The Ultimate AV Equipment Checklist for a Sweet 16 in Gaslamp, San Diego

Planning a Sweet 16 in the Gaslamp Quarter? Whether you're booking a rooftop, a private dining room, or a full venue takeover, the right AV setup turns a good party into a night your daughter will talk about forever. Use this checklist — built from 1,000+ events produced by the team at Event Rentals NYC, a KLAV Group company — to make sure nothing gets missed.

Sound

• Main PA Speakers — Need by load-in. Qty: 2 powered tops + 2 subs for 100–150 guests. Cost: $400–$800.
• Wireless Microphones — Need for toasts, MC, and the birthday speech. Qty: 2 handhelds + 1 lavalier for the host. Cost: $75–$150 each.
• Stage Monitors — Need if there's live performance or a hired vocalist. Qty: 2 wedges. Cost: $150–$300.
• Digital Mixer — Need throughout the event. Qty: 1 (16-channel minimum). Cost: $200–$500.

Lighting

• Uplighting — Need 2 hours before doors. Qty: 12–20 wireless LED uplights in your color palette. Cost: $25–$50 each.
• Dance Floor Lighting — Need before guests arrive. Qty: 4 moving heads + 2 wash lights. Cost: $400–$900.
• Stage Lighting — Need if there's a sweet 16 dance, choreography, or live act. Qty: 4 par cans + 1 spotlight. Cost: $250–$600.
• Ambient & Pin Spots — Need for centerpiece highlight and cake table glow. Qty: 1 pin spot per centerpiece. Cost: $20–$35 each.

Video

• Projector — Need for slideshow montage or "Sweet 16 through the years" reel. Qty: 1 (5,000+ lumens). Cost: $300–$700.
• Projection Screen — Need paired with projector. Qty: 1 (8x10 or 9x12 ft). Cost: $200–$450.
• TV Displays — Need for photo slideshow loops or social media wall. Qty: 2 (55"+ on stands). Cost: $250–$500 each.
• Video Switcher & Cables — Need if combining laptop, camera feed, and slideshow. Qty: 1 setup. Cost: $150–$350.

DJ & Music

• DJ Controller — Need for the DJ. Qty: 1 (Pioneer DDJ-1000 or higher). Cost: $200–$400.
• Turntables (Optional) — Need only if you've hired an open-format scratch DJ. Qty: 2 + battle mixer. Cost: $400–$700.
• DJ Booth Facade — Need for clean photos. Qty: 1 (white or LED-lit). Cost: $150–$300.
• DJ Monitor — Need so the DJ can hear over the crowd. Qty: 1 powered wedge. Cost: $100–$200.

Extras

• Photo Booth — Need active for the entire event. Qty: 1 open-air booth with custom backdrop + props. Cost: $600–$1,200.
• Fog/Haze Machine — Need 30 min before doors to let haze settle. Qty: 1 low-fog + 1 hazer. Cost: $150–$300.
• Confetti Cannons — Need timed for the grand entrance and last song. Qty: 4–6 CO2 cannons. Cost: $250–$500.
• Cold Sparklers — Need for the birthday cake reveal. Qty: 2–4 machines. Cost: $300–$600.

Book Your Sweet 16 AV Package

Skip the headache of coordinating five vendors. Event Rentals NYC bundles sound, lighting, video, DJ gear, and effects into one package — delivered, set up, and operated by professional techs trained on Madison Square Garden, Barclays Center, and Webster Hall productions.

Get your free Sweet 16 quote today — call 646-280-9522 or visit eventrentalsnyc.com. Mention "Gaslamp Sweet 16" for 10% off your full package.