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Wedding Supplies Checklist

Last updated on Apr 30, 2024

For many newlyweds, their wedding day is the most important event of their life thus far so the day must go off without a hitch. Having the right supplies, from seating to signage and decor, is crucial to acing the day and keeping the wedding party and guests happy. Whether you're an event rental company looking to expand your offerings or a bride planning your own wedding, our wedding decor checklist will cover everything you may need from ceremony to reception.


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Wedding Furniture

Seating and dining arrangements are fundamental aspects of any wedding, regardless of size. To create a comfortable and visually appealing setting, it's essential to nail down the chair and table options you'd like to offer in your rental package or venue. The type of furniture you choose can greatly impact the overall look and feel of the event. Consider the style, material, and comfort level to ensure that they complement the venue and wedding theme. It's also important to choose pieces that are durable and easy to set up and take down. Look for chairs and tables that are lightweight yet sturdy, making them convenient for transportation and storage. Opting for foldable or stackable furniture can also save space and simplify the setup process on the day of the event.

wedding chairs and tables
  • Seating: Providing adequate seating for guests is a top priority when planning a wedding. Plan to have enough seating for both the ceremony and reception. You should also consider incorporating seating in your cocktail hour arrangement to accommodate elderly guests. While a church typically is already equipped with pews or chairs, other wedding venues may require seating rentals. If you operate a rental business or if your venue wants to offer chair rentals, present a variety of seating choices, ranging from classic folding chairs to elegant Chiavari chairs, to accommodate different themes and budgets.
  • Tables: Ensure you have an ample supply of tables to accommodate both the cocktail hour and the reception. Tailor the size and shape of the tables to your guest count and seating arrangement. Round tables promote conversation among guests, while rectangular tables create a more formal ambiance. For the cocktail hour, opt for bar-height tables to encourage mingling as guests can comfortably stand with their drinks. When choosing tables for the reception area, think about additional setup options such as a sweetheart table for the newlyweds or a head table for the wedding party, alongside providing enough tables to accommodate the venue's maximum capacity.
  • Folding Tables: In addition to dining tables, folding tables may be necessary for buffet-style catering or to set up various stations like a gift table or guest book signing area.
  • Canopies: Nowadays, more and more individuals are choosing outdoor ceremonies and receptions over traditional indoor venues to celebrate tying the knot. Commercial canopies enable you to design a stunning outdoor area that offers both shade and protection from various weather conditions. Select a tent that is spacious enough to cover the table settings, dance floor, and food service area while still allowing for smooth foot traffic flow.
  • Patio Heaters: If you're planning an outdoor wedding in cooler weather or during the evening, patio heaters are a great addition to keep your guests warm and comfortable. Choose from portable propane heaters or electric heaters to suit your venue's needs.
  • Outdoor Fans: Keep your guests cool and comfortable in warm weather with commercial fans. Whether you opt for mounted fans, pedestal fans, or misting fans, having proper ventilation can make a significant difference in the comfort of your guests during the wedding festivities.

Wedding Tabletop Supplies

When it comes to creating a memorable wedding reception, the tabletop setup plays a crucial role in setting the tone for the event. Whether you are looking for reusable options to invest in or disposable items for convenience, having the right supplies is key to achieving the perfect look for your special day. To create elegant and cohesive tablescapes that will leave a lasting impression on your guests, include the following tabletop supplies in your rental package:

