Your son or daughter is about to complete a major milestone, graduating from a school. This is a big event no matter what the age, and worthy of a celebration. Here are the things you need to think about before you plan this special graduation party.
Work Out Your Budget and Guest List
Before you make any other decisions, you'll need to figure out how much you can afford to spend for this party. In order to do that, you'll want to make some decisions about your guest list and how big or small you would like your ideal party to be. Will it be the entire graduating class? Will it be a more intimate family party? Once you have those decisions made, you can work out all of the other details.
Decide Where to Hold Your Party
Are you planning a small, intimate party at home? A large party in a catering hall? A giant barbecue out back? Before you make another decision, choose the location for your party.
Pick Your Party Time
With graduation parties, timing can be everything. If you host the party at the same time as the rest of the class is hosting their parties, you should expect quick visits from your guests. Make your event an open house, and plan food that can be refreshed periodically as the next round of students make their appearance.
Will You Have a Fun Theme?
Picking a theme can add a fun touch to your party, as well as help guide your menu planning. Luaus are a popular theme for graduations, or make it a simple summer barbecue with food that kids of all ages enjoy.
Plan Your Menu
Obviously, if you have a theme the menu will be easy to plan. If not, begin to plan by thinking about your guests and their tastes. Only kids? Then make it kid friendly. Family members and kids - plan food for all ages. Will it be a late night party? Then stock up on snack food and beverages without worrying about anything more hearty.
Send Your Invitations
Depending on the style of your party, the invitations will run from the very formal engraved variety to the very casual but hip evite.
Decide on Your Decorations and Party Goods
Whether it's as simple as a color scheme, as spirited as school (past or future) colors, or as funky as your theme, plan decorations to set the mood of your party.
Will There Be Entertainment?
Entertainment can come in many guises. You could hire a dj to play popular songs. Rent a karaoke machine for everyone to take a turn as the star. Or provide popular party games or lawn games to keep the fun going throughout your party.
