What to Buy for a Spring Wedding

A spring wedding needs more than flowers and a cake. This shopping list covers the practical items that keep the ceremony, meal and reception running smoothly, from chairs and tableware to signs, vases and weather protection. Order hired furniture and key decorations early, then buy disposable or last-minute items closer to the date. Plan for the final guest count, not the first estimate, and keep a small buffer for breakages and unexpected arrivals.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Foldable tablesqty 8
Folding chairsqty 70
Buffet tablesqty 3
High tablesqty 4
Table linenqty 11
Chair coversqty 60
Gift table
Cake table
Coat rackqty 2

Tableware

Dinner platesqty 80
Dessert platesqty 80
Coffee cupsqty 70
Water glassesqty 80
Wine glassesqty 80
Champagne glassesqty 70
Coffee spoonsqty 70
Forksqty 80
Knivesqty 80
Serving spoonsqty 12

Decorations

Flower arrangementsqty 10
Welcome sign
Table number cardsqty 8
Name badgesqty 70
Menusqty 70
Buntingqty 4
Paper lanternsqty 20
Cloth napkin ringsqty 70
Vasesqty 10
Candle holdersqty 24
LED candlesqty 30
Ring pillow

Equipment

Speakersqty 2
Wireless microphonesqty 2
Mixer
Music player
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 4
Coolersqty 4
Food warmersqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 4
Clothes steamers

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Chicken thighsqty 4
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving tongsqty 8
Measuring cupsqty 3
Cake server

Lighting

String lightsqty 6
Outdoor lightsqty 4
Flashlightsqty 3

Cleaning

Bucketsqty 3
Mopsqty 3
Broom setsqty 2
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Hand soap dispensersqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Baguettes - 12 pieces
- Wholemeal bread - 6 loaves
- Mini bake-off rolls - 100 pieces
- Butter - 1.5 kilos
- Herb butter - 1 kilo
- Cream cheese - 1,5 kilo
- Young cheese - 2 kilos
- Brie - 1.5 kilos
- Parma ham - 1.5 kilos
- Grill sausage - 1 kilo
- Hummus - 1 kilo
- Pesto - 4 jars
- Olives - 2 kilos
- Sun-dried tomatoes - 1 kilo
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Bell peppers - 12 pieces
- Carrots - 3 kilos
- Celery - 4 heads
- Mixed lettuce - 3 kilos
- Arugula - 1 kilo
- Red onions - 1 kilo
- Avocados - 12 pieces
- Feta cheese - 1 kilo
- Parmesan cheese - 500 grams
- Potatoes - 8 kilos
- Rice - 3 kilos
- Pasta - 3 kilos
- Chicken breast - 7 kilos
- Vegetarian burgers - 20 pieces
- Salmon fillet - 4 kilos
- Eggs - 60 pieces
- Cooking cream - 3 liters
- Crème fraîche - 2 kilos
- Mayonnaise - 2 liter
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 1 jar
- Garlic sauce - 2 bottles
- Chili sauce - 1 bottle
- Olive oil - 2 liters
- Sunflower oil - 1 liter
- Balsamic vinegar - 1 bottle
- Apple cider vinegar - 1 bottle
- Salt - 500 grams
- Black pepper - 250 grams
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Italian herbs - 1 jar
- Garlic powder - 1 jar
- Basil - 6 bunches
- Parsley - 4 bunches
- Lemons - 20 pieces
- Limes - 12 pieces
- Apples - 5 kilo
- Grapes - 4 kilos
- Strawberries - 4 kilos
- Melons - 4 pieces
- Chocolate - 2 kilos
- Mini cookies - 5 kilos
- Nut mix - 2 kilo
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Salted breadsticks - 5 bags
- Wedding cake - 1 cake
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Tea - 120 bags
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Spa Blauw - 8 bottles
- Spa Red - 4 bottles
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Tonic - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 liters
- Orange juice - 6 liters
- Beer - 120 bottles
- Non-alcoholic beer - 30 bottles
- White wine - 12 bottles
- Red wine - 12 bottles
- Rosé - 8 bottles
- Prosecco - 10 bottles
- Ginger ale - 4 bottles
- Ice cubes - 20 kilo
- Trash bags - 50 pieces
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Glass cleaner - 1 bottle
- Dishwasher tablets - 60 pieces
- Hand sanitizer - 4 bottles

Tips

Count one dinner plate, one dessert plate and one complete set of cutlery per guest, then add 5–10% extra. The same rule works for water glasses, wine glasses and coffee cups.
Provide two to three drinks per person for the first hour, followed by about one drink per person per hour. Chill drinks at least 12 hours before the reception if storage space allows.
Order flowers, vases and the cake at least 6–8 weeks ahead, and confirm the collection or delivery time one week before the wedding. Keep cake transport and refrigeration arrangements separate from the shopping run.
For an outdoor spring wedding, reserve party tents early and have enough seating for every guest during the meal. Check the forecast 48 hours before the event and place the rain-plan equipment where it can be reached quickly.
Prepare printed menus, table number cards, name badges and the welcome sign at least one week before the wedding. Pack them with table linen, napkin rings, candle holders and other decorations so setup does not depend on a last-minute shopping trip.

Frequently asked questions

How many plates and glasses do I need for a spring wedding?: Start with one dinner plate, one dessert plate and one set of cutlery per guest, plus 5–10% spare. For a seated meal, plan at least one water glass and one wine glass per guest; add champagne glasses only if champagne is being served.
When should I order flowers and a wedding cake?: Place both orders 6–8 weeks before the wedding, then confirm quantities, collection or delivery times 7 days beforehand. Arrange a cool, secure place for the cake as soon as it arrives.
How much should I buy to drink at a wedding?: Allow two to three drinks per person during the first hour and about one drink per person for each additional hour. Buy extra water and non-alcoholic drinks for warm spring weather, especially if guests will spend time outdoors.
What do I need for an outdoor spring wedding?: Plan party tents, tables, chairs, table linen and a clear rain setup before the final week. Check the forecast 48 hours beforehand, and keep the welcome sign, menus, decorations and tableware protected from wind and rain.

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