Event Power Needs Checklist: Catering, DJ, Lights and More

A checklist of every power draw at a wedding or party, with questions for the caterer, DJ and lighting vendors and how to plan circuits for Chicago venues.

November 2, 2026 · 4 min read · By the Beyond Chiavari team

3D render of catering rentals: a roll-top chafing dish, a glass lemonade dispenser, a coffee urn and a gold cake stand — Catering and buffet equipment

Power problems rarely show up in the planning meeting. They show up at 7:40 p.m., when the caterer's warmer, the DJ's speakers and the heaters all share a single breaker. A simple checklist, completed a few weeks before, prevents it. This guide gives you the questions, the math and a worksheet.

The basic math

Electrical load is measured in watts. Circuits are rated in amps.

Watts = volts × amps. In the United States, outlets provide 120 volts. A 15-amp circuit provides 1,800 watts at most, and a 20-amp circuit provides 2,400 watts. For loads that run for hours, plan to stay under about 80 percent of the rating, which is 1,440 watts on a 15-amp circuit and 1,920 watts on a 20-amp circuit.

Several outlets in a room may share one breaker. Venues usually know which ones, so ask.

A large caterer appliance can use nearly the whole safe limit of a circuit.

Sample wattages in the figure are illustrative. Use the numbers from your vendors.

The checklist

Who	What to ask	Why
Caterer	Which equipment needs power? How many outlets and what amps? Do they bring propane?	Warmers, urns and refrigeration are heavy loads
Bar	Ice machines, blenders, refrigeration	Often forgotten
DJ or band	Total watts for sound and lights, number of outlets, preferred circuit	Audio wants a clean circuit
Lighting vendor	Total watts, controller location, daisy chain limits	See uplights
Photo booth	Watts and outlet near the booth	Printers and lights add up
Heating and cooling	Watts per unit, number of units	See fans and coolers
AV and screens	Projector, TV, laptop	See projector sizing
Florist and decor	Lit signs, neon, fountain	Small but real
Rental company	Tent lights, heaters, lamps	Part of the order

Ask the venue

How many outlets are available, and what circuits are they on?
What are the amp ratings and are any GFCI protected?
Is there a house electrician? Do outside vendors need to use them?
Is a generator allowed? Where can it be placed? See quiet generator placement.
Are there hours when power is off?
Who can I call if a breaker trips?

Get the answers in writing and send them to every vendor.

Make the plan

1Step 1List all devicesby vendor with watts.
2Step 2Total each areakitchen, bar, stage, dining.
3Step 3Map to circuitswith the venue's help.
4Step 4Move heavy loadsto dedicated circuits.
5Step 5Add a generatorif the venue cannot meet the load.

Outdoor and tent events

In tents and yards, power often comes from a generator or a long run from a house. Size the generator using generator sizing. Use appropriate cords as described in extension cord safety and cords on grass. Check heating needs with tent heater vs patio heater.

Common surprises

Everything on one breaker. Several outlets in a room often share one circuit.
Caterer needs more than they said. Ask again two weeks before.
Outlets are far away. Long cords reduce power; use heavier gauge.
The venue turns off power at a set hour. Ask.
Phone charging. A charging station is a small load, but a long cord run.
Overnight loads. Refrigeration should not be on the same circuit as heaters.

15 A circuit maximum: 1,800 W; 15 A circuit maximum
Safe continuous load: 1,440 W; Safe continuous load
20 A circuit maximum: 2,400 W; 20 A circuit maximum
20 A safe continuous: 1,920 W; 20 A safe continuous
US outlet voltage: 120 V; US outlet voltage
Reconfirm with vendors: 2 weeks; Reconfirm with vendors

Chicago notes

Many older Chicago buildings have limited circuits per room, and downtown venues may charge for extra power or require union electricians. Suburban banquet halls vary widely. For a park or forest preserve, ask the district whether outlets are available at your pavilion at all.

Frequently asked questions

How much power do I need for a wedding?

It depends on the caterer, DJ, lights and heating. Add watts from each vendor and compare them to the venue's circuits.

How many watts are in a standard outlet?

A 15-amp, 120-volt circuit provides up to 1,800 watts, and a 20-amp one up to 2,400 watts. Plan for 80 percent of that on steady loads.

Can I plug the DJ into the same outlet as the caterer?

Avoid it. Heavy caterer loads can trip the breaker and cause hum in audio. Use separate circuits.

Do I need a generator?

If the venue cannot supply enough outlets or amps, yes. Tents, parks and backyards usually need one.

What if the breaker trips?

Know where the panel is and who can reset it. Reduce the load before resetting.

Who should I ask about power?

Start with the venue, then every vendor who brings equipment. Ask for wattage in writing.

Get power right before the day

Book a free 15-minute seating call and we will help plan the full rental list, or request a quote.

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