YAY it’s almost May! Flowers are in full bloom & graduations are in full swing.
First & foremost, we would like to congratulate the Class of 2019! We wish you the best of luck on your next chapter in life. If you are planning a party & are not completely sure where to start, we got you. Here are 10 tips to consider for planning an awesome Graduation Party.
1. Make a list, check it twice
Ok, so we know that it’s not Christmas, but the same rules still apply. Before you get completely overwhelmed with everything that you need to get done before commencement day, divide & conquer. Start by planning the bigger elements of the party first such as date, time, location, guest list, food, seating, entertainment, etc. After you make the major decisions, all of the nitty gritty details will begin to fall into place.
BONUS: It is so rewarding to check a big ticket item off of your list once it is completed. Talk about a motivator!
2. Plan your money honey
The very next step is to create a budget & stick to it. Now that you’ve made your list & know what you need to spend your money on, it’s time to figure out how much you want to allocate for each aspect of your event. This will differ from person to person based on preferences & priorities, but make sure that you are being realistic & not cutting too many corners on must-haves to ensure a smooth & successful event.
3. The calm before the storm
Now that the sun is finally out, a lot of people want to spend time outside to kick Summer off the right way. If your event will be outside, make sure that you look at the weather & plan accordingly. May can be notorious for unpredictable weather! It’s always a good idea to reserve a tent, even if it is a Plan B. If you don’t want to worry about weather changes at the last minute & risk losing your DIY decor that you spend countless hours on, we recommend booking a tent in advance. Plus, you will have shade for your party guests in case it is scorching hot. Talk about a win-win! If you are not sure what size tent you will need, give us a call & one of our experts can help you!
4. Avoid musical chairs
Make sure that you plan enough seating & tables for your guests. Know the demographic of your party guests & plan accordingly. Of course seating is first come first serve, but by having limited seating, you are running the risk of grandparents getting trampled for some table space. If you are limited on space & can’t fit the amount of tables & chairs that you need in your space, a good hack is to rent cocktails tables in lieu of the more traditional round or banquet tables. They take up far less space & still provide a surface for food & drinks for your guests while they mingle.
5. It’s all fun & games
It’s always a good idea to have a form of entertainment for your party. Music is a must-have & totally sets the tone for your party. If you want to play music from your phone or computer, we recommend renting some speakers that will allow everyone to hear. Cornhole is very popular & will keep the kiddos entertained for hours. Between the music & games, your friends & family of all ages are sure to have a great time!
6. Lite eats & sweet treats
An array of finger foods is always a great option. Sometimes you never know what kind of guests with food limitations will be in attendance. Having options will ensure that all of your guests are happy & able to eat. Finger foods are easier for your guests to eat while mingling, & you hopefully won’t need to spend all morning whipping up some food in the kitchen. Try to plan on having extra food if possible; no one wants to leave your party hungry. Sweets tend to go first, so make sure that you definitely get enough for your guests to be able to indulge.
7. Don’t stress about the mess
After spending so much time coordinating & setting up for your event, the very LAST thing that you’re going to want to do is clean up aftermath. You deserve a break! Luckily, if you rent your flatware, dishware, serving utensils, serving dishes, etc. from Idaho Tents & Events, you won’t need to lift a finger. We will gladly pick up your dirty items & clean them for you. Does it get any better?
8. We’ve got spirit, yes we do
Most people utilize decor that is the colors of the school that your grad is either graduating from OR about to attend. This is always super fun, festive, & easy. Adding in pops of school colors is simple to do with linens. Mix & match linens & alternate the colors on the tables for a more fun look. All that will be left to add is your personal touches.
9. Keep it simple
If you have turned to Pinterest for tips & ideas (let’s face it, who hasn’t?), don’t compare yourself to the professional designers & DIY experts. Pinterest is a great source to get inspo for your own party, but don’t bite off more than you can chew. Stick to what you know you can pull off & you are sure to impress your guests & avoid a Pinterest fail.
10. Sit back & relax!
Congrats, you did it! Planning a graduation party is no easy feat. Now that you’ve put in all the work, you are set up for success. Time to reap the benefits, celebrate your grad, & enjoy your time with your guests!
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