What you need for a silent disco

A silent disco needs more than headphones and music. You also need reliable charging, spare equipment, clear channel signs, safe power connections and practical serving supplies. The quantities depend mainly on your guest count, but plan one working headphone per guest plus at least 5–10% spares. Check every item before guests arrive, because missing chargers, adapters or batteries are harder to replace once setup has started.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 40
Bar stoolsqty 6
Tableclothsqty 8

Equipment

Silent disco headphonesqty 100
Spare headphonesqty 10
Transmittersqty 3
Music playersqty 3
Headphone chargersqty 10
Extension cordsqty 8
Power stripsqty 6
Gaffer tapeqty 4
Power banksqty 4

Lighting

LED light garlandsqty 8
LED spotlightsqty 6
Batteriesqty 24

Decorations

Balloonsqty 100
Balloon pumpqty 2
Channel signsqty 3
Directional signsqty 8
Wristbandsqty 120

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 150
Reusable platesqty 120
Reusable cutleryqty 120
Serving plattersqty 12
Pliersqty 6
Pitchersqty 6

Kitchen

Coolersqty 6
Ice containersqty 4
Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 3
Bread knivesqty 3
Serving knivesqty 4
Cooling matsqty 6

Cleaning

Broomqty 2
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Mop setsqty 2
Bucketsqty 4
Waste binsqty 8
Toilet brushesqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Spa Blauw - 8 bottles
- Spa Red - 4 bottles
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 8 bottles
- Sinas - 6 bottles
- Iced tea - 6 bottles
- Tonic - 4 bottles
- Ginger beer - 4 bottles
- Non-alcoholic beer - 6 six-packs
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Lemons - 2 kilos
- Ice cubes - 20 kilo
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Tortilla chips - 8 bags
- Snacks - 6 bags
- Popcorn - 6 bags
- Mini wraps - 120 pieces
- Hummus - 8 tubs
- Cream cheese - 6 tubs
- Herb cheese - 6 tubs
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Bell peppers - 8 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Grapes - 4 kilos
- Apples - 4 kilos
- Cheese cubes - 3 kilo
- Olives - 6 jars
- Baguettes - 12 pieces
- Butter - 4 packs
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 4 rolls
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 3 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs
- Hand soap - 4 bottles

Tips

Plan one silent disco headphone per registered guest and add 5–10% spare headphones. For 100 guests, that means 100 working headphones plus 5–10 spares.
Charge all headphones, transmitters and power banks before setup, then test every music player and channel. Keep at least one complete backup setup ready instead of relying on a single charger or transmitter.
Use extension cords, power strips and gaffer tape together: tape down every cable crossing an entrance or dance-floor edge. Keep power banks and spare batteries available for equipment and lighting.
Prepare channel signs and directional signs before opening the venue. Use one clear sign per music channel and place signs at the entrance, headphone collection point and dance floor.
Match reusable cups, plates and cutlery to the guest count, then add roughly 10% extra. Chill drinks in coolers or ice containers early; pitchers and serving platters should be ready before the first guests arrive.

Frequently asked questions

How many silent disco headphones do I need?: Buy one working headphone for every guest who may join the dance floor, plus 5–10% spares. For 50 guests, prepare 50 headphones and 3–5 additional units.
How many spare headphones should I have for a silent disco?: Keep at least 5% spare headphones for a small event and up to 10% if equipment is rented or guests will use it heavily. With 80 guests, that is 4–8 spares.
What should I buy for silent disco power and charging?: You need headphone chargers, extension cords, power strips and gaffer tape, plus power banks where charging access is limited. Charge everything before guests arrive and finish a full equipment test at least 2 hours before opening.
How many cups and plates do I need for a silent disco?: Plan one reusable cup, plate and set of cutlery per guest, with about 10% extra for replacements. For 60 guests, prepare at least 66 of each item if food or drinks will be served.

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