Co-hosting a Grad Party for more than one Graduate

​Does your graduate have friends or relatives who are also graduating? Perhaps two or three families could get together and host one large party. Joint parties take some coordinating, but sharing in the shopping, food preparation and expenses will likely be worth the effort.
 
But before you commit to co-hosting, discuss the following key things with the other parents and make sure you have consensus:
  • General budget ideas ($300 - $500 per family?)
  • Location options
  • Date and time
  • How many people will each family invite and who will organize the invitation production. If one family invites more guests will they pay more?
  • Menu - general idea of what to serve
  • Beverages – serve non-alcoholic beverages only?
​Once you agree on a general plan, keep the following tips in mind:
  • Communication is key
  • Divvy up the responsibilities and put them in writing. Who's good at what?
  • Invitation lists: Will each grad invite the same number of guests? Common friends vs family specific? Each family should be responsible for mailing their own invitations, but each will need to commit to a number of invites for the order.
  • Just kids? Or are neighbors and family welcome?
  • Will you create one joint invitation or will you have separate invitations? If joint, who will design it? Will you use photos of the graduates?
  • Purchasing decisions: Do your research and get back together to make decisions, or agree to a limit.
  • Avoid last minute additions of expensive food or entertainment. This is when arguments often occur!
  • Treat graduates equally - same cake, same amount of space for tribute boards, photographs, etc.
  • Share the workload, unless one parent wants to do more of the shopping or preparations.
  • Discuss behavior with kids ahead of time - when they are expected to help with set up and clean up, how to greet their guests, what to wear, etc.
  • All families should help with picking up things, set up, and clean up.
  • Organize meeting dates & times to keep the ball rolling.
  • Get together to make photo albums, boards or videos.