Congratulations on graduating! You’ve definitely worked hard to earn your certificates. You now want to throw a graduation party and celebrate your achievement with family and friends but feels overwhelmed by the preparations. This process can be a fun and exciting way to mark this special occasion, but it can also be overwhelming if you don’t know where to start. In this post, we want to walk you through the entire process of planning a great graduation party.
Set the date and time
Every party starts with setting a date and time that is most convenient. When selecting date and time, consider your schedule, and availability. It is important to note that a graduation party should be held as soon as possible from the date of graduation. It can be up to a week because what matters the most is choosing a date that best works for you and your guests.
Decide on the location
The next step is to decide on the location of your party, which can be your friend’s house, a park, your backyard or any rented space. When deciding, factor in the size of your guests, the budget and other important requirements. For graduates planning a backyard graduation party, make sure you have enough space for everyone. Make sure the home is tidy and clean.
Create a guest list
Make a list of the people you want to invite to your graduation party which can be your family, teachers, friends or any other important guests. You can ask your parents to help you make the list considering their closest friends and family friends. Depending on the venue size, you can choose as many guests as possible.
Send out invitations
Graduation announcements should be sent out ASAP to give your guests enough time to prepare. They should be sent at least three weeks before the graduation. The guests will have enough time to RSVP early and make arrangements. Check out the best 2023 graduation announcements and pick the best depending on your graduation party themes, and contents.
You can throw a combined Party
Do you have another friend or family member graduating the same time? If yes, then this can save you a lot in terms of budget and can equally create more fun. You can ask a few of your classmates to combine their graduation with ours. However, this tactic works well for high school graduations especially because you have achieved the same goals and have graduated the same time. The limitation to this is that you might not be able to invite as many guests especially from the extended families.
Pick a Theme for your party
Picking a theme brings a lot of fun and makes it easier for the décor and menu. You don’t have to keep it that complicated, keep it simple and decorate with your school colors. Be creative when picking a theme. You can go for a tropic Hawaiian theme for an outdoor party or smart cookie theme for an indoor party.
Plan the menu
The food and drinks you serve at your graduation party can make or break the event which I think you already know. Depending on your guests’ dietary restrictions and preferences, you can choose a perfect menu. You have different options such as a catered meal, a potluck-style gathering, or a buffet. Factor in plenty of snacks and drinks. This is mainly because people tend to get hungry and thirsty when socializing.
Decorate the space
Now that everything else is ready, it’s time to add some decorations to your graduation party. This can help set the mood and make the event feel more festive, and inviting. Depending on your tastes and preferences, you can choose a color scheme or theme. It can be a color that matches your school or the theme of your graduation ceremony. You can get the best add balloons, banners, or a photo booth to your party space.
Plan some activities
Besides the fact that mingling and catching up with friends and family is the main subject of a graduation party, you can plan some activities to help break the ice and bring some fun. It can be a board game or a card game station. Other fun activities include a photo scavenger hunt or a trivia contest. Live music and a DJ can equally bring some fun.
Don’t forget the graduation cake
Your graduation party cannot be complete without a tasty cake. Depending on preferences and tastes, you can consider a traditional cake. The cake should have school colors but you can get creative with the custom designs. This can reflect your interests and preferences. The cake should have a gown and hat design if possible. You also have to order the cake well in advance. The bakery should have all information including the designs, the dietary restrictions and the preferences.
Capture the memories
Don’t forget to capture every bit of this party. Its important to hire a professional photographer or setting up a photo booth to take photos of your guests. The graduate should make sure every part of the party is well lit. You can sit down with the photographer well in advance and make sure he understands all your interests and the places they should well capture.
Give graduation party Toast
Pick someone to give the graduation party toast. This person can be a graduate too or a family member. It doesn’t have to be long or elaborate. You can toast with champagne or a sparkling juice.
Consider a virtual graduation party
You probably have friends and family that might not make it to the party. In this regard, you can organize a virtual graduation party. However, choose a video platform that works for all the guests such as Houseparty, Zoom, Skype or Google Meet. Send virtual invitations few minutes to the commencement of the party. This allows the guest’s time to prepare and join the party.
If you have all these tips, planning a graduation party will not be stressful. These tips will help you throw a memorable and enjoyable celebration that honors your achievement and celebrates your future.