Graduation is a time where a person arrives at the end of a milestone in educational development. It is often a time where a person must leave their friends and family in pursuit of a career or of more schooling. It is a very special time for both the graduate, and the family of the graduate. Coming up with graduation party ideas can seem like a daunting task at first, but with a little research and planning, it can go very smoothly.
College Graduation Party Ideas vs. High School Graduation Party Ideas
College graduation parties tend to be slightly more formal; often the graduate is older and more mature, and the activities can be focused towards an older crowd. One example of this is the presence of alcohol. When considering your graduation party ideas, keep in mind that it is a crime to serve alcohol to underage persons. Without strict rules, the host of a high-school graduation party could be liable if anyone under the age of 21 is served, especially if any accidents were to happen. At a college graduation, this is not as severe of a concern, as most of the guests will be over the age of 21.
General Graduation Party Ideas
Many traditional graduation party ideas include a slide show of pictures, highlighting the life and experiences of the graduate. It is nice to look back on times and see how far they have come in life. A scrapbook of these pictures or a CD with the pictures on it can be given to the graduate as a present to remember.
Celebrating Greek Life can also be a great way to start or finish a college career. A toga party gives a relaxed atmosphere and opens up the conversation to talk of Fraternities and Sororities. Many families have long-standing traditions within a specific Fraternity or Sorority. It is a great way to bring friends and family together.
Cost can be a big factor when preparing a high school graduation party. If the parents are paying for college, they might be reluctant to shell out a bunch of money for a party. On the flip side, with a college graduation, parents may be relieved that they no longer are paying tuition, and may spend more extravagantly now that a financial burden has been lifted.
Either way, it is important to establish a budget for the events, food, decorations, venue, invitations, and gifts that will be used at the party.
Planning and Executing Your Graduation Party Ideas
Be sure to plan ahead, choosing a venue and getting a guest list with RSVPs. Discounts can be received if a venue is booked well in advance, or changes can be made if an unexpected number of guests decides to accept the invitation. Some venues have a maximum number of people who can fit due to fire-codes, be sure to find out this information beforehand. Pool parties and house parties are great graduation party ideas, and they bring people together. You can play horseshoes, corn hole, volleyball, have sack races or even diving contests. Having a DJ creates a good atmosphere and opens up the floor for dancing and talk of music. Keep in mind this could be a varying expense, depending on who you contact.
Some other graduation party ideas include incorporating school colors into the cake and decorations, creating a City or University theme of where the graduate will be heading, having a Bar-B-Que, or even a quiet dinner with close friends and family. The latter gives the opportunity to talk and share stories in a more intimate setting.
Don’t forget to rent as many chairs and tables as could be needed, and to verify the location with a caterer beforehand.
Congratulations and best of luck to you and your Graduate!