Spring is here and graduation parties are in the air. Here’s how to nail a memorable grad party for your teen, that also works for friends and family.
Party by the numbers
Planning a backyard affair? Generally, up to 50 guests is considered workable. (And yes, we cater smaller groups, too.)
Consider that 50 guests will make an average of 100 trips in and out of the house for bathroom visits alone. 75 guests? 150 trips, and so on. That means lots of in-house traffic, not to mention a lot of toilet paper. For more than 75 people, renting an outside port-o-let may be a better idea.
75 to 100+ people may also mean a venue other than your backyard. Consider renting a clubhouse or an indoor/outside venue such as a party barn. We can recommend some great ones!
Factor in those “plus ones.” That means student’s friends may want to bring a few of their besties. Family members may well have kids to bring along, too. Make sure you can accommodate extras, and have little-kid-friendly food options.
Which day of the week?
The weekend of graduation will be packed with parties. You may want to opt for a few days earlier so more people will show up – (without graduation party fatigue).
Weekends get filled up quickly, so if you are leaning toward a Saturday or Sunday, choose the date early and send “save the date” e-vites.
Want to ramp the party up? Choose a Friday or Saturday evening for a bigger, more impactful party feel.
Want to keep things tamer? Sunday afternoons can be a little more low key.
The right venue for your group
Renting an outside venues can be a brilliant way to keep costs down and allowing for easy parking.
If you have a large backyard, absolutely consider renting a tent. Not only does this add instant class to a backyard event, but it also protects guests from the sun and provides a natural place to sit down and eat.
Backyard parties can mean neighborhood parking and complaints about noise. Let your neighbors know what’s being planned in advance. Better yet, invite all the neighbors. It’s the neighborly thing to do – and keeps the complaints down.
Need venue ideas? Ask us! We know a lot about places around town – probably a few that may not even be on your radar screen!
The food!!
Hand-held, easy to eat food is great for mid-day – especially in warmer weather.
Have options so that guests on diets or those with restrictions can all find something they like.
Be original. Ditch the brats and burgers for non-traditional and creative food choices.
Choose a caterer – and ask for options. You can ask for everything to be cooked, laid out and served… or pans of entrees delivered or picked up – and ready to go.
Having the food catered -- no matter how you decide to do it – can be a great way to cross a huge worry off your list. Just enjoy your guests!
Creative grad decor
Consider a fun, upbeat theme you can build music and décor around, building from the college or state the graduate will be headed, or if your graduate is taking a year to go abroad – wrap the theme around that.
Be sure to use the theme in everything from décor to food. You’ll make the event more interesting and tie things neatly together.
Start putting together memory boards for your student, finding theme décor, and creating invitations. (Send those out about a month in advance).
Have your student set up the play list. Or hire a DJ.
Make sure you have a sound system that works for your venue -- Many outdoor venues have restrictions when it comes to music levels, and when boisterous music and partying needs to come to a close. (Especially important if your yard is your venue!)
and just in case..
Know where the party will go in case of rain. Have a designated driver on hand. Make sure you have emergency numbers loaded on your phone. Have a first aid kit nearby. Know which of your guests has medical experience.
The best parties are well planned, with no surprises from food to venue – to music – right up to the very end.
We’d love to help make a memorable party happen for your graduate. Let's talk!