wedding tabletop setting
  • Dinnerware: High-quality dinnerware sets the foundation for a sophisticated table setting. Choose from classic white porcelain plates, rustic stoneware, or vintage-inspired designs to complement various wedding themes.
  • Charger Plates: Add a decorative touch to each place setting and help elevate the overall look of the table by placing charger plates underneath your dinnerware. Available in a variety of materials and finishes, charger plates can enhance the visual intrigue of your tabletop design.
  • Flatware: Complete your tabletop setup with elegant flatware that reflects your style and taste. From traditional polished silverware to contemporary designs and finishes, the right type of flatware can enhance the dining experience for your guests.
  • Carafes: Carafes are perfect for serving water, juice, or wine at the table. Choose from glass or stainless steel carafes to add a touch of sophistication to your wedding reception and keep the beverages cold.
  • Drinking Glass: Offer guests a selection of drinking glasses, including water glasses or goblets and cocktail glasses, to accommodate different beverage preferences.
  • Wine Glass: It is common to serve at least one white and one red wine at weddings, so be sure to have the correct type of wine glass to accommodate your selections. Opting for all-purpose wine glasses eliminates the need to differentiate between glasses, making them an ideal choice for weddings and simplifying the serving process for bartenders.
  • Champagne Glass: Toast to the newlyweds with stylish champagne glasses that add a touch of elegance to the celebration. A range of styles is available, from the classic flute to the modern coupe glass.
  • Napkins: Napkins are essential for each place setting and can be used to add color and texture to your table design. Stock up on cloth napkins for dinner service and disposable cocktail napkins for drinks and appetizers.
  • Table Linens: Complete your tabletop look with high-quality table linens, including tablecloths and table runners. Not only do they create a foundation for your table setting but also protect tabletops from spills and make cleanup a breeze. Offer classic and trending colors and textures to accommodate different wedding styles.

If your customer is looking to save money or is having a casual wedding, many of these supplies are also available in disposable options. They make event setup and tear-down a breeze without sacrificing style.

Wedding Catering Supplies

Catering businesses aiming to deliver exceptional service at weddings must have the appropriate supplies for transporting, presenting, and serving food and beverages. From keeping food warm to serving beverages and desserts in style, the right catering supplies can make a significant difference in the overall guest experience. Here are some must-have wedding catering supplies to consider for your next event:

wedding buffet setup
  • Chafers and Chafing Fuel: Chafing dishes are ideal for keeping food warm and presentable throughout the event. They come in various sizes and styles to suit different menu offerings. To keep your chafers operating efficiently, stock up on chafer fuel to ensure that your food stays at the right temperature throughout the event.
  • Insulated Food Pan Carriers: Transport food safely and maintain its temperature with insulated food pan carriers. These carriers are ideal for keeping dishes hot or cold during transit, making them a must-have for any catering business.
  • Beverage Dispensers: Serve drinks in style with beverage dispensers that can accommodate a variety of beverages, from water and juice to featured cocktails and sangria. Setting up beverage stations during the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception keeps guests hydrated and comfortable while lessening the load on your bartenders.
  • Serving Platters and Bowls: Presentation is key when it comes to catering weddings. Invest in a selection of serving platters and bowls to showcase your culinary creations elegantly.
  • Serving Utensils: Make sure you have a variety of serving utensils on hand to efficiently dish out food to guests. From serving spoons to cake cutters, having the right tools can make service seamless.
  • Coffee Urns and Coffee Mugs: Weddings can be long and exhausting affairs, so providing a coffee station for guests is a thoughtful touch that will be appreciated. The coffee station should feature coffee urns with caffeinated and decaf options, along with coffee mugs. Include an additional urn for hot water and a selection of tea choices to cater to all preferences.
  • Display Stands: Elevate your food presentation with display stands that can showcase appetizers, desserts, and other culinary delights in an eye-catching manner.
  • Cake and Cupcake Stands: For weddings, dessert presentation is crucial. Invest in a few different cake stand styles to match your customer's wedding theme. If they are choosing cupcakes or other small desserts over a cake, provide cupcake stands to showcase the sweet treats.
  • Charcuterie Board: Incorporating a charcuterie board into the cocktail hour can add an elegant and easy snacking option to the celebration. Opt for a high-quality wood or marble charcuterie board that complements the overall aesthetic of your wedding. These materials are durable, easy to clean, and create a sophisticated presentation for your food spread.
  • Portable Bar: If the venue doesn't have a designated bar area, set up a portable bar to serve beverages and cocktails. Make sure your bar setup is well-equipped with all the necessary bar tools and accessories, such as cocktail shakers, strainers, and jiggers, to create a wide range of beverages.
  • Outdoor Coolers: If you're catering an outdoor wedding, outdoor coolers are a great option for keeping beverages cold and refreshing whether they're stocked behind the bar or set out for self-service.
  • Carving Station: For more formal weddings, consider offering carving stations in your buffet package to display, cut, and serve specialty meats like prime rib, steak, pork chops, and ham.
  • Heat Lamps: Keep food warm and appetizing with commercial-grade heat lamps. These lamps are ideal for buffet setups to ensure that dishes are served at the perfect temperature.
  • Chocolate Fountain: Elevate the event with a stunning chocolate fountain display, complete with fresh fruits and other dipping foods. Offering this as an add-on to your dessert package can inspire customers to serve a wider range of sweet treats beyond just cake, crafting an unforgettable guest experience while boosting your profits.
  • Utility Carts: Streamline your catering operation with durable utility carts. These versatile carts can be used to transport food, equipment, and supplies efficiently, helping your staff set up and break down events with ease.
  • Waste Management: Keep your event space clean and organized by setting up trash cans and recycling bins throughout the venue. Consider using slim or decorative trash cans to ensure the waste containers blend seamlessly into the decor of your venue.
  • Power Strips: Make sure you have sufficient power sources for your catering equipment with heavy-duty power strips. These strips supply electricity to multiple appliances simultaneously, helping you to run a smooth and efficient catering operation.

