What you need for a Remembrance Day ceremony

A Remembrance Day ceremony needs more than wreaths and flags. Plan the practical items for speeches, music, seating, candles, flowers and refreshments, along with equipment that keeps the program audible and accessible. This shopping list covers the core setup, from microphones and extension cords to coffee cups and serving platters. Order memorial wreaths and flowers early, and check quantities against your guest list, venue layout and program length.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Chairsqty 180
Foldable tablesqty 8
Tableclothsqty 8
Stage sectionsqty 4
Speaker table
Stoolsqty 4

Equipment

Wireless microphonesqty 3
Microphone standsqty 3
Speakersqty 4
Mixer
Audio cablesqty 8
Extension cordsqty 8
Power stripsqty 6
Laptop
Traffic signsqty 12
Crowd control barriersqty 10
Traffic conesqty 20
Vestsqty 12
Walkie-talkiesqty 8

Lighting

LED lampsqty 8
Light standsqty 4
Flashlightsqty 8

Decorations

Dutch flagsqty 4
Flagpolesqty 2
Memorial wreathsqty 3
Flower arrangementsqty 6
Memorial candlesqty 20
Candle holdersqty 20
Information bannersqty 3
Table décorqty 8
Program leafletsqty 220
Name badgesqty 30
Pensqty 20
Clipboardsqty 8

Tableware

Coffee cupsqty 120
Glassesqty 120
Platesqty 120
Coffee spoonsqty 120
Serving plattersqty 12

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 3
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 8
Coolersqty 4
Serving traysqty 6
Corkscrewsqty 2
Trash binsqty 6

Cleaning

Broomsqty 3
Dustpansqty 3
Mopsqty 3
Bucketsqty 3
Cleaning glovesqty 8
Towelsqty 12

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Tea - 3 boxes
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Sweeteners - 2 boxes
- Semi-skimmed milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Still mineral water - 12 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 8 bottles
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Butter - 4 packs
- Young cheese - 2 kilos
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Cucumber - 8 pieces
- Tomatoes - 2 kilos
- White sandwich loaves - 8 loaves
- Whole wheat casinobread - 6 loaves
- Currant buns - 80 pieces
- Mini butter cookies - 100 pieces
- Paper napkins - 300 pieces
- Stir sticks - 250 pieces
- Paper cups - 250 pieces
- Wooden forks - 150 pieces
- Trash bags - 3 rolls
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 4 bottles
- Nitrile gloves - 2 boxes
- Matches - 4 boxes

Tips

Plan seating and tableware from the confirmed registration total, then add roughly 10% spare chairs, cups, glasses and plates for late arrivals or replacements.
Test the wireless microphones, mixer, speakers, laptop and audio cables at the venue at least one day before the ceremony. Pack extension cords and power strips even if the venue says power is available.
Order memorial wreaths and flower arrangements as soon as the date and program are confirmed; give the florist a final quantity and delivery time at least one week before the ceremony.
If memorial candles are part of the program, match each candle with a candle holder and bring lighters or matches. Set up a small reserve of about 10% in case a candle fails or is damaged.
Check lighting and access after sunset or in dim areas: provide LED lamps and light stands for the ceremony area, plus flashlights for volunteers, traffic controllers and guests using the route.

Frequently asked questions

What should I buy for a Remembrance Day ceremony?: Plan seating, tables, tablecloths, a speaker table, microphones, speakers, a mixer, cables, lighting, flags, wreaths, flowers, candles and candle holders. Add coffee cups, glasses, plates, spoons and serving platters if refreshments are served.
How many chairs and cups do I need for Remembrance Day?: Use the confirmed registration number as your base quantity, then add about 10% spare capacity. For 100 guests, that means planning for approximately 110 chairs and 110 cups, with extra tableware for staff and speakers.
When should I order Remembrance Day wreaths and flowers?: Place the order when the date and ceremony program are confirmed, ideally at least one week before the event. Confirm the delivery time and placement details with the florist no later than two days beforehand.
What sound equipment is needed for Remembrance Day speeches?: Prepare wireless microphones, microphone stands, speakers, a mixer, audio cables, a laptop, extension cords and power strips. Test the complete setup at the venue at least one day before the ceremony and keep a spare microphone or cable available if possible.

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