by Linda Ann Nickerson

Created on: June 02, 2009   Last Updated: June 03, 2009

Great Graduation Celebration: 5 Steps to Success

Graduations offer super celebratory occasions. Hosting graduation parties can be challenging, as graduates, friends and family members often have many events to attend during the same time period. However, you can keep it simple and host a super graduation celebration, if you follow these five steps to success.

Great Graduation Celebration: Determine a Date

Traditionally, family members and friends gathered to celebrate a loved one's graduation on the actual day or evening of the commencement ceremony. In recent years, though, this has changed.

Many graduates desire to attend parties hosted by their classmates, and they do not wish to compete for the same guests on the same graduation party date.

As a result, these young adults often choose to have their parties on any of the weekends following the actual graduation itself. For example, a student graduating from school in late May or early June might even have a graduation party celebration in July. Why not?

If you are hosting a graduation party celebration, you will want to set the date as soon as possible, particularly if you must reserve a party location or even a tent and folding chairs for your own backyard.

Great Graduation Celebration: Pick a Place

Although restaurants, clubs and banquet halls may be traditional locations for graduation party celebrations, many alternatives are available. With a little creativity, you can host a great graduation celebration in a unique (and often more economical) site. Why not make it a picnic in a park, a barbeque on the beach or a family supper on the farm?

Of course, the venue you select for your graduation party celebration may be largely determined by the number of guests you might expect at your event.

Great Graduation Celebration: Choose Your Guests

Each graduate and his or her family must determine how many guests will be invited to their graduation party celebration. Several factors may influence this decision, such as family size, the graduate's own circle of friends and the party budget.

Will you choose to invite the entire senior class? Will you include only a small circle of friends? Do you need to invite a parent's coworkers or professional colleagues? Or might you decide to host a small graduation party celebration for the immediate family only?

Many families opt for casual open houses for graduation parties. Guests are invited to drop in for simple appetizers and graduation cake or a light buffet.

In any case, you will want to mail your graduation party invitations at least two weeks ahead of the event date. Graduation season is extremely busy, as folks attend commencements, school-end picnics, spring weddings and other events.

Great Graduation Celebration: Make a Menu

Your graduation celebration menu will, of course, depend largely upon the size and format of the party you choose to host. From basic barbeques to complex catered affairs, graduation parties differ greatly.

The common denominator among all graduation party celebrations seems to be a classic congratulatory cake, which usually bears the graduate's name. Some bakeries even imprint personal graduation photographs on such cakes.

Great Graduation Celebration: Enjoy the Day

The primary secret to graduation party success is this: keep the celebration as simple as possible, so you may also enjoy the event. With a few graduation balloons, streamers, signs and flowers, you can quickly transform your location into a commencement celebration. Place the food out for service, grab a camera and have fun at the party.

Celebrate your graduate with a great graduation celebration.

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