The Ultimate AV Equipment Checklist for Your Columbus Graduation

Planning a graduation in Columbus? Whether you're hosting at a banquet hall, hotel ballroom, school auditorium, or backyard celebration, the right AV setup turns a good ceremony into an unforgettable one. Use this checklist from Event Rentals NYC, a KLAV Group company, to make sure nothing gets missed.

Sound Equipment

Clear audio is non-negotiable. Guests must hear every name called and every speech delivered.

• PA Speakers (Mains) — Needed for the entire event. Quantity: 2 powered tops on stands for groups up to 150; add 2 subs for 150+. Cost range: $150–$450.
• Wireless Microphones — Needed for the ceremony, speeches, and toasts. Quantity: 2 handhelds + 1 lavalier for the speaker. Cost range: $75–$200.
• Stage Monitors — Needed if you have a band, choir, or live performances. Quantity: 1–2 wedges. Cost range: $60–$150.
• Audio Mixer — Needed throughout the event. Quantity: 1 (8–12 channel digital). Cost range: $100–$300.

Lighting

Lighting transforms an ordinary room into a celebration space and makes every photo pop.

• LED Uplighting — Needed for ambiance during dinner and dancing. Quantity: 8–16 fixtures (matched to school colors). Cost range: $200–$500.
• Dance Floor Lighting — Needed once dinner ends and the party starts. Quantity: 2–4 moving heads or par cans. Cost range: $200–$600.
• Stage Wash — Needed for the diploma walk and speeches. Quantity: 2–4 LED par cans. Cost range: $120–$300.
• Ambient/Pin Spots — Needed during cocktails and dinner. Quantity: 6–10 battery pin spots for centerpieces. Cost range: $120–$280.

Video

Slideshows, livestreams, and tribute videos are graduation staples. Don't skimp on visuals.

• HD Projector (5,000+ lumens) — Needed for tribute videos and live IMAG. Quantity: 1–2. Cost range: $250–$600.
• Projection Screen (10–12 ft) — Needed paired with the projector. Quantity: 1–2 fast-fold screens. Cost range: $150–$400.
• 55"–75" TV Displays — Needed at entrances or around the room for photos and welcome messages. Quantity: 2–4 with rolling stands. Cost range: $200–$500.

DJ & Music

The right DJ rig keeps the energy alive from the processional to the last dance.

• DJ Controller (Pioneer DDJ or equivalent) — Needed throughout. Quantity: 1. Cost range: $150–$300.
• CDJ Turntables + Mixer — Needed if hiring a pro DJ. Quantity: 2 CDJs + 1 DJM. Cost range: $350–$700.
• DJ Booth Facade with LED Front — Needed for the dance segment. Quantity: 1. Cost range: $150–$350.

Extras That Wow

These are the details guests post about for weeks afterward.

• Photo Booth (open-air with props) — Needed during cocktails through dancing. Quantity: 1. Cost range: $500–$1,200.
• Low-Lying Fog Machine — Needed for the first dance or grand entrance. Quantity: 1–2. Cost range: $150–$350.
• Confetti Cannons / CO2 Jets — Needed for the cap toss moment. Quantity: 2–4 cannons. Cost range: $100–$400.

Book Your Columbus Graduation Setup Today

Event Rentals NYC, a KLAV Group company, has produced 1,000+ events for clients including Madison Square Garden, Barclays Center, Hillsong NYC, and Marriott Hotels. We deliver, set up, operate, and strike — so you can focus on the celebration.

Call 646-280-9522 or visit eventrentalsnyc.com to lock in your Columbus graduation rental package today.