Graduation party planning: Say congrats to your grad with a big bash

Planning a graduation party can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it requires careful thought and preparation. Have you ever wondered how to plan a graduation party? Whether you’re planning a giant bash or a small, cozy night out, here are some flexible and accommodating tips on a celebration that will leave a lasting impression and fully say, “Congrats, grad!”

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Set the basics well in advance

Most graduations occur in late April and early May, which is an ideal time for festivities: the weather is warming up, and people are interested in meeting and celebrating the forthcoming summer.

Begin by setting a date and time that works best for your graduate and their friends. Consider their preferences, availability, and any potential conflicts with other events. Choose a weekend that’s still close enough to the graduation date but won’t interfere with your graduate’s formal ceremonies: it can seem overwhelming to have so many events so close to each other.

Once you have a date, you can move on to selecting a venue. Depending on the number of guests, you can choose to host the party at your home, a local park, or even rent a venue if you prefer a larger gathering.

Keep track of your guests and their availabilities with a spreadsheet: Microsoft Excel can help you plan an event where you know who might be there and who can’t make it. This can help you budget for how much food or drinks you may need to celebrate and ensure that little will go unused, or nothing will go to waste.

How to say congratulations to your graduate

A graduation party is both intimate and festive: while it’s a joyous occasion and a reason to celebrate, it involves the people who are closest to you and your newly minted graduate.

To this end, ask your graduate who their closest friends are and incorporate them into your guest list. The people who they suggest bringing will be special: they will have taken the same classes, attended the same events, and become close over the past few years. While a graduation party is a family affair, a family is who you choose after going through such a long and sometimes difficult accomplishment such as high school or college.

Choose a theme

Whether it’s a casual backyard barbecue or an elegant affair, choose a theme that reflects your grad’s interests. Here are some options that you can choose from:

• Backyard barbeque: a time-honored tradition, this is a chance to show off one’s cooking skills and invite friends and loved ones to bring their own food and drink.
• Dinner out on the town: whether it’s at the fanciest steakhouse in town or at a beloved pizzeria, this is a special night to break bread. Be sure to call ahead and plan a reservation for many places.
• Drinks at a bar: you can either rent out a venue at a local watering hole, or just drop on in. A special night here will elicit congratulations from bar staff and fellow patrons alike.

Of course, the possibilities for any get-together are endless! Incorporate the graduation theme into your decorations, including banners, balloons, table centerpieces, and photo backdrops. Personalized touches such as photos, achievements, and memorabilia can make the decorations more special and meaningful.

Consider your guests if you’re hosting

If you’re hosting your own event, be sure to accommodate all your guests. Include vegetarian and vegan options to match people’s individual dietary preferences. Offer a selection of non-alcoholic drinks and mocktails or ask friends and loved ones to bring drinks that suit their own preferences—this can make planning easier.

Liven up a backyard party with these tips

From planning invitations to conducting hosting duties, you can always put a personal touch on the graduate who you’re celebrating! Consider setting up a photo booth (even against a wall or a fence) so your guests can take selfies. Organize popular backyard games like cornhole or catch so you can entertain guests of all ages. Ask guests to guess the career of your new graduate. And write a speech or toast beforehand so you can celebrate graduate’s achievements and add a heartfelt touch.

Find an excuse to celebrate! Check out more ideas for occasions of all sizes, whether you’re planning a family dinner, going the DIY route for a wedding, or manage stage fright when you’re about to raise a toast.