Wedding Entertainment Equipment

Investing in the right wedding entertainment equipment can elevate the ambiance and keep the celebration lively. Here are essential items to consider for your wedding entertainment needs:

portable dance floor at an outdoor wedding
  • Portable Dance Floor: A portable dance floor is a must-have for outdoor weddings where guests can dance the night away. Choose a dance floor that is easy to assemble and disassemble, allowing you to create a designated dancing area at your venue. Consider the size of the dance floor based on the number of guests expected to ensure ample space for everyone to groove.
  • Stage: Enhance your rental package by including a portable stage for clients seeking live entertainment or performances. Choose a stage that aligns with your venue's style and meets your entertainment needs. For a polished appearance, consider providing stage skirting to conceal the stage legs and any stored items during events.
  • Sound Equipment: High-quality sound equipment delivers clear audio during vow exchanging, speeches, and music. Invest in a reliable sound system that includes speakers, microphones, mixers, and amplifiers to produce crystal-clear sound throughout the event space.
  • Visual Equipment: Providing rental services for visual equipment enables your customers to enhance special events and share moments with guests, regardless of the size of the gathering. Utilize a projector, screen, or television to showcase photos, videos, or slideshows during the event.
  • Lighting: The right lighting can make all the difference in a wedding's ambiance. Uplights are popular as they can be strategically placed to illuminate walls, pillars, or other architectural features, adding depth and drama to the space. They come in various colors to match the wedding theme and can be adjusted to create different effects throughout the event. String lights are another favorite option for wedding lighting, especially for outdoor venues, and are perfect for creating a cozy and intimate setting. String lights can be hung overhead, wrapped around trees or columns, or used to define pathways and dance floors.
  • Lawn Games: Adding lawn games to your wedding entertainment lineup can provide guests with interactive and engaging activities. Consider including classic lawn games such as cornhole, giant Jenga, or ring toss to keep guests entertained during cocktail hours or downtime between events. Lawn games are versatile and suitable for outdoor wedding venues, adding a relaxed, fun element to the celebration.

