What You Need for a Solo Concert

A solo concert needs more than an instrument and a few chairs. This shopping list covers reception supplies, printed programs, refreshments, basic sound equipment, signs, lighting, and cleanup items. Plan quantities around your confirmed attendance, then add a small buffer for late arrivals and unexpected needs. Check what the venue already provides before buying bulky items such as tables, speakers, kettles, or waste bins.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Chairsqty 60
Tablesqty 8
Reception desk
Stoolsqty 4

Tableware

Glassesqty 80
Coffee cupsqty 60
Platesqty 80
Cutlery setsqty 80
Coffee potsqty 3
Teapotsqty 2

Kitchen

Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4
Serving plattersqty 10
Serving spoonsqty 6

Equipment

Music standsqty 2
Microphone
Microphone stand
Speakersqty 2
Mixer
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 3

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 8
Flower arrangementsqty 4
Program standsqty 4
Wayfinding signsqty 6
Name badgesqty 30

Lighting

Standing lampsqty 4

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Broom and dustpanqty 2
Mopsqty 2
Bucketsqty 2
Cleaning clothsqty 12
Toilet brushesqty 2

Catering

Coolersqty 3
Drink dispensersqty 2
Serving traysqty 8
Coffee filtersqty 100
Table numbersqty 8
Payment terminal
Cash box
Groceries
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Black tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 8 bottles
- Spa Red - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 bottles
- Alcohol-free beer - 2 crates
- White wine - 6 bottles
- Red wine - 3 bottles
- Beer - 2 crates
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Salty breadsticks - 3 bags
- Mixed nuts - 2 bags
- Olives - 4 jars
- Cheese cubes - 3 kilo
- Grapes - 4 kilos
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Cucumber - 6 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Baguettes - 8 pieces
- Toast rounds - 8 packs
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Cream cheese - 4 tubs
- Pesto - 3 jars
- Mayonnaise - 1 bottle
- Mustard - 1 bottle
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Glass cleaner - 1 bottle
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Trash bags - 2 rolls

Tips

For drinks, plan two to three servings per guest for the first hour, then one serving per guest for each additional hour. Buy extra water even if you are serving coffee, tea, or other drinks.
Allow one coffee cup, one glass, one plate, and one cutlery set per guest, plus about 10% extra. For 40 guests, that means at least 44 of each reusable item.
Print one program per expected attendee and add 5 to 10 spare copies. Place them on program stands near the entrance rather than leaving the whole stack at the reception desk.
Check the sound setup at least one day before the concert. Confirm that the microphone, mixer, speakers, microphone stand, music stand, extension cords, and power strips are compatible and reach the required outlets.
Bring signs, name badges, waste bins, and cleaning supplies to the venue before doors open. A broom, dustpan, and mop are easy to forget when shopping focuses on food, drinks, and equipment.

Frequently asked questions

What drinks do I need for a solo concert?: For each guest, plan two to three drinks during the first hour and one more for every extra hour. Include water as well as the drinks served at the coffee and tea station, and add roughly 10% for unexpected attendance.
How many programs should I print for a solo concert?: Print one program for every confirmed attendee, then add 5 to 10 spare copies. If 40 people are expected, prepare 44 to 50 programs so late arrivals and damaged copies are covered.
What sound equipment is needed for a solo concert?: The basic setup includes a microphone, microphone stand, speakers, mixer, music stand, extension cords, and power strips. Test the complete setup at least one day before the concert and check the venue's available connections.
How much tableware do I need for a concert reception?: Allow one glass, coffee cup, plate, and cutlery set per guest, plus 10% extra. For 40 guests, prepare at least 44 of each item unless the venue provides reusable tableware and washing facilities.

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