Compile a guest list

It’s hard to do anything without a guest list. Does your graduate want to invite a small group or host a huge gathering? You need to finalize your guest list before you can really start planning the party.

Pick a theme or arrange some exciting activities

What kind of party are you going to throw? Is it a pool party or a backyard barbeque? Maybe it’s a normal party with a few fun to-dos like a photo wall, a snow cone stand or a popcorn cart. Figuring out activities or a theme is crucial to the next steps.

Pick a venue

Choose the appropriate venue depending on the size of the guest list and theme. If you need to rent a space, book the neighborhood pool or borrow a friend’s backyard, make the necessary arrangements. If you can host the party in your own home, fantastic!

Don’t forget to consider parking at this stage. This is particularly important if you’re hosting the party at your house. Make sure there is ample parking for the amount of people you invite.

Send invitations

Now that you’ve gotten most of the details ironed out, send invitations. It might be the digital age, but there’s nothing quite like a paper invitation. No matter which route you go, make sure to include all the necessary details (date, time, location, parking instructions) and have the feel of the invitation match the theme or activities you decided on.

Get the gear

There’s no going back once you’ve sent out invites, so start gathering all the essentials for the party! Beverage dispensers, cups, paper plates, napkins, tables, tablecloths, chairs, cotton candy machines and photo booths, oh my! Remember to make some phone calls and see what you can borrow before you buy.

Find the perfect playlist

You can’t have a party without music, but this one should be easy. Figure out what playlist your graduate loves to listen to and have it play the background at the party.

Prepare or order the required food & drink

You want all the food and beverage options to be fresh when guests arrive. Prepare as much as possible before the party (dips, fruit trays, etc), but hold off on things that may spoil or need to be fresh. We recommend having something catered to make life easier on you. A fajita bar or barbecue spread from a local restaurant is never a bad idea.

Enjoy the party

As guests filter in and the party gets going, soak it all in. Have people snag photos to make sure the memories last forever. This is a moment worth celebrating and a moment worth remembering.