How to Plan a Graduation Reception and Party
Whether it's the end of preschool or the completion of a doctorate program, graduations are a reason to celebrate. Honor a graduate in your life by hosting a graduation reception and party. This event will give friends, family members and colleagues from the graduate's life a place to gather and celebrate the achievement, as well as an opportunity to give their best wishes for the future. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Venue
- Invitations
- Tables
- Chairs
- Decorations
- Food
- Drinks
- Plates and cutlery
- Banner
- Memorabilia
Instructions
-
-
1
Select a date for the event. Many families choose to have the reception and party right after the graduation ceremony. However, because there will probably be a lot of graduation parties going on at that time, others opt to host the event a few days after the actual graduation. Talk to key guests who will want to attend, as well as the graduate, to select a date that will work best.
-
2
Find a venue to host the graduation reception and party. Many families of graduates choose to have the event at their home, although banquet halls, parks and restaurants will also work for this style of event. Ensure there will be enough seating for all the guests. If there isn't, rent the needed tables and chairs.
-
-
3
Create and send out invitations to guests. The reception and party can be whatever size you choose, ranging from just a few close family members to events including the entire neighborhood and extended family. When sending the invitations, make sure to tell guests when and where the party will be. If you're not inviting everyone to the graduation ceremony, make it clear in the invitation that this will be a reception and party only.
-
4
Choose decorations for your graduation party and reception. Use the graduate's school colors as inspiration and spread them around the venue in flower arrangements, bunches of balloons and streamers. Buy or make a banner that says congratulations to the graduate and hang it in a prominent spot. Also, share some memorabilia of the past to showcase how far the graduate has come. Hang pictures of the graduate from years past, display art pieces he has made through the years or arrange equipment from different sports he has played.
-
5
Prepare food and beverages for guests. This can be anything from homemade sandwiches and lemonade to catered meals from fancy restaurants. Decide if guests will be served by wait-staff or get their food buffet-style and set up tables appropriately. Provide plates and cutlery needed as well as trash cans for any waste.
-
6
Write a quick toast to say a few words about the graduate and celebrate the occasion. This doesn't have to be a long speech. Just jot down a few points about why you're proud of the graduate and give him well wishes for the future.
-
1
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images
