How to Make Graduation Party Planning a Breeze
When a family member graduates, it’s nice to honor the graduate with a party. For some, party planning comes as naturally as breathing. For all the rest, it can be a stressful time. However, planning a graduation party that is both memorable and simplified is possible with just a little forethought. Stick to the basics, do them well, and give your graduate a cherished memory.
All these graduation party planning tips will be adaptable to the age of your graduate. You won’t plan the same type of party for your child when he or she graduates from kindergarten, as you will come medical school graduation. But the concepts are the same. Just use your creativity to suit the age level, your budget, and your graduate’s personality.
- The Guest List
How many people you invite to the party will depend entirely on the size of the venue. If you’re planning a backyard barbecue and you live in a subdivision, you probably won’t invite the entire class and their families. For simplicity in your graduation party planning, keep the guest list short. Family living close by is non-negotiable, unless you aren’t speaking. The graduate’s closest friends, including a boyfriend or girlfriend, could be included, but draw the line here. Depending on the space you have and your tolerance, limit the friend list to no more than five or six. Two to four is even better.
- Food
Up to high school and even 2- or 4-year college graduates, kids prefer simple foods: hamburgers on the grill, mom’s potato salad, plenty of cold lemonade, and the requisite cake and ice cream. Pizza is usually a winning choice. And you don’t even have to cook. Just call in your order and voilà, it will be delivered at the designated time. Order the cake from your local bakery in the graduate’s favorite flavor and have it personalized.
- Decorations
Decorations may be the most difficult item on your graduation party planning list, but they don’t have to be. Your venue and budget will dictate how elaborate the decorations can be. Most dollar-type stores have inexpensive, disposable decorations that will do just fine. If you’re having a more formal party for a college grad, you might want to consider hiring a professional party decorator.
- Clean-up
The part that moms dread the most doesn’t have to be all that bad. Place trash receptacles in strategic locations where they are visible. Tape balloons on them to make them noticeable. Most people are polite enough to pick up after themselves. Paper plates, cups, plasticware, and disposable tablecloths are indispensable.
With a strategic plan, your graduation party can be a breeze!
