Graduation season is coming up, and that means it's party time! If you're graduating this year, or you're the parent of a child who's graduating, you might be thinking about hosting a party to celebrate. If that's the case - I say 'do it'! Graduating is such a huge achievement that it definitely deserves a get together, however big or small!
Although planning a graduation party can be really exciting, it can also be a little stressful if you're unprepared. However, a little planning goes a long way, and even if graduation is still a few months away, early action will pave the way for a successful party. Here are a few tips to make the process easier.
1. Float a date and make a guest list
2. Find a venue
The venue will affect your guests. Ask yourself:
- Is it accessible by public transport for those without cars?
- Is there parking for those with cars?
- Is it too far for some guests to travel?
- Is it in a location where there are taxis available for those who want to drink?
- Is it big enough for the amount of people I want to invite?
- Does it have the facilities I require? (E.g. dancefloor, bar, tables, etc.)
Once you've got a venue in mind, give them a call and book in a date for the party. You may need to pay a deposit upon booking; this depends on the venue.
Of course, if you're hosting it at your home, availability will depend entirely upon your schedule. But if this is the case, ask yourself:
- Do I have enough space for X-amount of people?
- Are there enough places for my guests to sit?
- Is there table space for food and drink?
- Is my bathroom accessible to X-amount of people?
- Will I care if my home gets dirty? (accidents do happen - I've been at more than one party where red wine was spilled on the floor or furniture)
- Will the party cause discord with my neighbours?
3. Book event staff
- DJ/band
- Any other entertainment
- Caterer
- Bar staff
- Photographer
If you want to DIY certain elements to save money, you could try the following alternatives:
- Create a playlist to play through a bluetooth or smart speaker on the night
- Make homemade food or ask guests to bring a dish
- Buy drinks from the supermarket or ask guests to BYOB
- Flex your photography skills, or ask a friend to be a photographer for the night. Alternatively, ask people to take their own photos and share them via a unique hashtag.
4. Design your invitations
In terms of design, I think it's a really nice touch to add a photo of the graduate-to-be to the invitation. This turns it from a simple invitation into a beautiful keepsake that you can look back on in years to come.
However, if you're a little camera shy, you could go use a stock image (my favourite website for free stock images is Unsplash) or you can go for a minimalist look without any images at all.
Details to put on your invitation:
- The name of the graduate-to-be
- Venue address
- Date and time
- Parking/hotel details (if any)
- Dress code
- RSVP date and contact details
5. Choose your decor
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credit: marthastewart.com |
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wolesin.com |
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houseandhome.com |
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minteventdesign.com |
6. Send out thank you cards
Just like the invitations, your thank you cards would look beautiful with a photo to personalise them (perhaps even one taken on the night!).
Did this post inspire or help you? Please comment below to let me know, so that I can make more useful content for you in future!
This post was sponsored by basicinvite.com, a really useful website for creating your own invitations. They have countless designs available for customisation, including unlimited colour combinations. Plus, you can order a custom printed sample to see how your invite looks in real life before you place your order! Visit basicinvite.com to create your invitations and use code 15FF51 for 15% off sitewide!
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