Planning a DIY event? You Might Just Love Amazon

If you’re planning a DIY event on a shoestring budget, you might be starting to sweat.

You probably don’t have time to get quotes from five different suppliers, wait three days for a reply, then juggle delivery windows and pack-down fees.

That’s where buying your own gear can actually save the day.

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Why Buy Instead of Hire?

It’s faster. It’s easier. And for small or one-time events, it’s often cheaper too.

When you hire, there’s usually a minimum spend, labour fees, and limited stock. When you buy, you get what you want, when you want it. Keep it. Reuse it. Or resell it later.

And if you’re planning more events in the future? Even better. You’re slowly building your own kit of event gear for the future.

What You Can Actually Buy Online

More than you think.

We’re not just talking tablecloths and balloons. You can set up an entire function v enue or outdoor event space with what’s available online.

All delivered. All ready to go.

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DIY Event Planning Shopping List

To save you time, we’ve rounded up everything you might need—with direct links to buy. We’ve chosen to search in the Amazon stores because it has an enormous range for you to choose, and Event Kit is part of the Affiliate Program*.

Now let’s go shopping!

Event planning checklist with Amazon links

Event Equipment

1. Marquees / Pop-Up Gazebos: View on Amazon

2. Instant Canopies: View on Amazon

3. Marquee Weights: View on Amazon

4. Event Inflatables: View on Amazon

5. Floor Mats: View on Amazon

6. Portable Generators: View on Amazon

7. Solar Generators: View on Amazon

8. Outdoor Power Leads: View on Amazon

9. Cable Guards: View on Amazon

10. Portable Heaters: View on Amazon

11. Portable Fans: View on Amazon

12. Misting Fans: View on Amazon

13. Portable Air Conditioner: View on Amazon

14. Trestle Tables: View on Amazon

15. Folding Tables: View on Amazon

16. Stainless Steel Tables: View on Amazon

17. Folding Chairs: View on Amazon

18. Extension Cords/ Power Leads: View on Amazon

19. Portable Dance Floors: View on Amazon

20. Event Lighting: View on Amazon

21. Festoon Lighting: View on Amazon

22. Portable Refrigerators / Coolers: View on Amazon

23. Commercial Refrigerator Display Case: View on Amazon

24. Commercial Cooktop: View on Amazon

25. Commercial Gas Stove: View on Amazon

26. Portable Hand Wash System: View on Amazon

27. Trash Bins / Waste Containers: View on Amazon

28. Signage Frames: View on Amazon

Event Styling

1. Red Carpets/ Aisle Runners: View on Amazon

2. Wedding Arches/ Arbor: View on Amazon

3. Square Backdrop Stand: View on Amazon

4. Balloon Arch Kits: View on Amazon

5. Large-Format Letters: View on Amazon

6. Entrance Mats: View on Amazon

7. Photo Booth Kit: View on Amazon

8. Metallic Fringe Curtain: View on Amazon

9. Artificial Flower Arrangements: View on Amazon

10. Table Runners: View on Amazon

11. Centerpieces: View on Amazon

12. Bud Vase Set: View on Amazon

13. Table Numbers: View on Amazon

14. Trestle Tablecloth: View on Amazon

15. Candle Holders/ Lanterns: View on Amazon

16. Ceiling Drapes: View on Amazon

17. Decorative Pillars: View on Amazon

18. Tulle / Organza Fabric Rolls: View on Amazon

19. Artificial Greenery / Topiaries: View on Amazon

AV / PA Equipment

1. Sound Systems/ PA Systems: View on Amazon

2. Bluetooth Speakers: View on Amazon

3. Stage Lighting: View on Amazon

4. Fog/ Smoke Machine: View on Amazon

5. Projector Screens: View on Amazon

6. Projectors: View on Amazon

7. Microphones / Lavalier Mics: View on Amazon

8. Wireless Headset Mics: View on Amazon

9. Lecterns / Podiums: View on Amazon

10. LED Screens / Monitors: View on Amazon

11. Lighting Stands / Tripods: View on Amazon

12. Audio Controllers: View on Amazon

13. Wireless Receivers for Audio: View on Amazon

14. Soundproofing Panels: View on Amazon

Catering Supplies

1. Eco-Disposable Bulk Plates: View on Amazon

2. Eco-Disposable Glassware: View on Amazon

3. Eco-Disposable Cutlery: View on Amazon

4. Reusable Tableware Sets: View on Amazon

5. Pre-Rolled Tableware Set: View on Amazon

6. Disposable Tableware Sets: View on Amazon

7. Disposable Cups: View on Amazon

8. Plastic Cutlery: View on Amazon

9. Disposable Napkins: View on Amazon

10. Buffet Display: View on Amazon

11. Champagne Towers: View on Amazon

12. Cocktail & Champagne Glasses: View on Amazon

13. Drink Dispensers: View on Amazon

14. Ice Buckets: View on Amazon

15. Food Display Riser: View on Amazon

16. Cake Display: View on Amazon

17. Serving Trays: View on Amazon

18. Food Warmers / Chafing Dishes: View on Amazon

19. Food Serving Platters: View on Amazon

20. Glass Carafe: View on Amazon

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Planning a DIY event and buying your own event setup might sound like a big job. It’s really not. You can order everything online in an afternoon and have it ready within days. And we’ve made it even easier with this curated event planning checklist featuring Amazon links!

No waiting. No minimum spend. No middlemen.

It’s a smart option if you’re planning something small, last-minute, or just don’t want to rely on suppliers. And if you’ve got more events on the horizon? Even better. You're building your kit, piece by piece.

*As an Amazon Associate, I might receive a commission at no cost to you, generated when you buy something through an affiliate link.

Hi, I’m Rachella

Welcome to Event Kit. This is where I share what 26+ years in events have taught me about the industry, business and the work we do.

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