Graduates deserve a wonderful party to celebrate their accomplishments.
Graduation is a great time in every person's life, whether they are a high school graduate or an older adult finishing a college degree. School graduations call for a celebration, and a well-planned school graduation party lets family members and friends give their congratulations. While the party should focus on the graduate, having the right menu and activities planned keeps the party from becoming boring. Does this Spark an idea?
Invitations
The most enduring symbol of graduation is the traditional cap and board, also known as a mortar board, that high school and college graduates wear during their ceremonies. The experts at Blue Whale Invitations recommend sending out invitations made from card stock that resemble these special hats, with the information written on one side of the flat mortar board section. Alternately, choose invitations with graphics of this graduation icon.
Decorations
Ballons, streamers and banners marked with congratulations are all appropriate decorations for a graduation party. If you've chosen a theme for your party, decorate accordingly. The experts at Jostens recommend displaying any trophies or awards the graduate earned during his academic career around the party. Print large photos of the graduate throughout his life and hang these for guests to admire as well. A large autograph card or book allows guests to sign their name and write a personal message that the graduate can keep to remind him of his special day.
Food
Graduation parties are generally more informal gatherings. If you are hosting a graduation dinner, consider hiring a caterer or visiting a favorite restaurant instead of cooking a three course meal yourself. Finger food and simple buffet dishes are the best choices for the graduation party menu, says Evite. This allows guests to mingle and spend time with the graduate instead of having to set a specific time for everyone to eat.
Co-Host Your Party
Unlike birthdays and other celebrations, almost no one graduates alone. To ease the burden of planning and preparing for a celebration, ask fellow graduates if they'd be interested in co-hosting a party. The Jostens website says that this helps defray the costs of a room rental, caterer and decorations. Both families will have to agree on the location and menu if they plan to co-host together.
Graduate Roast
This idea may not be appropriate for all graduates, but it can be an entertaining and funny party activity. A roast allows guests to heckle and tell embarrassing or funny stories about the graduate, according to Party411. Set a limit on each guest's time talking, and also explain what is inappropriate to talk about. Most roasts can get heated, but there's no reason that you can't include a friendly version of this celebration tradition in your party plans.
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