Graduation party season is quickly approaching!
It’s such a special time to celebrate our next generation as they step out into the world.
And because this is such a special moment, it demands a celebration worthy of this time.
Often I hear people talk about the party they are throwing for their graduate and “all of the work” it is going to be to prepare.
This work brings feeling of overwhelm and stress. That does not sound like a great way to enjoy this moment.
The stress comes because most people aren’t used to planning large parties or events. The overwhem is not knowing where to start.
After planning corporate events for the last 15 years, here’s what I would recommend for the parents planning that special graduation party.
Simplified snapshots
Skip the big photo boards. You and your graduate would likely spend hours upon hours picking out the perfect photos. Unfortunately your guests are likely going to quickly glance at them, for not nearly as long as you debated those photos.
Make a bigger impact with enlarging your favorite 4-6 photos. Consider their senior picture, something from an activity/sport that they participated in, or a picture of them in their future environment (college colors, trade tools, etc.).
As much as you want to highlight their school career till that point, you’re going to stress yourself out trying to represent every little thing. Stick to the most representative images and cut the stress.
Simple Photo booth
This is an easy way to create a central focal point for the party, and a fun backdrop for pictures. Your graduate and their friends are going to want a great place to capture this special moment.
A collection of balloons, faux graduation caps or streamers with a banner in your school colors are an easy way to create this interest point.
Simplified Tablescape
I would recommend renting linen tablecloths for your tables. If you have people coming and going from the party, cheap plastic tablecloths would get ripped along the way.
Rentals aren’t expensive, and will survive the day still looking good from the first to the last guest.
Consider grabbing some graduation cap balloons as a centerpiece for your tables. It gives some height and dimension, without being too fussy. One per round or two per six-foot table. Easy peasy.
Simplified menu
Skip the “crafty” Pinterest inspired menu items. You know the kind: a mini peanut butter up with a piece of chocolate melted to it, to look like a little grad cap. Is it cute? Sure. Is it worth the time you’re going to spend on them? Probably not.
I don’t believe in having food items as decor. You will spend a lot of time to create that menu item just to have it consumed in seconds.
If you’re wanting to have a graduation theme with a dessert or food item, use cupcake picks to incorporate the theme instead.
I hope this helps simplify your overall graduation party prep! For more tips on avoiding party-fails, check out my free download at www.danielemineck.com/events.
If you’re looking to take more from this party-prep off of your to-do list, give me a shout. We can plan decor, menu and setup, so you can just sit back and enjoy this special day with your graduate.
