It’s easy to get overwhelmed at the prospect of planning a graduation party. It will be a big event with a lot of guests, and there are a lot of details to consider. Then, add emotions into the mix. You’re celebrating your child growing up, graduating from high school, and starting his or her adult life! So how does a parent even start planning a graduation party? We have a few tips.
What’s the Goal?
When you start planning a graduation party, think about your goal for the party. Is it to see old friends and family? Is it to celebrate your child’s accomplishments? Is it to raise money for their post-graduation plans? It’s helpful to think about your goal before you begin browsing the many options you have for the party.
What’s the Budget?
The goal will help determine how much you spend and what you spend it on. If your goal is to raise money for your child, it doesn’t make much sense to spend more than will be raised. If your hope is to celebrate your child and raise money? It may make sense to spend a bit more money on a “Dunk the Graduate” tank. If this is really just an excuse to throw a party, then go ahead and splurge!
What’s the Priority?
When you start planning, think about what you notice at other graduation parties. Do you notice the chairs? Did you pay attention to the fact that this party had linen tablecloths instead of plastic? Or were you too distracted by both of them blowing around to notice what they were made of? What will allow you to enjoy the party without stressing about the details?
What’s the Date?
Next, consider your date. The second and third week of June tend to be the most popular for graduation parties. For your school, the busiest time will probably be the weekend immediately following graduation. There are some benefits and drawbacks to holding your party those weeks. It’s nice to be able to have your event right away. And when you share your day with many other people, you’ll effectively be sharing your food costs. People are not going to stay at one party for too long when they have multiple to attend, so they won’t eat much.
However, because those are the busiest weekends, you are competing with the other parties. There will be times where people will not be able to make your party work. If there are friends graduating the same year who are especially important to your child, try to coordinate your times. You can still have them on the same day, but maybe not at the exact same time.
The other downside is that graduation party rental items get scarce during those weeks. If you are planning on having your party during one of those busy times, you should plan on reserving your items as soon as possible. Most years, party rental items are nearly all reserved by the end of April. The earlier you reserve, the more you have to choose from.
You’re Ready to Start Planning!
After you’ve figured out your goal, budget, and date, you just have to go out there and make your choices. There really is no right and wrong, for graduation parties – just what’s right and wrong for you and your child. So go with your gut, and enjoy it! This is a special time for your family. Make sure to enjoy it.
