamic vinegar - 1 bottle
- Red wine vinegar - 1 bottle
- Mayonnaise - 2 jars
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Pesto - 4 jars
- Tomato sauce - 4 jars
- Salt - 1 pack
- Black pepper - 1 jar
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Italian herbs - 1 jar
- Garlic - 6 bulbs
- Onions - 2 kilos
- Arugula - 1 kilo
- Mixed salad - 2 kilos
- Pasta salad - 4 kilo
- Potato salad - 3 kilos
- Grilled vegetables - 3 kilos
- Sandwiches - 40 pieces
- Mini quiches - 60 pieces
- Mini wraps - 60 pieces
- Vegetarian snacks - 60 pieces
- Vegan snacks - 30 pieces
- Gluten-free crackers - 3 packs
- Gluten-free bread - 2 loaves
- Vegan toppings - 500 grams
- Wedding cake - 1 cake
- Petit fours - 40 pieces
- Chocolate - 1 kilo
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Ice cream - 4 liters
- Sugar packets - 100 pieces
- Cocktail picks - 200 pieces
- Paper straws - 100 pieces
- Cocktail napkins - 200 pieces
- Aluminium trays - 30 pieces
- Food storage containers - 20 pieces
- Trash bags - 40 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Dishwasher tablets - 30 pieces
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Glass cleaner - 1 bottle
- Disinfectant wipes - 3 packs
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet freshener - 3 pieces
- Hand sanitizer - 3 bottles

Tips

Plan tableware for every guest plus 10% extra. For 20 guests, that means 22 dinner plates, dessert plates, cutlery sets and water glasses, so one dropped item does not disrupt the meal.
Allow two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then one drink per person per hour after that. Chill drinks before guests arrive and keep water glasses available throughout the ceremony and meal.
Count serving pieces against the menu, not just the guest list. Each buffet dish needs a serving spoon or utensil, and desserts often need separate plates, forks or coffee spoons.
Prepare the ceremony setup separately from the reception setup. Count one ceremony chair per guest who needs a seat, then check the arch, welcome sign and any aisle or backdrop decorations before loading the car.
Buy or pack decorations in setup groups: table runners, fabric napkins, vases, flowers, table numbers, LED candles and string lights together. This prevents small items from being left behind when the venue is cleaned.

Frequently asked questions

How many plates and glasses do I need for a micro wedding?: Plan one dinner plate, one dessert plate, one cutlery set and one water glass per guest, plus 10% spare. For 20 guests, prepare 22 of each core item; add wine or champagne glasses according to the drinks you serve.
How much food and drink should I buy for a small wedding?: For drinks, allow two to three per person in the first hour and one per person for each following hour, with water available throughout. For food, confirm final guest numbers and dietary requirements at least 7 days before shopping so the menu and serving quantities can be adjusted.
What ceremony supplies are easy to forget for a micro wedding?: Check the ceremony chairs, ceremony arch, welcome sign and any decorative items at least 2 days before the wedding. Put them in one clearly labelled box or vehicle area so they are not mixed in with reception tableware.
When should I do the wedding shopping?: Buy non-perishable decorations, tableware and serving pieces 1 to 2 weeks ahead. Shop for fresh food and chillable drinks 1 to 2 days before the wedding, then do a final list check on the day before setup.

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