Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Tips for planning a graduation party
Graduation season is a festive time of year. Each year, graduating students close a notable chapter in their lives. It’s a significant accomplishment, worthy of a celebration. Planning a graduation party requires some work and planning but the efforts can be well worth it in the end. Here are some early planning tips for a graduation party.
• Start early with planning. Graduation season is a busy time of year. Set a date for the graduation party as soon as possible so that all other components of planning can fall into line. The dates of commencement ceremonies are typically announced months in advance. That affords party planners ample time to pick a date for the celebration. The earlier planners can pick a date, the greater the likelihood that they’ll get a date of their choosing. The longer planners wait, the more likely it is that many dates will be snatched up by the families of fellow grads. Once a date has been chosen, send out save-the-dates so others can avoid scheduling a party on the same day.
· Speak with fellow parents. Parents typically plan graduation parties, so one easy way to avoid scheduling conflicts is to work with fellow moms and dads. A joint party might make the most sense if families are planning summer travel or have limited flexibility regarding when they can host.
• Set a budget. Graduation season can stretch families’ budgets. Graduation caps and gowns, travel, gifts, and special occasion attire will need to be to purchased. It is important to budget accordingly if you plan to throw a party. Budget will dictate whether yours is a large affair or something more intimate. Realistically assess what you can afford before you make any promises.
• Choose the right venue. Budget may dictate the type of venue. Having a graduation party at home can work, provided you have the space. If your graduate has requested a theme, then the party location can align with that theme. For example, a luau theme may work best around a pool or at the beach. If you will be hiring entertainment, make sure there is enough space and electrical hookups for equipment as well. Give neighbors a heads-up if you’ll be hosting at home.
• Book reservations early. Though many graduation parties are held at private homes, some families prefer large family dinners at local restaurants or gatherings at other public venues. Families who aren’t hosting at home should study venue locations well in advance and book reservations as soon as possible. Many notable events take place in spring. In addition to graduation, Mother’s Day, weddings, communions, make up many people’s spring social schedule. Each of these special events will be competing in a relatively small window of time for the same vendors and services in various communities.
• Remain flexible and open to new ideas. Even early birds may find it hard to book vendors and venues, and planners may not want to settle for second or third options when celebrating an occasion as momentous as graduation. If preferred venues and vendors aren’t available during peak graduation season, or if scheduling conflicts are making it hard to pick a date, remain flexible and open to new ideas. One alternative is to schedule a graduation party in mid-summer. This can serve as a sendoff to high school graduates about to leave for college or provide a great way for college grads to get back together with friends before the end of summer. Another option could be to finance a trip for grads and their friends to a nearby amusement park.
• Consider an open-house event. Various graduation parties may be going on at the same time, particularly on weekends. Consider an open time frame for guests to drop by and then leave when they desire. This makes it easy for the graduate’s friends to stop by when they can, rather than having a fixed schedule for the party.
• Plan easy food options. Food is not the focal point of a graduation party like it is during a wedding reception. Therefore, hosts have more leeway with the menu when planning a graduation party. Choose finger foods and others that can be grabbed and eaten on the go, as people will want to mingle and have time to congratulate the graduate.
• Personalize decorations. Set the party apart with some personalized decorations that fit the theme. This can include using school colors, photography, the graduate’s name, or specific quotes or interests of the graduate on banners and more. Personalized decorations also mean that the grad can save something to serve as a memento of this exciting time in his or her life.
Graduation season is on the horizon, and it’s best to start thinking about ways to commemorate all the hard work students did en route to donning their caps and gowns. Planning ahead can ensure your party will be a memorable event for you and your grad.