How to Have a Great Graduation Party
- 1). Invite people you really want there. You may feel you need to invite certain guests out of obligation, such as a family friend you don't like, but if you want to have a great graduation party it's best to have guests there who make you happy. You can avoid problems and drama by inviting only those that are relevant in your life.
- 2). Request on the invitation that each guest bring a photo you can keep. Put up a large bulletin board by the entrance, so guests can tack up pictures that you're in as they arrive. It can be decor at the party and allow yourself and guests to reminisce about past moments. You also likely will receive wonderful photos that you forgot even existed.
- 3). Hire a videographer to record the memories. He can properly edit the footage to a much shorter length by removing uneventful moments. Reminiscing over pictures is enjoyable, but there is nothing quite like watching a recording of a past event. Between the people, dancing, music and fashion, it can be an enjoyable experience to watch it years from now, especially if you watch it with those who likely weren't in your life at the time, such as your children and spouse.
- 4). Have the party in a comfortable and reliable location. Although it may be cheaper to have it outdoors, taking the weather into consideration is a must. If it's typically too cold, hot or rainy when you want to have the party, it may be better to put up a large tent outdoors. Another option is to have the party inside, so guests will be comfortable and there's little to no chance of the party needing to be rescheduled because of weather. Choose a reliable venue that has a reputation for excellent customer satisfaction. Book the place as far in advance as possible to avoid problems.
- 5). Serve food that's unexpected and different. Many graduation parties serve up burgers, pizza and wings, but there are many offbeat food options that are equally as appetizing. Have a mashed potato bar, which involves serving up a large scoop of mashed potatoes and letting guests pile on available toppings such as various types of cheese, fried onion pieces and ground beef. Other food options include serving chili, teriyaki chicken and lobster salad. A big party-pleaser can be to allow guests to request custom-made grilled cheese sandwiches. They may seem too simple, but can be anything but if you offer varieties such as gouda and manchego with apple slices and provolone with roasted mushrooms. For dessert, forgo the cake and set up an ice cream station where guests apply a variety of toppings, including gummy bears, nuts and cookie crumbles to their ice cream.
- 6). Be cautious about serving alcohol. For parties where the majority of the guests are likely underage, such as at a high school graduation party, it's best to serve no alcohol. For all other parties, such as at a college graduation party, keep alcohol out of reach and think about having guests carded if they order alcoholic drinks, even if they order it at a home party. You also could skip serving the alcohol altogether. An option is to serve virgin versions of alcoholic drinks, such as virgin pina coladas.
- 7). Give out school spirit candy-filled goody bags as party favors. Instead of giving out a knickknack as a party favor, save some money and give out goody bags stuffed with candy. Fill each bag with one of three or four types of candy, tie the bags closed with ribbon and let guests pick the one they want. Buy the bags and ribbon in school colors. For example, if the schools colors are blue and gold, use blue goody bags and tie each one closed with a piece of gold ribbon.