Graduates across the country are starting to don their caps and gowns for a commencement ceremony (whether it’s from preschool, high school, or college), which means it’s time to start thinking about throwing that perfect graduation party! Between attending other parties and planning your own, it can be tough to get everything prepared and ready beforehand to prevent any last-minute stress, so Cardstore has compiled some of our favorite tips that should help to make this year’s graduation party planning a breeze!
1. Create a guest list! Since graduation parties should include everyone who has supported the grad over the years, many people invite family members, friends from school and other activities, and the families of friends as well. Depending on how formal you want the event to be, you can decide whether or not to include young children in the festivities.
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2. Pick an invitation that celebrates the graduate. Choosing an invitation with a photo of the grad is always a favorite for recipients, but not necessary. If you can get a picture of them in their cap and gown prior to the event, it will add a festive touch to the invitations that everyone will love. If not, just be sure to include the specifics of the celebration, along with when their actual graduation ceremony is so everyone knows the exact details of the graduate’s achievement. Since graduation is such a busy season for families, try to send your invitations out 2-3 weeks in advance to make sure all of the grad’s favorite people can be there to join in the celebration.
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3. Decide on a venue. Many people choose to hold graduation parties in their own homes to keep costs low and make the party planning even easier. You may even consider co-hosting the party with another graduate so that costs can be split and you have a set-up and clean-up partner!
4. Choose a menu. Remember, graduation parties are about spending time to celebrate the accomplishments of the graduate, so keep things simple! Setting up a buffet with foods that can easily be made in advance and don’t require much reheating is often the most stress-free idea. Whether inspired by these 5 Graduation Party Menu Ideas or some of our Pinterest graduation party food finds, be sure to pick a menu that doesn’t require too much work during the actual party.
5. Decorate away! Pick a theme that the grad will love, whether that means decorating the tables with their trophies and certificates, decorating in the school colors, or picking a theme like a “Smart Cookie” party with plenty of cookies and milk, make sure the grad is on board with what you’re planning. Adding something for friends and family to sign as they leave, like a photo of the grad, is a one-of-a-kind keepsake the graduate will treasure. Be sure to check out Cardstore’s Graduation Pinterest board for plenty of graduation decoration inspiration.
What are some of your favorite party-planning tips that can be used for upcoming graduation parties?