Wedding Decor and Centerpieces

Creating a personalized wedding is key to making each couple's special day truly unique. The way you set up the venue can transform the atmosphere and leave a lasting impression on guests. Whether your clients are looking for a classic, rustic, modern, or whimsical theme, having a comprehensive selection of decor options is essential to meeting their diverse needs and preferences.

wedding centerpiece with florals
  • Candles: A classic choice for adding romantic lighting to any wedding decor, candles are an easy way to enhance the intimate ambiance of a space. Provide options to purchase pillar candles, taper candles, and tea lights to create layered looks full of intrigue.
  • Candle Holders: Pair your candles with elegant candle holders to elevate their presentation. Provide a variety of styles such as votive holders, lanterns, and candlesticks to choose from.
  • Vases: Vases are versatile decor pieces that can be used for floral arrangements, floating candles, or as standalone centerpieces. Offer vases in different shapes and sizes to create visual interest on the tables.
  • Lanterns: Lanterns are a charming addition to wedding decor, providing a cozy glow and a touch of enchantment. Whether hung from trees or used as centerpiece accents, they are perfect for a rustic or bohemian-inspired wedding.
  • Ceremony Backdrop: A backdrop can enhance the aesthetics of the ceremony space and serve as a focal point for the couple exchanging vows. Options include floral arches, fabric drapery, or custom-made backdrops to create a visually stunning setting. Offer a variety of backdrop choices in your rental package to cater to different styles and budgets. Get creative with options like neon signs, grass walls, wood arches, or vintage room dividers. If the client wants to include florals, having a list of preferred florists can streamline the process.
  • Aisle Markers/Runners: Aisle markers or runners can guide the bridal party and guests down the aisle and enhance the overall aesthetic appeal. Just be sure that the seats remain easily accessible for guests to reach! Aisle markers can range from simple lit lanterns at the entrance to a lavish floral pathway lining the entire aisle. The key is to emphasize the significance of walking down the aisle for the bride and the even greater moment of walking back up as newlyweds. While it doesn't have to be extravagant, incorporating markers, runners, or both to define the aisle is a simple way to add charm and a personal touch to the event.
  • Cake Toppers: Personalize wedding cakes with a unique cake topper that reflects the newlyweds' style and personality as a couple. From classic monograms to whimsical figurines, there are endless options to choose from to adorn your wedding cake.
  • Chair Covers: Transform plain chairs into elegant seating with chair covers. Options include sleek spandex chair covers, romantic lace covers, or traditional satin covers to enhance the look of the reception space.

Wedding Sign Supplies

Every detail in a wedding matters, right down to the signage that guides and informs guests. Whether it's a welcome sign or table numbers, the various signs displayed at a wedding play a crucial role in guiding attendees, setting the tone of the event, and adding personal touches to the celebration. We've provided a list of items to showcase the different wedding signs. Enhance your rental offerings by including staple signs such as "Choose a Seat, Not a Side!" or "Welcome to Our Unplugged Ceremony" to boost your revenue.

welcome to our wedding sign
  • Easels: If your clients want to create their own signs, consider offering easel rentals to display them at eye level. Easels are versatile and practical for displaying various signs such as welcome messages, seating charts, or directional signs. Choose from different sizes and styles to complement various wedding themes.
  • A-Frame Signs: A-frame signs are great for outdoor weddings or to highlight key areas such as the ceremony location, cocktail hour, or photo booth. These portable signs are easy to set up and can be customized with your desired messaging.
  • Menu Holders/Tabletop Displayettes: Use menu holders or tabletop displayettes to showcase menu offerings, drink specials, or personalized messages at each table. These holders come in various designs and materials to match your table decor seamlessly.
  • Table Numbers: Ensure seamless seating arrangements by using table numbers or card holders to hold customized table signs. These small yet important items help guests locate their assigned tables with ease.

Back to Top

Investing in a diverse selection of wedding decor and supplies is essential for businesses looking to meet the demands of couples planning their special day. By offering a range of options that cater to different styles and themes, you can enhance the overall ambiance of the event and provide clients with the opportunity to create an unforgettable wedding experience.

The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice. Please refer to our Content Policy for more details.

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