Graduation parties can be a lot of fun, especially if you and your spouse are celebrating a son or daughter’s graduation. But they can also be stressful; as parents, it’s up to us to plan the party and make certain that everything goes according to plan. The last thing we want is the graduate to feel sad or depressed because of the party. So, to alleviate some of the worries and stress parents may have, we’ve put together this step-by-step guide to planning a graduation party.
Graduation is a wonderful time for celebration. While everyone is excited for the big day, you have to remember that, while you are busy having a grand old time celebrating your graduation, it is all about celebrating the graduate in your life and their wonderful achievement. If you are hosting a graduation party, no doubt you will have to spend a bit of time planning the party so that, when the time comes, it will be a great success. Below, we are going to share some of the things you will want to consider once you have decided you are going to throw the party.
Plan ahead
Making sure that you plan ahead will make the whole task seem less daunting. By planning, you will be able to take into consideration things like weather, how much food you are likely to need and, of course, how many people you will be inviting to the party.
Find a convenient location
You will want to keep the number of guests to a minimum as you don’t want the event to be too overwhelming. Graduation parties can be held in convenient locations such as your home, a family member’s home, or a local restaurant.
Choose a date for the party
Before you sign up to host the event, you should first make sure to pick a date and book a venue. Make sure that it is near enough to the ceremony that it can be classed as a graduation party but doesn’t clash with any other parties and events the graduate may be going to – this can be a very busy period.
Finalize your guestlist
As well as close family, speak to the graduate about who they will want to celebrate this occasion with them. Consider putting a cap on how many people can attend too, as this will help them work out who actually has made their school experience a good one and who they would appreciate sharing the occasion with.
Design and send invitations to your party
Some are simple, others are very elaborate custom creations. Some are also eco-friendly. Invitation design companies certainly find themselves very busy at this time of year, so it’s worth contacting people as soon as you have set a date. Companies have many different kinds of designs to suit everyone’s taste, and they can work with you to create an invite to send out that perfectly reflects the graduate.
Order a large party tent, catering, and entertainment
If you are having the party outside, it’s well worth getting a tent or marquee that can provide a little bit of a shelter from the elements, and they can also be decorated beautifully. If you are hiring a DJ or any other form of live entertainment, they will also appreciate some covered space for any equipment they have. The graduation party budget can quickly add up between meals, catering, decorations, and entertainment. To save money on food, you could consider inviting guests to potluck the meals rather than hosting a formal sit-down meal.
Find the perfect graduation gift
whether a smart gift to help them remember where they are graduating from, like a signet ring or piece of school memorabilia, or something that will help them with their next chapter in life, college or otherwise, the graduate will certainly appreciate a thoughtful gift. This can be given to them at the party, or saved for a private moment between the two of you.
Hopefully, you now feel that you have the information you need in order to plan a great graduation party for a special graduate in your life. Whatever happens, just remember to relax and enjoy this special time and celebrate the graduate for all they have managed to achieve in their school or college life.