What to Buy for a Wedding Thank-You Party

A wedding thank-you party usually combines a buffet, drinks, coffee and a short programme, so the shopping list is broader than food alone. Plan tableware for every guest, plus serving pieces for shared dishes and separate glasses for water, wine and sparkling drinks. Drinks and chilled food are often bought too late, especially when the refrigerators are still full. This list helps you check what to buy or bring before the final guest count is confirmed.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 60
Buffet tablesqty 3
High tablesqty 4
Gift table
Clothes racksqty 2

Tableware

Dinner platesqty 65
Dessert platesqty 65
Coffee cupsqty 60
Water glassesqty 70
Wine glassesqty 70
Champagne glassesqty 60
Coffee spoonsqty 60
Cutlery setsqty 65
Serving spoonsqty 12
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving tongsqty 8

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef’s knives and bread knivesqty 6
Measuring cupsqty 2
Mixing bowlsqty 6
Coolersqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 4
Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Food warmersqty 6
Aluminum foilqty 2
Food storage containersqty 12

Equipment

Speakersqty 2
Mixer
Wireless microphonesqty 2
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Rechargeable batteriesqty 12
Battery chargerqty 2

Decorations

Table runnersqty 8
Cloth napkinsqty 65
Flower vasesqty 12
Photo framesqty 10
Welcome sign
Gift box
Balloonsqty 100
Balloon pumpqty 2
Ribbonsqty 6
Table numbersqty 8
Name badgesqty 60

Lighting

String lightsqty 6
LED lampsqty 12
LED candlesqty 30
Cable traysqty 6

Cleaning

Vacuum cleaner
Mop setsqty 2
Bucketsqty 3
Waste binsqty 6
Hand broomsqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Champagne - 10 bottles
- White wine - 8 bottles
- Red wine - 8 bottles
- Rosé - 4 bottles
- Non-alcoholic beer - 24 bottles
- Pilsner - 72 bottles
- Cola - 12 liters
- Coca-Cola Zero - 8 liters
- Sinas - 6 liters
- Tonic - 4 liters
- Ginger beer - 4 liters
- Spa Blauw - 36 liters
- Sparkling mineral water - 18 liters
- Apple juice - 6 liters
- Orange juice - 6 liters
- Lemons - 12 pieces
- Limes - 12 pieces
- Mint - 6 bunches
- Ice cubes - 15 kilos
- Coffee - 2 kilos
- Decaf coffee - 500 grams
- Tea assortment - 100 bags
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Mints - 1 box
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Whipped cream - 6 cans
- Stirrers - 100 pieces
- Snack mix - 2 kilos
- Paprika chips - 1 kilo
- Plain chips - 1 kilo
- Tortilla chips - 1 kilo
- Olives - 1 kilo
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Strawberries - 2 kilos
- Apples - 3 kilos
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Carrots - 2 kilo
- Bell peppers - 12 pieces
- Cream cheese - 1 kilo
- Hummus - 1 kilo
- Tzatziki - 1 kilo
- Mayonnaise - 1 liter
- Ketchup - 1 liter
- Mustard - 500 milliliter
- Cocktail sauce - 500 milliliters
- Baguettes - 12 pieces
- Mini buns - 80 pieces
- Toast rounds - 8 packs
- Wraps - 40 pieces
- Hard cheese - 2 kilos
- Brie - 1 kilo
- Herb cream cheese - 1 kilo
- Cooked ham - 1 kilo
- Smoked chicken - 1 kilo
- Smoked salmon - 750 grams
- Falafel - 1.5 kilos
- Chicken satay - 2 kilo
- Satay sauce - 1,5 liter
- Puff pastry snacks - 100 pieces
- Mini quiches - 60 pieces
- Mixed salad - 4 kilos
- Pasta salad - 4 kilo
- Potato salad - 4 kilos
- Baguettes - 8 pieces
- Herb butter - 1 kilo
- Dressing - 2 liter
- Hot vegetable dish - 5 kilo
- Rice - 3 kilos
- Vegetarian main dish - 15 portions
- Vegan main course - 8 portions
- Gluten-free rolls - 10 pieces
- Dessert cups - 60 portions
- Petit fours - 70 pieces
- Chocolate - 1 kilo
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Napkins - 150 pieces
- Paper straws - 100 pieces
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Dishwasher tablets - 50 pieces
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Glass cleaner - 1 bottle
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 50 pieces
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Paper towels - 4 packs
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Microfiber cloths - 12 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls

Tips

Buy or reserve tableware for the final guest count, then add 10% extra plates, cups and cutlery for breakages, seconds and late arrivals.
For the first hour, allow two to three drinks per guest; also provide water glasses and enough chilled water throughout the party.
Plan separate serving equipment for the buffet: one serving spoon or pair of tongs per dish, plus platters, cutting boards and knives for bread or cake.
Do non-perishable shopping at least 3 to 5 days before the party. Leave fresh groceries and ice until the last 24 hours, when the final attendance is clearer.
Check cooling and coffee equipment before shopping day. Count coolers, thermos flasks, coffee machines and kettles, and empty the refrigerators before fresh food arrives.

Frequently asked questions

How much tableware do I need for a wedding thank-you party?: Start with one dinner plate, dessert plate, cup, water glass and cutlery set per guest, then add about 10% spare. For 50 guests, that means at least 55 of each frequently used item.
How many drinks should I buy for a wedding thank-you party?: Plan two to three drinks per guest for the first hour, then around one drink per guest per additional hour. Include water and non-alcoholic options, and buy or chill them no later than the day before.
When should I buy food for a wedding thank-you party?: Buy shelf-stable items 3 to 5 days ahead. Purchase fresh groceries within 24 hours of the party, after the final guest list and dietary requirements are checked.
How many serving utensils do I need for a buffet?: Provide at least one serving spoon or pair of tongs for every buffet dish, plus separate knives and boards for bread or cake. Add two spare serving utensils so replacements are available during service.

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