What to Buy for an Opera Concert

An opera concert needs more than microphones and chairs. Your shopping list must cover drinks and service items for the audience, printed programs and tickets, and the small technical supplies that keep cables, stands and lighting secure. Plan quantities from your confirmed guest list, performers and program length. Buy shelf-stable items early, then collect fresh products and chill drinks shortly before the concert so everything is ready without crowding the venue.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Chairsqty 90
Bistro tablesqty 8
Buffet tablesqty 4
Information desk
Stoolsqty 6
Clothes racksqty 2

Tableware

Wine glassesqty 100
Water glassesqty 100
Coffee cupsqty 80
Dessert platesqty 100
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving tongsqty 8
Coffee spoonsqty 80
Pastry forksqty 100
Carafesqty 12
Thermos flasksqty 6

Equipment

Microphonesqty 4
Microphone standsqty 4
Speakersqty 2
Mixer
Amplifier
Music standsqty 12
Tuning fork
Extension cordsqty 8
Power stripsqty 6
Gaffer tapeqty 4
Cable traysqty 8
Spare batteriesqty 24
Piano stool

Lighting

Stage spotlightsqty 4
Atmosphere lightsqty 8
String lightsqty 4
LED lanternsqty 6
Spare flashlightsqty 6

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 12
Flower arrangementsqty 8
Stage backdrop
Program standsqty 4
Welcome sign
Directional signsqty 8
Name badgesqty 100
Pensqty 20

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 4
Bread knivesqty 3
Chef's knifeqty 2
Kitchen tongsqty 4
Measuring cupsqty 2
Ice packsqty 12
Aluminum foilqty 3
Cling filmqty 3

Cleaning

Bucketsqty 3
Mopsqty 3
Broomqty 2
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Spongesqty 8
Waste binsqty 6
Hand soap dispensersqty 4
Towel dispensersqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee beans - 3 kilo
- Black tea - 4 boxes
- Herbal tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Sweeteners - 2 boxes
- Semi-skimmed milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Lemons - 2 kilos
- Still water - 60 bottles
- Sparkling water - 40 bottles
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Ginger beer - 6 bottles
- Non-alcoholic beer - 24 bottles
- White beer - 24 bottles
- Non-alcoholic sparkling wine - 8 bottles
- Sparkling wine - 12 bottles
- White wine - 10 bottles
- Red wine - 8 bottles
- Grape juice - 8 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 bottles
- Orange juice - 6 bottles
- Ice cubes - 10 kilos
- Baguettes - 16 pieces
- Mini ciabattas - 12 pieces
- Butter - 1 kilo
- Cream cheese - 1,5 kilo
- Hummus - 1.5 kilos
- Young cheese - 2 kilos
- Brie - 1.5 kilos
- Smoked salmon - 1 kilo
- Roast beef - 1.5 kilos
- Turkey breast - 1,5 kilo
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Bell peppers - 2 kilos
- Arugula - 1 kilo
- Carrots - 2 kilo
- Grapes - 4 kilos
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Pears - 30 pieces
- Strawberries - 2 kilos
- Blueberries - 1 kilo
- Walnuts - 1 kilo
- Almonds - 1 kilo
- Raisins - 500 grams
- Olives - 1.5 kilo
- Sun-dried tomatoes - 1 kilo
- Pickles - 2 jars
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Cheese crackers - 6 packs
- Salty crackers - 8 packs
- Grissini - 6 packs
- Mini quiches - 160 pieces
- Vegetarian puff pastry snacks - 120 pieces
- Vegan vegetable snacks - 80 pieces
- Mini sandwiches - 160 pieces
- Brownies - 100 pieces
- Lemon cake - 80 pieces
- Dark chocolate - 1 kilo
- Milk chocolate - 1 kilo
- Powdered sugar - 500 grams
- Mayonnaise - 2 jars
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Pesto - 4 jars
- Olive oil - 2 liters
- Balsamic vinegar - 1 bottle
- Salt - 500 grams
- Black pepper - 250 grams
- Herb mix - 4 jars
- Napkins - 300 pieces
- Paper cups - 100 pieces
- Stir sticks - 200 pieces
- Cocktail sticks - 300 pieces
- Food storage containers - 20 pieces
- Freezer bags - 2 boxes
- Trash bags - 40 pieces
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 3 bottles
- Disinfectant spray - 2 bottles
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Nitrile gloves - 4 boxes

Tips

Count one water glass and one wine glass per expected guest, then add 10% extra for breakage and late arrivals. Provide carafes so water can be refilled without interrupting the concert.
For a reception after the performance, calculate two to three drinks per person for the first hour, plus one additional drink for each following hour. Buy coffee, cups, dessert plates, spoons and pastry forks based on the confirmed guest count, with 10% spare.
Print programs and admission tickets only after the program, performers and final guest list are confirmed. Order or print 5–10% extra copies so a last-minute guest or damaged booklet does not create a shortage.
Check every technical item at least 48 hours before the concert: microphones, stands, mixer, amplifier, speakers, extension cords and power strips. Keep spare batteries, gaffer tape and cable trays together at the information desk rather than buying them during setup.
Do not leave fresh products, chilled drinks and tableware until the final hour. Complete the main shopping one or two days ahead, buy fresh items on the day, and chill drinks for at least 4 hours before guests arrive.

Frequently asked questions

How many drinks do I need for an opera concert?: For a reception, plan on 2–3 drinks per person during the first hour and 1 extra drink per person for each additional hour. Add about 10% to cover unexpected guests and spills.
How many glasses should I buy for an opera concert?: Allow 1 water glass and 1 wine glass per guest, plus 10% spare. For 80 guests, that means at least 88 water glasses and 88 wine glasses.
When should I buy supplies for an opera concert?: Buy shelf-stable drinks, printed materials and technical consumables 1–2 days before the event. Buy fresh products on the day and chill drinks for at least 4 hours before serving.
How many opera concert programs should I print?: Print one program booklet per expected guest, plus 5–10% extra. For 100 guests, prepare 105–110 booklets so you can cover late registrations and damaged copies.

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