The graduation season is upon us, though a sad time for many moms, simply a relief for all grads. Graduates are not concerned with details, but rather the end of a period of their lives. Whether that is high school or college they are looking forward to “the next stage” of life.
But there are their parents in the background, wanting nothing more than to celebrate the occasion with a party for all that have influenced their teen to becoming the adult they are. But how much is too much? Where do you get started? Where are you going to have this grand party? Do you have the money to put on a big spread? Here are some great tips to guide you along the graduation party planning path.
Who do you want to celebrate with?
A. What is important to your graduate? Are they expecting every all student acquaintances to attend, or just family and close friends?
B. Make a list. Parents List/Grad List. Be realistic. Who will attend, and who will not attend but send a card (like out of town relatives.)
When are you planning to celebrate?
A. Graduation weekend? Are your guests attending the ceremony?
B. If not, be flexible and schedule a different weekend. More will attend if they don’t have to attend 20 parties in one weekend.
Where are you planning to host the event?
A. Consider the realistic number of guests attending. Will they stand? Will they stay long? Are you having an open house?
B. Consider your budget. If your budget can handle a different venue then it is easiest on your family to have the grad party somewhere other than your home.
C. If not, choose your priorities. This is not the time to remodel your home. Clean and declutter the areas of your home that will be visited by guests (don’t forget the bathrooms) and make sure there is plenty of room for all.
D. If hosting the party outdoors, consider the potential weather changes and be prepared for all. If possible have a covered area, either a tent or garage, to cover guests in case it rains or is cool.
What are you planning to serve?
A. If you are choosing to have your grad party the same weekend as the ceremony, consider that most of your guests will be making the circulation to other parties as well. Get familiar with what other parties are serving and when. Your guests will likely not eat cake if that is what they’ve eaten at the three parties they attended before it.
Think outside the box. Choose your grads favorite meal and invite their closest friends and family over for a special evening filled with all the love and support that a heart can hold. It isn’t about hosting to every person you and your grad has ever known. It is about sending your grad into the next stage of life knowing all of the people that are there to support them along their journey. Make your party count!
Bergstrom is a professional organizer.
