What you need for a wreath laying ceremony

A wreath laying ceremony needs more than the wreaths themselves. Plan the practical items for the ceremony, guest arrival and reception: flags and stands, tables and chairs, printed programmes, name badges, sound equipment and refreshments. Coffee, tea and water are easy to underestimate, especially when guests stay for a reception afterward. Use this list to check quantities early, then confirm delivery or collection dates for wreaths, flowers, furniture and equipment.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Foldable tablesqty 8
Folding chairsqty 80
Folding table for registration
Coat racksqty 2
Party tentqty 2
Windbreaksqty 6

Decorations

Memorial wreathsqty 6
Flower arrangementsqty 4
Dutch flagsqty 4
Flag standsqty 4
Runner
Tableclothsqty 8
Name badgesqty 100
Table numbersqty 8

Equipment

Portable sound system
Wireless microphonesqty 2
Music player
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 3
Cable matsqty 6
Umbrella binsqty 2
Tool casesqty 2

Tableware

Coffee cupsqty 80
Glassesqty 100
Platesqty 100
Cutlery setsqty 100
Serving traysqty 8

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 6
Coolersqty 4
Ice cube traysqty 4
Towelsqty 12

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea - 3 boxes
- Coffee milk - 6 packs
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Sweeteners - 2 boxes
- Still mineral water - 8 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 6 bottles
- Cola - 4 bottles
- Cola Zero - 4 bottles
- Sinas - 3 bottles
- Apple juice - 3 packs
- Orange juice - 3 cartons
- Oat milk - 4 cartons
- Butter - 500 grams
- Hard rolls - 100 pieces
- Wholemeal bread - 6 loaves
- Young cheese - 2 kilos
- Aged cheese - 2 kilo
- Back ham - 1.5 kilos
- Chicken breast slices - 1.5 kilos
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Cucumber - 8 pieces
- Tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Mixed lettuce - 4 bags
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Cheese crackers - 6 packs
- Salted crackers - 6 packs
- Apples - 5 kilo
- Grapes - 4 kilos
- Napkins - 300 pieces
- Stir sticks - 200 pieces
- Disposable cups for water - 150 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Trash bags - 3 rolls
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 4 bottles

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Cleaning bucketsqty 3
Cleaning clothsqty 12
Broom setsqty 3
Mopsqty 3

Lighting

LED lampsqty 6
Battery lanternsqty 4

Tips

Order memorial wreaths and flower arrangements at least 7 to 10 days ahead, and confirm the collection or delivery time again 48 hours before the ceremony.
Allow one chair per registered guest, plus 5 to 10 extra chairs for late arrivals or speakers. Plan at least one registration table and two coat racks for a larger gathering.
For a reception, plan roughly 2 cups per person, 1 glass per person, and enough plates and cutlery for the food being served. Keep an extra 10% available for breakage and unexpected guests.
Prepare 2 to 3 drinks per person for the first hour, then about 1 drink per person for each additional hour. Use thermos flasks for coffee and tea so service continues while guests arrive.
Check the power and weather setup at least 3 days in advance: bring extension cords, power strips and cable mats for the sound system, and reserve a party tent and windbreaks if the forecast is unsettled.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need to buy for a wreath laying ceremony?: You need memorial wreaths, flowers, flags and flag stands, plus furniture, printed programmes, name badges, sound equipment and reception supplies. Include coffee, tea, water, cups, glasses, plates and cutlery if refreshments are served.
How many chairs do I need for a wreath laying ceremony?: Plan one chair for every registered guest and add 5 to 10 spare chairs. Reserve additional seating for speakers, wreath layers and guests who may arrive without registering.
How much coffee and tea should I buy for a wreath laying?: For the first hour, plan 2 to 3 drinks per person, followed by about 1 drink per person for each extra hour. Buy or prepare at least 10% extra to cover late arrivals and refills.
When should I order wreaths for the ceremony?: Place the wreath order 7 to 10 days before the ceremony. Confirm the design, quantity and delivery or collection time again 48 hours beforehand, particularly if flowers are included.

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