Friday, March 5, 2021
With graduation just around the corner, rather it be college or high school, the party planning is underway. I am currently working on a high school graduation party for my amazing brother and figured I would share with you my outline when planning parties. I know planning a big event can sometimes be overwhelming and hope this can make it a little easier for you. I even made a printable checklist! Even better.
The top biggest items I always start with will set the whole tone of the party. First you want to come up with a theme, budget, date/time and guest list. This will give you direction and allow you to know what you have to work with.
Find a venue and get your date booked. Once you have the venue then you can take measurements of the locations. I draw a top down of the room with all the measurements added to help map out how I will decorate the area. This way I know how many items I need with a visual on the day of party to make setup go smoothly; and if anyone else is helping they can follow the plans. After you have the venue all lined out, next is the graduation cards. These need to be created and ordered so they are in well in time for mailing out. (I always mail cards out 8 to 6 weeks before the party.)
Entertainment, caterer, rentals and photographer; all these are not necessary but need to be researched and booked if plan on hiring. Entertainment does not always have to be someone in the profession, look to the students in the same graduating class. You can find some amazing students who can preform just as good and would love the opportunity. This would also go for the caterer and photographer; some of them may be pursuing these careers. You will want to book them in well enough time as it will be a busy season for them with lots of parties.
Along with finding the proper cake/cookies a banner is a good choice. They make some really neat cookies and these can be individually wrapped to make great party favors (they also are great decorations). The cake if you choose to go that way can be wonderful all decked out or simple. Going all out on the cake is not always necessary. A tall round cake with the school colors can be a beautiful placed on a cake stand. Looks great on display and can come in many flavors.
Pictures, pictures, pictures!!!! I am sure you had a wonderful senior session done for the lucky grad, so why not use them? You can get all kinds of products that also make great décor. An album to work as a coffee table conversation or made into a quest book. Put framed, large prints on an easel in entranceways, next to food table, or next to the bathroom (gets lots of traffic and would be enjoyed by many). Matted images to be signed and framed when over. Images cubes for centerpieces to see different photos from every side. Photo banner made with many different images for everyone to enjoy. The great news is these can be used in your home or dorm room for years to come. This is money well spent for decorations that will be repurposed later.
As time gets closer you will need to make hair and nail appointments if they apply, decide on music, and create any DIY's. The decorations should be coming together and can be prepared and ready for the day of the party. If looking to get balloons/flowers I would decide on them and get them ordered so they will be ready to be picked up the day of the party or day before. Do not forget to pick up or order thank you cards and get the grocery list finalized.
As it becomes crunch time, check and make sure you have everything you need. Go ahead a prep any food, decorations, and camera to have them all ready to go. Clean the house and yard if at your location. Have enough toiletries to stock the bathroom. Test any music, slideshow, or video that will be played. Also create a hashtag so you will have access to all photos everyone takes while at the party in one easy location.
Day of party will have a lot going on, but if you plan ahead it should be smooth sailing. Go grab everything that needs to be picked up, pull out your plans to decorate, chill drinks, set tables and displays up, shower, and then you are all ready to enjoy.
A little hack of mind that I use for a fast, easy clean up is to have totes and containers for the food/decorations ready to go out of sight. Then when everyone is leaving or done your clean up is cut down because you can grab and put away quickly. Then the days after you will need to return any rentals and send thank you cards out.
Way to go!! You did it. You have successfully planned and hosted an amazing graduation party. Now sit down and enjoy a glass of your favorite beverage.
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