Give your graduate a party that will be the highlight of their achievement! With a little early planning and decision making you can get your grad off to a powerful start.
Schedule the Party Appropriately
While it’s only natural to be anxious to celebrate this big milestone, remember that all of the other graduates are excited to as well. This in mind a lot of guests/friends may not be able to attend the bash since they will all be busy commending their own. In addition, the grad will be missing out on their parties as well. Scheduling a few weeks out from the graduation ceremony should allow for the big “Graduation Party Rush” to subside and avoid any missing attendants.
Guest List
Sit down with the guest of honor and make a list of who they would like to attend. Not only can this be a special moment to share together but this will allow them to voice their opinion of who can come and make the day that much more meaningful to them. It is important to get this list started as soon as you can because it will likely change a few times.
Invitations
Since it is such a busy time to throw a party be sure to send out save the dates as soon as possible so your guests don’t make other plans prior. If you have essential guests that are out of town it is really important to give them as much notice as possible so they can make accommodations and arrangements as needed. An email form of save the dates is totally acceptable for this type of event.
Select your invitations that coordinate with the theme of the party. If you are having an at home cook out set the tone with a more casual invite.
Go bold and highlight your grad’s school colors.
Venue
It is very common for graduation parties to be thrown at the honorees home in open house style. That is a great option if you have ample space, seating, tables, and etc., to accommodate for your amount of guests.
Alternative Locations Include:
- Banquet Facilities
- Country Clubs
- Rental Homes
- Parks
- Health Clubs
- Apartment Complex or Subdivision Party Rooms
- Boats, Yachts, Charter Boats
- Hotels
- Theatres
- Churches
- Community Centers
- Swimming Pools
- Bowling Alleys
- Local Resort
Menu
Try and remember that some or even many of your visitors may be attending several different parties or open houses that same day. Your menu can be as unique as you want it to be. Some ideas to stand out include:
- A pizza buffet
- Serving brunch options like a quiche or casserole
- Chili bar
- Taco Bar
Decide what time your party is going to be held and if it is necessary to serve a meal or if it’s an afternoon get together you could certainly just serve appetizers, and dessert, or one or the other even.
Some alternative dessert options are cupcakes, s’mores, root beer floats, ice-cream bars, macaroons, and ice-cream bars will keep everyone cool.
Cheers!
Author: L. Fulton-EventsbyL