The Complete AV Equipment Checklist for a Graduation in Detroit

Graduations are once-in-a-lifetime moments — and in Detroit, families and schools want every speech heard, every diploma walk seen, and every celebration captured. This checklist from Event Rentals NYC, a KLAV Group company with 20+ years producing 1,000+ events, walks you through exactly what to rent, when to deploy it, how many you need, and what it should cost.

Sound — The Non-Negotiable Foundation

When you need it: Loaded in 3–4 hours before the ceremony for soundcheck.

• PA System (line array or powered tops + subs) — 1 system per 200–500 guests. Cost: $600–$2,400.
• Wireless Handheld Microphones — 4 units (principal, valedictorian, guest speaker, backup). Cost: $75–$150 each.
• Wireless Lavalier Microphones — 2 units for hosts and clergy. Cost: $85–$175 each.
• Stage Monitors — 2–4 wedges so speakers and the choir can hear themselves. Cost: $75–$150 each.
• Digital Mixer (16–32 channel) — 1 board with a dedicated A1 engineer. Cost: $300–$800.

Lighting — Make the Stage Look Cinematic

When you need it: Pre-rigged the morning of, focused 2 hours before doors.

• LED Uplighting — 12–24 fixtures in school colors around the perimeter. Cost: $25–$50 per fixture.
• Dance Floor Lighting (moving heads + wash) — 6–8 fixtures for the after-party. Cost: $75–$200 each.
• Stage Wash and Key Lights — 4–6 LED PARs plus 2 follow spots for the diploma walk. Cost: $300–$900 package.
• Ambient String Lights or Bistro Bulbs — 100–200 ft for cocktail and reception areas. Cost: $2–$4 per linear foot.

Video — So Every Family in the Back Row Sees the Walk

When you need it: Tested with the slide deck the day before; confidence monitors on at doors-open.

• HD Projector (10,000+ lumens) — 1 for venues over 5,000 sq ft. Cost: $650–$1,800.
• Fast-Fold Projection Screen (12 ft–16 ft) — 1–2 screens flanking the stage. Cost: $300–$700 each.
• 55"–75" LED TV Displays — 2–4 for the lobby slideshow and IMAG repeats. Cost: $200–$450 each.
• Video Switcher + Camera Operator — 1 ATEM-style switcher, 2 PTZ cameras for live IMAG. Cost: $1,200–$2,500 package.

DJ and Music — Power the Reception

When you need it: Set up during ceremony intermission, live at the reception start.

• Pioneer DJ Controller (DDJ-FLX or CDJ + DJM) — 1 rig with backup laptop. Cost: $200–$600.
• Turntables (Technics 1200s) — 2 for any classic vinyl set. Cost: $150–$300 each.
• Lit DJ Booth Façade — 1 branded scrim with the school crest. Cost: $250–$500.
• DJ Monitor Wedge — 1 dedicated monitor for the DJ. Cost: $75–$150.

Extras — The Moments Everyone Posts

• Photo Booth (open-air with props and instant prints) — 1 booth for crowds under 400. Cost: $700–$1,500.
• Low-Lying Fog Machine — 1 for the diploma walk dramatic entrance. Cost: $150–$300.
• Confetti Cannons (electric, CO2, or stadium) — 4–8 for the cap toss moment. Cost: $50–$200 each.
• Spark Machines (cold spark, indoor-safe) — 2–4 flanking the stage. Cost: $200–$400 each.

Rent Your Detroit Graduation Setup From Event Rentals NYC

From Madison Square Garden to UBS Arena to Hillsong NYC, Event Rentals NYC (a KLAV Group company) has produced 1,000+ events with the same gear you'll use for your graduation. We deliver to Detroit, set up, run the show, and strike — so families, faculty, and graduates can focus on the moment.

Request your free Detroit graduation quote at klavgroup.com or call 646-280-9522. Lock your date today — graduation season books out 60 days in advance.