As the 2021 school year comes to an end, seniors across the country are rushing to plan their graduation parties. There is so much that goes into a grad party: a color scheme, graduation party invitations, food, decorations and so much more. The list below goes through everything one would need to have a successful graduation party as well as my advice as I go through this process with the class of 2021.
3 months prior
- Set a budget- parties can get expensive so talk to your family about how much they are willing to spend on supplies, food etc.
- Choose party theme/ colors- a good idea is to match your party colors to your graduation card colors so there is a distinct theme
- Pick a date and time- think about a time that is less popular within your classmates so as many people as possible can attend
- Book/ choose your venue
- Rent tents, tables, and chairs- do your research; there are a lot of cheaper renting company options that offer the same types of chairs
- Plan the menu/ decide if you want to cater food
- Make invitations/ make a guest lift- about 70 percent of the people on your list will end up coming so keep that in mind when choosing how many people to invite
6 weeks prior
- Send invitations
- Find entertainment- ex: bean bag toss, music
- Make custom items/ decorations- photo boards take a while to make so start early
- Follow-up on venue, chairs and table rental, and catering (if applicable)
3-4 weeks prior
- Order balloons and flowers- good idea to match colors with color theme, flowers are usually used as centerpieces
- Find cake/ other desserts if ordering
- Get party attire- for girls, graduation dresses go out of stock fast
- Purchase silverware, glassware, plates, and napkins
- Get thank you notes- most people bring money or gifts so you need to show appreciation for that
1-2 weeks prior
- Look over RSVP guest list
- Set up decorations
- Plan buffet/ where food will be served
1-2 days before
- If having party at home, clean inside and outside- good idea to have extra bathroom amenities available so guests can comfortable use the bathroom
- Set up tables and serving areas- think about leaving a big enough walkway
- Set up party decorations
- Prepare food that can be made the day before
- Set up large trash cans
- Create extra space in refrigerator
- Touch base with caterer if applicable
The day of the party
- Tidy up house
- Buy ice for drink coolers- drinks should not be put in coolers until an hour before
- Pick up food, cake, and balloons
- Make last minute food- this should only be what is absolutely necessary to make the day of
- Final decoration touches
- Get ready/ take pictures
- Have fun!
