Planning a DIY event? You Might Just Love Amazon

💡Pro Tip: Bookmark this DIY event planning checklist with Amazon links

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.

Surprisingly, you can get everything from marquees to portable PAs to cocktail tables online. Straight to your door. No supplier. No event agency. No dramas.

If you’re planning a one-off event, a small function, or you're just starting out as a planner, this route is worth a look.

It’s quick. It’s budget-friendly. And it puts you in control.


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.


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 at 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. Center Pieces: View on Amazon

  12. Bud Vase Set: View on Amazon

  13. Table Numbers: View on Amazon

  14. Trestle Table Cloth: 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. Stage Curtains / Drapes: View on Amazon

  12. Stage Skirting: View on Amazon

  13. Lighting Stands / Tripods: View on Amazon

  14. Audio Controllers: View on Amazon

  15. Wireless Receivers for Audio: View on Amazon

  16. 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 Tabelware 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


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 with 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.

Start small. Buy smart. Set it up your way.

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


You Might Also Like

Meet Your Mentor

Hey! I’m Rachella — founder of Event Kit and an Event Consultant with 25+ years of experience running world-class festivals and public events. I created Event Kit because I knew there had to be a smarter, less overwhelming way to plan pro-level events.


 

EVENT KIT LIBRARY

Guides & Tutorials: Expert Insights & Event Planning Inspiration

Your go-to for practical event planning advice, from beginner basics to smart professional development.

Recent Articles

Rachella Thomas

Event Consultant & Coach | Major Events Specialist | Founder of Event Kit - Event Planning Templates

Previous
Previous

DIY Event Decor Ideas on a Budget: Yes, It Can Look Amazing

Next
Next

What the Cost of Living Crisis Means for the Events Industry