What you need for a silent march

A silent march needs more than candles and a planned route. Participants must be able to follow the route safely, find the meeting point, and receive clear instructions without relying on shouting. This shopping list covers route communication, lighting, traffic safety, first aid, registration, and the final gathering. Plan quantities from your registration count, then add spare batteries, extra stationery, and backup lighting before shopping day.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Foldable tablesqty 6
Folding chairsqty 40
Coat racksqty 2
Waste binsqty 6

Lighting

LED lanternsqty 12
Flashlightsqty 12
Spare batteriesqty 24

Decorations

Memorial candlesqty 180
Candle holdersqty 180
Memorial clothqty 2
Flower arrangementsqty 3

Communication

Route signsqty 20
Information boardsqty 4
Route mapsqty 180
Name stickersqty 200
Pensqty 20
Walkie-talkiesqty 10
Megaphone stickersqty 4

Safety

Safety vestsqty 16
Traffic conesqty 20
Barrier tapeqty 6
First aid kitsqty 2
Disposable glovesqty 2

Equipment

Battery speaker
Wireless microphone
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 200
Coffee cupsqty 120
Platesqty 180
Cutlery setsqty 180
Serving plattersqty 12

Kitchen

Thermos flasksqty 8
Water jugsqty 8
Serving spoonsqty 12
Cutting boardsqty 3
Bread knivesqty 3

Cleaning

Cleaning bucketsqty 4
Litter pickersqty 4
Dustpan and brushqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Still mineral water - 120 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 60 bottles
- Apple juice - 12 cartons
- Orange juice - 12 cartons
- Coffee - 6 packs
- Decaffeinated coffee - 2 packs
- Black tea - 4 boxes
- Herbal tea - 3 boxes
- Green tea - 2 boxes
- Semi-skimmed milk - 12 liters
- Oat milk - 6 liters
- Coffee milk - 6 packs
- Granulated sugar - 3 kilos
- Sweeteners - 2 boxes
- Stir sticks - 250 pieces
- Lemons - 3 kilos
- Whole wheat bread - 12 loaves
- White bread - 8 loaves
- Vegetarian sandwiches - 100 pieces
- Vegan sandwiches - 30 pieces
- Gluten-free sandwiches - 12 pieces
- Unsalted butter - 2 kilos
- Margarine - 1 kilo
- Young cheese - 3 kilos
- Hummus - 2 kilos
- Cucumbers - 10 pieces
- Tomatoes - 4 kilos
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Salted pretzels - 6 bags
- Butter cookies - 8 packs
- Vegan cookies - 4 packs
- Gluten-free cookies - 3 packs
- Grapes - 5 kilos
- Bananas - 5 kilo
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 3 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 6 packs
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 36 rolls
- Paper napkins - 300 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Trash bags - 100 pieces
- Ziplock bags - 2 boxes

Tips

Provide one route map or participant card per registered person, plus at least 10% extra for late arrivals and replacements. Keep a small supply of pens and name stickers at the registration table.
For an evening march, prepare at least one flashlight or LED lantern for every route post, finish-area entrance, and rest stop. Buy spare batteries for every battery-powered light rather than waiting until the day of the march.
Give each traffic controller a safety vest and place traffic cones or barrier tape where the route needs separation. Keep a few spare vests and cones at the start point for replacements or unexpected hazards.
Keep one first aid kit at the start and another at the finish or meeting point. Store disposable gloves with the kits, and make sure route volunteers know where the nearest kit is before participants arrive.
For the final gathering, count reusable cups, coffee cups, and plates against the expected attendance, then add around 10% extra. Arrange tables, chairs, coat racks, and waste bins before the march starts so the finish area is ready when the group arrives.

Frequently asked questions

What should I buy for a silent march?: Buy route maps, route signs, information boards, lighting, safety vests, traffic cones, barrier tape, first aid kits, disposable gloves, candles and candle holders. You may also need tables, chairs, cups, plates, a battery speaker, and a wireless microphone for the final gathering.
How many route maps do I need for a silent march?: Prepare one map for every registered participant and add at least 10% extra. For 200 participants, print 220 maps so late registrations, damaged copies, and volunteers do not leave anyone without route information.
How many flashlights are needed for a night march?: Plan one flashlight or LED lantern for each route post, rest stop, entrance, and other dark section, plus spare lights for the start and finish. Keep spare batteries for every light and test them at least one day before the march.
When should I buy supplies for a silent march?: Buy printed materials and safety supplies at least 7 days before the march, and check all lights, batteries, radios, and audio equipment 24 to 48 hours beforehand. Buy refreshments and other consumables close enough to the event that they remain fresh.

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