Graduation is one of the most significant events of a person’s life. While millions of people graduate every year, and you feel this is insignificant in the larger scheme of things, this should not prevent you from throwing the best graduation party ever.
It’s the ideal occasion for reminiscing and making new memories with your friends. You may have some unique ideas for making it a memorable party, but you’re unsure where to start.
That’s why we have made a list for you. Follow this party planning checklist, and you’ll be able to throw an A-plus party.
1. Determine your budget
To determine how much money you want to spend or can spend, estimate how many people you want to invite. Determine how much you want to spend per person on food and beverages.
Also, include the cost of decorations, entertainment and so on. You can also co-host a party and split the costs with a few friends who graduated from the same institution.
If guest lists are overlapping, throwing a party together makes sense. Though it could be challenging to coordinate, having a much bigger party would be worth it.
2. Make the guest list
Now that you have an idea about your budget, start making a list of guests. It’s up to you to decide if you want to invite the whole graduating class, an intimate gathering of your closest friends and family. You can also invite a few special guests to the party, such as beloved teachers, coaches, or some cool juniors.
However, you should never try to fit in as many people as you can on your budget. Those extra resources can be utilized for far more important purposes, like some pizza or extra booze for the after-party.
3. Decide on a decoration
When the guest list is ready, it’s time to decide on decoration. Use the graduate school colors as a theme for the decorations. You can incorporate it through the use of balloons, streamers, and other party decorations. Set up a photo booth area where guests can take pictures with the graduate. It can be as simple as hanging a banner or backdrop and providing some props, such as graduation caps and diploma-themed props.
Also, you can take your bash up a notch and add some personalized touches by incorporating personalized elements, such as Floatie Kings custom-made blow ups, into the party. These can be shaped like the graduate’s favorite hobby or interest and add a unique touch to the party.
By incorporating a mix of personalized and grad-themed decorations, you can create a memorable and celebratory atmosphere for the party.
4. Pick a date and time
Graduation parties can be a little difficult to schedule. The months just after graduation are generally the busiest months for most graduates. So, try to throw your party later in the season to avoid clashes with other celebrations.
Expect quick visits from your guests if you have scheduled your party during the busy time right around graduation. Consider making your event an open house so guests can come and go as they please.
5. Plan a theme based on a college degree
A theme adds a fun touch to your graduation party and helps you plan to decorate. Generally, graduation parties are summer barbecues that feature food and beers that your friends enjoy.
However, there are numerous creative themes also available. You can ask everyone to be dressed up as Harvey Specter for a get-together of fresh law graduates. Strobe lights in red and blue would be appropriate for a new police officer.
You can use balloons, ribbons or other decorative materials to give your party a theme-based look.
6. Food menu
The menu will be guided by your theme and the time of day the party is held. Barbecue or picnic foods are ideal for afternoon outdoor gatherings. Snacks or desserts are suitable for a nighttime graduation party or an open house party.
But, remember, whatever you decide is acceptable. People aren’t coming just to eat. So, stick to your budget and choose something your friends will enjoy and remember. Just ensure that you can prepare the food ahead of time. You don’t want to be cooking while guests arrive for the party.
7. Let the Fun Begin
A fun home graduation party should always include a DJ or rent a karaoke machine, so everyone has a turn to sing. You can also add a decorative table of pun desserts that will make your sweet-toothed guests laugh.
Make an entertaining slideshow with your batchmates of all your favorite photos and clips for a deep dive into nostalgia. You can also decorate the event by printing a selection of images.
A photo booth is also a fun way for guests to take pictures with each other and the graduates. You can make the photo booth appear like a classroom, complete with chairs and a blackboard in the background.
Over to you…
Now that you have gone through this list, you are well-equipped to host a grad party of your own. Don’t forget to personalize your party to give it some unique touch that your friends will remember long after the party’s over. Now, go have a blast!
