Caps Off to You, Graduate! Tips for Hosting a Successful Graduation Party

Caps Off to You, Graduate! Tips for Hosting a Successful Graduation Party

Celebrating a graduation is a BIG deal and a momentous occasion! Family and friends gather together to celebrate and make memories, oftentimes as a “send off” for the graduate before they embark on a new adventure. Planning ahead is crucial so that you’re able to enjoy the festivities stress-free the day of. You’ll thank yourself if you start planning earlier rather than later, and trust us, it’s never too early to start considering the following:

1. Think carefully about the date

• Although May and June are the most popular months to host graduation parties, those are the two busiest months and you’ll likely encounter a lot of conflicts with your party date. Consider hosting in July (think fourth of July graduation party!) or in early August before school starts up again to ensure most of your guests will be able to make it.

  
  

2. Provide some forms of entertainment

• Many graduation parties are held outside, so it’s easy to provide some fun outdoor games. Giant jenga, cornhole, jumbo twister are some party favorites. Consider renting these games from an event rental company so you don’t have to worry about how to store them after your event is over. 

• Aside from games, a photo booth is a fan favorite and would be a fun addition to any graduation party. Deck it out with graduation themed props and backdrops.

• A karaoke machine is another way to provide entertainment and bring the energy to your party.

  
  

3. Think about the weather

• Have a backup plan in case of rain… after all, we’re talking about Northeast Ohio where the weather can be quite unpredictable. A tent will not only add peace of mind that your event can go on as planned rain or shine, but it also allows you to entertain more guests. With a tent, you can increase the usable space of an outdoor venue, which in turn gives you the opportunity to invite more guests to your event. Find an event rental company that offers a tent and chairs and you’ll be all set.

  
  

4. Pick the right food and drinks

• If you’re doing a backyard graduation party and want to keep things casual, an easy (and cost-effective) food plan could include barbeque or picnic foods. Many times, family members bring young children to the party and it’s easy to provide kid-friendly meals if you go the more casual route of BBQ and picnic foods. Oh, and don’t forget the snacks and desserts, of course. Guests love to munch on snacks throughout the party and desserts can be taken home as a party favor. You could consider a cookie bar or candy bar with treat bags for guests to fill with their favorite goodies.

• If you have the budget, a party caterer could provide all of the snacks, food and desserts you would need for the day and you’d save yourself a lot of time and preparation work.

  
  

5. Celebrate your grad’s accomplishments

• Consider printing some of your favorite photos of the graduate throughout the years and creating a simple poster board so your guests can take a walk down memory lane with you. If you are crafty and enjoy scrapbooking, creating a scrapbook for guests to look through would be a nice added touch. You could also create a simple photo album that doesn’t require all of the time (and money!) that scrapbooking does. 

• Having “advice” cards for guests to fill out is a nice way for those in attendance to share words of wisdom. Your graduate will appreciate the collection of cards from their closest family and friends. Those cards will become a cherished possession that they can continue to look back on throughout the next journey in their life.

Our team of professionals would love to help you with the big day. Cleveland Party Rentals can provide tents and chairs, backyard games, photo booths and more. Contact us today if you are ready to plan with us.