What to Buy for a Tribute Concert

A tribute concert needs more than instruments and speakers. You will also need the right glasses, serving items, seating, lighting accessories and cable management to keep the audience area safe and the show running smoothly. Buy or hire technical equipment only after performers confirm their requirements, especially for microphones, monitors, DI boxes and the mixing console. Use your guest count to calculate drinks, snacks, chairs and tableware, then finish the shopping at least one day before doors open.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

What to bring

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

Furniture

Stage sectionsqty 6
Stage steps
High tablesqty 8
Dining tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 80
Coat racksqty 2
Folding stoolsqty 6

Equipment

Speakersqty 2
Subwoofersqty 2
Mixing console
Microphonesqty 6
Microphone standsqty 6
DI boxesqty 4
Monitor speakersqty 3
Audio cablesqty 20
Power stripsqty 10
Extension cordsqty 10
Keyboard standsqty 2
Guitar standsqty 4
Music standsqty 4

Lighting

LED stage lightsqty 8
Light standsqty 2
Mood lightingqty 6
Flashlightsqty 4

Tableware

Wine glassesqty 80
Highball glassesqty 80
Coffee cupsqty 50
Platesqty 100
Cutlery setsqty 100
Pitcherqty 6

Kitchen

Coolersqty 4
Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Serving traysqty 6
Pliersqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 3

Decorations

Backdrop cloth
Stage decoration
Table runnersqty 8
Vasesqty 12
Light letters

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8
Mop setqty 2
Cleaning cartsqty 2
Dustpans and brushesqty 3
Cable matsqty 12
Bollardsqty 8

Catering

Groceries
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 8 bottles
- Sinas - 6 bottles
- Tonic - 4 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 12 bottles
- Spa Rood - 6 bottles
- Beer - 120 bottles
- Non-alcoholic beer - 24 bottles
- White wine - 10 bottles
- Red wine - 8 bottles
- Rosé - 6 bottles
- Prosecco - 4 bottles
- Coffee - 2 kilos
- Tea bags - 100 pieces
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Lemons - 2 kilos
- Ice cubes - 15 kilos
- Mineral water for performers - 24 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 liter
- Orange juice - 6 liters
- Nut mix - 3 kilo
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Salted breadsticks - 5 bags
- Olives - 3 kg
- Grapes - 5 kilos
- Apples - 50 pieces
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Carrots - 3 kilos
- Hummus - 2 kilos
- Cream cheese - 1 kilo
- Herb butter - 1 kilo
- Baguettes - 20 pieces
- Toast - 12 packs
- Wraps - 10 packs
- Young cheese - 3 kilos
- Brie - 2 kilos
- Ham - 2 kilos
- Smoked chicken - 2 kilo
- Vegetarian spreads - 2 kilos
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Salt - 1 jar
- Paper napkins - 500 pieces
- Coffee filters - 2 packs
- Stirrers - 300 pieces
- Cocktail sticks - 300 pieces
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Trash bags - 40 pieces
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 4 bottles
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Cleaning wipes - 4 packs
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Glass cleaner - 2 bottles
- Toilet cleaner - 2 bottles

Tips

Plan drinks by audience size: allow two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then one to two per person for each additional hour. Chill drinks several hours before opening rather than waiting until the performers arrive.
Match tableware to the service plan. For a seated meal, prepare one plate and cutlery set per guest, plus at least 10% extra; for drinks, keep spare wine and highball glasses ready for breakage and busy service periods.
Confirm the performers’ technical requirements before buying or hiring equipment. Ask for microphone types, monitor counts, DI boxes, keyboard and guitar stands, cable lengths and power needs at least two weeks before the concert.
Treat cables and power as safety items, not last-minute accessories. Count power strips and extension cords for every sound and lighting position, and bring cable management supplies so walkways stay clear before doors open.
Include audience comfort in the shopping run. Provide seating based on the expected attendance, coat racks near the entrance, high tables or stools where appropriate, and flashlights for backstage, loading and emergency checks.

Frequently asked questions

How many drinks should I buy for a tribute concert?: For the first hour, allow two to three drinks per guest. For every additional hour, plan for one to two more drinks per person, then add around 10% for unexpected demand and spillages.
How much tableware do I need for a concert with catering?: Plan one plate, cutlery set and drinking glass for each seated guest, then add at least 10% spare. If the event has multiple serving rounds, increase the glass and plate count or arrange a washing and replacement plan.
When should I confirm the concert’s technical equipment?: Request the performers’ technical requirements at least two weeks before the event. Finalise the equipment list several days before the concert so missing microphones, stands, cables or monitors can still be sourced.
When should I do the shopping for a tribute concert?: Buy non-perishable supplies and check all equipment at least two to three days beforehand. Purchase chilled drinks, fresh snacks and other perishables the day before, leaving enough time to cool and prepare them before doors open.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.