Choosing A Date
Picking a date for your graduation party is your first major decision. Check your personal calendar and the school calendar for important end-of-the-year school functions. Although you may not be involved, some of the people you want to invite might be.
There will be several events that you may not even know about that could conflict with your date. For example, end-of-the-year school team/club banquets. Call your coaches and teacher advisors for information on “unscheduled” events.
Warning ... Weekends in June are very busy. A lot of people will be having graduation parties on the same weekend as the graduation ceremony. In fact this is one of the reasons we decided to write our book. We want to encourage parents to spread out their graduation parties. So everyone can attend more parties!
Don't forget to check with neighbors, too. You don’t want to have a graduation party at the same time as a neighbor. Parking could be a problem!
There will be several events that you may not even know about that could conflict with your date. For example, end-of-the-year school team/club banquets. Call your coaches and teacher advisors for information on “unscheduled” events.
Warning ... Weekends in June are very busy. A lot of people will be having graduation parties on the same weekend as the graduation ceremony. In fact this is one of the reasons we decided to write our book. We want to encourage parents to spread out their graduation parties. So everyone can attend more parties!
Don't forget to check with neighbors, too. You don’t want to have a graduation party at the same time as a neighbor. Parking could be a problem!
Time of Day
When you think about the date, also think about if you want to celebrate in the morning, the middle of the day, or the evening. Again we encourage you to be different.
We recommend a three-hour window for your celebration. Two hours is kind of short and four hours can be long.
We recommend a three-hour window for your celebration. Two hours is kind of short and four hours can be long.
Out of town guests?
Will some of your out-of-town guests want to bring their school-age children? When does school get out for them?
As soon as you’ve picked your date, let out-of-town family and friends know so they can plan a trip. Some people send "Save the Date" cards or fridge magnets but a phone call, email or postcard works just as well. You'll want to follow up with a printed invitation closer to the date.
As soon as you’ve picked your date, let out-of-town family and friends know so they can plan a trip. Some people send "Save the Date" cards or fridge magnets but a phone call, email or postcard works just as well. You'll want to follow up with a printed invitation closer to the date.
Want a great turn out?
We strongly recommend having your party before graduation. People are excited to attend the open houses and are not exhausted from going to so many. You will also have better luck with caterers and rental companies if you plan your party in May instead of June. However, look out for Memorial Day and our favorite, Mother’s Day! The parties that are held in May, before Memorial Day, usually get the best turn-out.
Does your school organize a Baccalaureate service (a nondenominational service)? If so, hosting your party immediately following this service is a great choice. People who attend the service are especially grateful to have a chance to visit with old friends.
Does your school organize a Baccalaureate service (a nondenominational service)? If so, hosting your party immediately following this service is a great choice. People who attend the service are especially grateful to have a chance to visit with old friends.
Grad Party Tip: Think twice about planning any optional family trips or vacations around this time. You don't want to miss out on other fun parties and activities!
Want a great turn out?
Shhh ... no one needs to know this but ... a great way to save money is to schedule your party on the busiest day for other parties. Most of your guests will not be hungry so you'll be able to cut down on the amount of food and drinks you need to serve.
Money Saving Tip: Schedule your party on the busiest day for other parties. Most of your guests will not be hungry.