What you need for a Remembrance Day ceremony

This Remembrance Day shopping list covers the practical items for a ceremony, remembrance route, wreath-laying and refreshments. Plan for the number of attendees, speakers, musicians and volunteers rather than buying by guesswork. The details people often leave too late are wreaths, memorial candles, printed programmes, batteries and serving equipment. Check every rented or borrowed item before it is loaded for the venue.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Foldable tablesqty 6
Folding chairsqty 80
High tablesqty 4
Coat racksqty 2

Equipment

Wireless microphonesqty 3
Microphone standsqty 3
Speakersqty 2
Mixer
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Music standsqty 6

Lighting

LED lampsqty 6
Lanternsqty 8
Batteriesqty 24

Decorations

Dutch flagsqty 2
Flagpolesqty 2
Route arrowsqty 12
Information boardsqty 4
Tableclothsqty 6
Wreathsqty 4
Flower arrangementsqty 6
Memorial candlesqty 24

Tableware

Coffee cupsqty 60
Glassesqty 60
Cake platesqty 60
Coffee spoonsqty 60

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 6
Serving plattersqty 8
Serving tongsqty 6
Coolersqty 3
Cutting boardsqty 2
Bread knivesqty 2

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Trash bag holdersqty 4
Broom and dustpanqty 2
Mopsqty 2
Cleaning bucketsqty 2
Microfiber clothsqty 12

Safety

First aid kitsqty 2
Flashlightsqty 4
Safety vestsqty 8

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Black tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Sugar - 2 kilograms
- Mints - 1 box
- Semi-skimmed milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Lemons - 6 pieces
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Orange juice - 6 liters
- Apple juice - 4 liter
- Spa Blauw - 8 bottles
- Spa Red - 4 bottles
- Apples - 5 kilograms
- Grapes - 3 kilograms
- Mini cucumbers - 3 kilograms
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilograms
- Carrots - 2 kilogram
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Cheese slices - 2 kilograms
- Young cheese - 1 kilogram
- Brie - 1 kilogram
- Baguettes - 12 pieces
- Gluten-free crackers - 3 packs
- Rye bread - 4 packs
- Butter - 500 grams
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Snacks - 4 bags
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Butter cake - 6 packs
- Napkins - 300 pieces
- Coffee filters - 2 packs
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Trash bags - 50 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Paper towels - 4 packs

Tips

Order wreaths, flower arrangements and memorial candles early enough for the florist or supplier to confirm quantities and collection time. Keep the final attendee and wreath-bearer count with the order.
Allow at least one coffee cup, glass, cake plate and coffee spoon per guest, plus a small reserve of around 10% for breakages, late arrivals and used items waiting to be washed.
Match the sound equipment to the programme: test the wireless microphones, microphone stands, speakers and mixer together before the ceremony, and pack extension cords and power strips with them.
Bring spare batteries for LED lamps, lanterns and any battery-powered equipment. Do not rely on venue lighting for an outdoor route or a darker memorial setting.
Pack route arrows, information boards, flags, flagpoles, tablecloths and name badges together with the printed programmes. Load these materials before the catering so signs and seating can be set up first.

Frequently asked questions

What should I buy for a Remembrance Day ceremony?: Plan for wreaths, flowers, memorial candles, flags, printed programmes, name badges, refreshments and tableware. For the ceremony itself, check whether you also need microphones, speakers, stands, a mixer, lighting and power leads.
How many coffee cups and glasses do I need per person?: Start with one coffee cup and one glass per guest, then add about 10% extra. For 100 guests, that means at least 110 cups and 110 glasses, before allowing for replacements or a second serving.
How many memorial candles do I need for Remembrance Day?: Buy one candle for each planned participant or memorial moment, then add 10% spare candles. Confirm the final number after registrations and the programme are fixed, preferably at least one week before the ceremony.
When should I order wreaths and flowers for Remembrance Day?: Place the order as soon as the ceremony date and wreath-bearer count are confirmed. Give the supplier the final quantities and collection or delivery time at least one week in advance, and check the order again before loading.

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