AV Equipment Checklist for a Memorial Service in Houston

Presented by Event Rentals NYC — a KLAV Group company. Trusted by Madison Square Garden, Barclays Center, and 1,000+ events nationwide.

A memorial service is a sacred occasion. The audio must be crystal clear so every word of remembrance is heard, the lighting must feel warm and respectful, and the visuals must honor the life being celebrated. Use this checklist to plan a service that families will thank you for.

Sound

Reliable audio is the single most important element. Eulogies, prayers, and tribute songs cannot be repeated.

• PA System (line array or column speakers) — Needed for any service over 50 guests. Recommended: 2 main speakers + 1 subwoofer for groups of 100–200. Rental: $250–$600.
• Wireless Handheld Microphones — Needed for officiant, family speakers, and open-mic tributes. Recommended: 2–3 units. Rental: $75–$150 per mic.
• Lavalier Microphone — Needed for the officiant or pastor for hands-free delivery. Recommended: 1 unit. Rental: $60–$120.
• Stage Monitor — Needed if a vocalist or live musician performs. Recommended: 1–2 wedges. Rental: $80–$150 each.
• Digital Mixer (8–16 channel) — Needed to balance speakers, music, and microphones. Recommended: 1 unit with engineer. Rental: $200–$450.

Lighting

Lighting sets the emotional tone. Keep it soft, warm, and dignified.

• LED Uplighting — Needed to wash walls in soft amber, warm white, or family colors. Recommended: 8–12 fixtures. Rental: $25–$45 per fixture.
• Stage Lighting (warm wash) — Needed to illuminate the podium and family table. Recommended: 2–4 par cans. Rental: $30–$60 each.
• Ambient Pin-Spots — Needed to highlight memorial photos, candles, or floral arrangements. Recommended: 4–6 units. Rental: $20–$35 each.
• Dance Floor Lighting — Needed only if a celebration-of-life reception follows. Recommended: 2 fixtures. Rental: $80–$150.

Video

Tribute slideshows and video montages bring memories to life.

• HD Projector (5,000+ lumens) — Needed for tribute slideshows in venues over 1,500 sq ft. Recommended: 1 unit. Rental: $250–$500.
• Projection Screen (10ft tripod or 12ft fast-fold) — Needed alongside the projector. Recommended: 1 unit. Rental: $100–$300.
• 55"–65" TV Displays — Needed for entryway photo loops or smaller chapels. Recommended: 1–2 units on stands. Rental: $150–$275 each.
• Laptop + HDMI Switcher — Needed to run slideshow + audio cleanly. Recommended: 1 setup. Rental: $100–$200.

DJ & Music

Music carries the service from arrival through final farewell.

• DJ Controller (Pioneer DDJ or equivalent) — Needed for processional, recessional, and reception music. Recommended: 1 unit. Rental: $150–$300.
• DJ Booth Façade — Needed for a polished, respectful look. Recommended: 1 unit. Rental: $100–$200.
• Turntables — Optional, only if the family requests vinyl tributes. Rental: $200–$400 pair.

Extras (Reception Only)

Skip these for the formal service. Reserve for the celebration-of-life reception.

• Photo Booth with Memory Book — Needed to capture loved ones. Recommended: 1 unit, 3–4 hours. Rental: $600–$1,200.
• Fog Machine — Generally not recommended for memorials.
• Confetti — Skip — inappropriate for memorial settings.

Rent From Event Rentals NYC

Event Rentals NYC, a KLAV Group company, delivers Fortune-500-grade AV nationwide — including same-week deployment to Houston. Our team handles delivery, setup, an on-site engineer, and tear-down so the family can grieve in peace.

Call 646-280-9522 or email ozzy@klavgroup.com to reserve your Memorial Service package today. Compassionate service. Flawless execution. Always.