What to Buy for a Remembrance Day Ceremony
A Remembrance Day ceremony needs more than wreaths and a flag. Plan for seating, clear sound, weather protection and a simple reception for guests afterwards. This shopping list covers the practical items that are easy to overlook, including spare batteries, extension cables, serving equipment and supplies for hot drinks. Check quantities against your guest registrations, speakers, performers and volunteers before placing orders.
What to bring
Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.
Furniture
- Chairsqty 100
- Tablesqty 6
- High tablesqty 4
- Foldable tablesqty 2
- Party tentsqty 2
Equipment
- Speakersqty 2
- Wireless microphonesqty 3
- Mixer
- Microphone standsqty 3
- Extension cordsqty 6
- Power stripsqty 4
- Spare batteriesqty 12
Lighting
- LED lampsqty 8
- Outdoor lighting cablesqty 4
Decorations
- Dutch flagqty 2
- Flagpolesqty 2
- Memorial wreathsqty 3
- Flower arrangementsqty 4
- Glass candle lanternsqty 12
- LED candlesqty 40
- Information boardsqty 6
- Tableclothsqty 6
Tableware
- Coffee cupsqty 120
- Glassesqty 120
- Platesqty 120
- Teaspoonsqty 120
- Serving traysqty 8
Kitchen
- Coffee machinesqty 2
- Kettlesqty 2
- Thermos flasksqty 6
- Coolersqty 4
- Corkscrewsqty 2
Cleaning
- Waste binsqty 8
- Broom setsqty 3
- Mopsqty 3
Safety
- Crowd control barriersqty 12
- Traffic conesqty 16
- Reflective vestsqty 8
- First aid kitsqty 2
- Flashlightsqty 6
Catering
- Groceries
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Black tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Semi-skimmed milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Sweetener - 1 box
- Stirrers - 150 pieces
- Butter cookies - 6 packs
- Gluten-free cookies - 2 packs
- Vegan cookies - 2 packs
- Apple juice - 6 liters
- Orange juice - 6 liters
- Spa Blauw - 8 bottles
- Spa Red - 4 bottles
- Cola - 4 bottles
- Cola Zero - 4 bottles
- Paper napkins - 250 pieces
- Stirring spoons - 4 pieces
- Coffee filters - 2 packs
- Ice cubes - 4 bags
- Trash bags - 50 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Glass cleaner - 1 bottle
- Cleaning sponges - 6 pieces
- Nitrile gloves - 2 boxes
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 4 bottles
- Labels - 2 packs
- Pens - 20 pieces
Tips
- Count chairs from the registration list and add at least 10% extra. Arrange a clear accessible route rather than filling every available space.
- Plan two wireless microphones if the programme includes a speaker and a performer, plus spare batteries for each microphone. Test the mixer, speakers and microphone stands before the ceremony.
- For outdoor ceremonies, allow one party tent or another covered area for the reception and equipment. Buy or bring enough outdoor lighting cable and LED lamps to cover dark paths and the sound area.
- Order memorial wreaths and flower arrangements early enough to collect them on the day before the ceremony where possible. Keep the wreaths flat, dry and protected until they are needed.
- For a hot-drinks reception, provide one cup, one glass and one plate per registered guest, plus about 10% extra. Bring enough teaspoons, serving trays, coffee, tea-making equipment and thermos flasks so guests are not waiting for each refill.
Frequently asked questions
- What do I need to buy for a Remembrance Day ceremony?
- Plan for memorial wreaths, flower arrangements, a Dutch flag and flagpoles, seating, tables, sound equipment, lighting and reception tableware. You will also need coffee machines or kettles, thermos flasks, cups, glasses, plates, teaspoons and serving trays if refreshments are served.
- How many chairs do I need for Remembrance Day?
- Start with one chair per registered guest, speaker, performer and volunteer who needs to sit. Add at least 10% extra; for 100 expected guests, prepare around 110 chairs and keep an accessible area clear.
- How much coffee should I prepare for a Remembrance Day reception?
- Allow one hot drink per guest for a short reception and up to two per guest for a longer gathering. For 100 guests, prepare at least 100 servings, with 10% extra if people will stay for more than 30 minutes.
- When should I order wreaths and flowers for Remembrance Day?
- Place the order at least 2 to 3 weeks before the ceremony, especially if the arrangements are made to specification. Confirm collection or delivery no later than 2 days beforehand so missing items can still be replaced.
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