AV Equipment Checklist for a Memorial Service in Birmingham

By Event Rentals NYC, a KLAV Group company

A Memorial Service deserves quiet dignity, clear sound, and soft, respectful visuals. After producing 1,000+ events for clients like Madison Square Garden, Hillsong NYC, and Christian Cultural Center Brooklyn, our team built this practical checklist to help families and funeral directors in Birmingham plan an AV setup that honors the moment without distraction.

Sound

Crystal-clear audio is the single most important element of a Memorial Service. Guests must hear every word of every eulogy.

• PA Speaker System (2 mains + 1 sub) — Needed for any room over 50 guests. Quantity: 2–4 powered speakers. Rental: $150–$400.
• Wireless Handheld Microphones — Needed for speakers, clergy, and family members. Quantity: 2–3. Rental: $60–$120 each.
• Lavalier Microphone — Needed for the officiant or pastor. Quantity: 1. Rental: $50–$90.
• Stage Monitor — Needed so the speaker hears themselves clearly. Quantity: 1. Rental: $75–$150.
• Audio Mixer (8–12 channel) — Needed to balance mics, music, and tribute videos. Quantity: 1. Rental: $100–$250.

Lighting

Lighting sets the emotional tone. For a Memorial Service we recommend warm, soft, low-color-temperature fixtures.

• Warm Uplighting (amber, soft white, lavender) — Needed to wash the walls and create a peaceful atmosphere. Quantity: 8–12 fixtures. Rental: $25–$45 each.
• Stage Wash Lights — Needed if there is a podium or platform. Quantity: 2–4. Rental: $50–$95 each.
• Ambient Pin Spots — Needed to highlight a memorial photo, urn, or floral arrangement. Quantity: 2–4. Rental: $35–$60 each.
• Dimmer Pack and Controller — Needed for smooth lighting transitions. Quantity: 1. Rental: $75–$150.

Note: We do not recommend a dance floor or club lighting for a Memorial Service.

Video

Tribute slideshows and memorial videos are central to most modern services.

• HD Projector (5,000+ lumens) — Needed for tribute slideshows. Quantity: 1. Rental: $250–$500.
• Projection Screen (10ft–12ft) — Needed for clear viewing from the back row. Quantity: 1. Rental: $125–$275.
• 55" or 65" TV Displays — Needed for venues without a projector option. Quantity: 1–2. Rental: $200–$400 each.
• HDMI/Video Switcher — Needed to switch between laptop, photo loop, and live camera. Quantity: 1. Rental: $100–$200.
• Live Camera + Tripod — Needed if the family wants to record or livestream the service. Quantity: 1. Rental: $150–$350.

DJ and Music

For a Memorial Service, music should be soft and curated — typically hymns, classical, or the loved one's favorite songs.

• Background Music Controller (DJ Laptop Setup) — Needed to play curated playlists smoothly. Quantity: 1. Rental: $150–$300.
• Compact DJ Booth or Music Stand — Needed to keep equipment clean and discreet. Quantity: 1. Rental: $75–$150.
• Pro Audio Interface — Needed to connect the laptop into the PA without buzz or hum. Quantity: 1. Rental: $50–$100.

Note: Turntables are typically not appropriate for a Memorial Service.

Extras

Most "extras" should be skipped for a Memorial Service, but a few tasteful add-ons can be meaningful.

• Memory Photo Booth (Open Air, Sepia/Black-White Mode) — Optional, for guests to leave a photo and a written memory. Quantity: 1. Rental: $400–$700.
• Light Fog/Haze Machine (Low-Volume) — Optional, only to enhance uplighting on the wall. Quantity: 1. Rental: $75–$150.
• Confetti Cannons — Not recommended for a Memorial Service.

Rent From Event Rentals NYC

Event Rentals NYC, a KLAV Group company, services Birmingham and the entire East Coast with delivery, professional setup, and on-site technicians. We bring 20+ years of experience producing events for Madison Square Garden, Barclays Center, UBS Arena, and Marriott Hotel — and we treat every Memorial Service with the same level of care and discretion.

Call us today to reserve your equipment and get a custom quote for your Birmingham Memorial Service.