AV Equipment Checklist for a Memorial Service in Georgetown, DC

Brought to you by Event Rentals NYC, a KLAV Group company — serving Georgetown, DC and the greater DMV with white-glove AV rentals.

A memorial service is one of the most emotionally significant events you will ever produce. Sound must be crystal clear so every word of the eulogy is heard. Lighting must feel warm and reverent. Video should honor the life with dignity. The checklist below covers every category you should consider for a typical 75–200 guest memorial in Georgetown, DC — including when each item is needed, how many you should rent, and the typical price range.

Sound

Sound is the single most important system at a memorial. If guests cannot hear, the service fails.

• PA System (powered speakers on stands) — Needed for any service with spoken tributes or live music. Quantity: 2 speakers for up to 150 guests, 4 for 150–300. Cost: $150–$450 per day.
• Wireless Handheld Microphones — For the officiant, family members, and open-mic tributes. Quantity: 2–4. Cost: $45–$85 each per day.
• Lavalier (Lapel) Microphone — For the officiant or pastor delivering the main address hands-free. Quantity: 1. Cost: $65–$95 per day.
• Stage Monitor — So speakers and musicians can hear themselves clearly. Quantity: 1–2. Cost: $75–$125 per day.
• Audio Mixer (8–16 channel) — Required to balance mics, music, and any video playback. Quantity: 1. Cost: $95–$225 per day.

Lighting

Lighting sets the emotional tone. Memorials should feel warm, soft, and reverent — never harsh.

• LED Uplighting (warm white or amber) — Place along walls to create a soft, candlelit atmosphere. Quantity: 8–16 fixtures. Cost: $25–$45 per fixture per day.
• Stage Wash Lighting — Soft front light on the podium so the speaker is clearly visible. Quantity: 2–4 par cans. Cost: $30–$55 each per day.
• Ambient Pin-Spot Lighting — Highlights the memorial table, urn, photo display, or floral arrangements. Quantity: 2–4. Cost: $35–$60 each per day.
• Dance Floor Lighting — Only if a celebration-of-life reception follows. Quantity: 2 wash lights. Cost: $75–$125 per day.

Video

Video tributes are now expected at modern memorials.

• HD Projector (5,000+ lumens) — For slideshow tributes and video montages. Quantity: 1. Cost: $250–$550 per day.
• Tripod Projection Screen (8ft–10ft) — Paired with the projector. Quantity: 1. Cost: $125–$250 per day.
• 55"–75" TV Displays on Stands — Ideal for entry tables, photo loops, or smaller venues without a projector. Quantity: 2. Cost: $185–$325 each per day.
• Laptop with HDMI Switcher — To run slideshows, videos, and playback. Quantity: 1. Cost: $95–$175 per day.

DJ & Music

Quiet, tasteful music for arrival, transitions, and the reception.

• DJ Controller (Pioneer DDJ or equivalent) — For live music selection during reception. Quantity: 1. Cost: $125–$225 per day.
• Turntables (CDJ-3000 pair) — For professional DJs only. Quantity: 2. Cost: $350–$550 per day.
• DJ Booth Façade with Black Scrim — Clean, dignified setup. Quantity: 1. Cost: $150–$275 per day.

Extras (Reception / Celebration of Life Only)

• Open-Air Photo Booth with Memorial Backdrop — Quantity: 1. Cost: $450–$895 per day.
• Low-Lying Fog Machine — For first-dance memorial moments only. Quantity: 1. Cost: $175–$295 per day.
• Confetti Cannons — Only if requested by the family for a true celebration-of-life finale. Quantity: 2. Cost: $85–$150 each.

Reserve Your Memorial AV Today

Event Rentals NYC, a KLAV Group company, handles delivery, setup, on-site technician support, and tear-down across Georgetown, DC and the entire DMV. With 20+ years of experience and 1,000+ events produced — including services at Madison Square Garden, Hillsong NYC, and Christian Cultural Center Brooklyn — we honor every life with the production quality it deserves.

Call 646-280-9522 or visit klavgroup.com to request your free memorial service quote today.