Graduation Parties

Celebrating a graduate's accomplishments is a great reason to throw a party. Be it kindergarten, 6th grade, high school or college you always want to start with the basics: Creating the Essence of the Party. This step is the most important and will help you to develop the real heart and purpose of the party. It should be done before you start ANY party.

Ask yourself the who/what/when/where/why/how of your event.
Who. . .
Do you want to invite? Size of group? Mixed group or already friendly? Mixed ages? Does the guest list make your graduate "feel good?" (Yes - there is therapy involved in Party Planning!)

What. . .
Do you want to accomplish - ( Real thought-out words: I want my child to feel surrounded by love, I want to throw a fun party kids will enjoy, etc.) What do you want your party guests to be doing at this party (if they don't know each other and you want everyone to mingle and stay for hours you need to think nametags, fun activity, ways to break for strangers. If there will be a significant number of young kids at the party - think bouncy house or setup games or crafts.)

When. . .
Date/Time/Weather considerations, prep time

Where. . .
Do you want to have the event. Consider the obvious (home, restaurant, park, rental facility) and then think outside the box. Keep in mind "what" you want to accomplish and "who" you are inviting.

Why. . .
Are you this hosting event (I want my child to feel special, I want to celebrate with other families of graduates, etc.)

How. . .
Much money do you have to spend? How can you get help in pulling this off (other family members, your best friend, joining in with a couple other Moms for a joint graduation party, hire a caterer, etc.)

As you spend time answering these issues you can keep going back and checking if they all fit together. (You may feel you need to reciprocate an invite to your office friends - but if they don't fit into what your purpose is for your graduate - then invite the office gang over another night for a barbecue party.)

And always keep in mind the personality and the preferences of the special guest of honor - Your Graduate! If your child is embarrassed by the idea of a luau and her Uncle Bob coming in a flowered shirt - skip the sale items at the local party store and celebrate her style.)

I've developed some fun Open House Graduation ideas at PartyOriginals.com. Hope they help! I'd loved to hear what you've got planned!

Happy Spring -
Barb
PS - I'm always available to answer simple party questions or to help with larger needs through my online consulting at PartyOriginals.com!