Party Ideas for a Graduation Luncheon
There are numerous party themes for a graduation luncheon. The chosen theme is very dependent on budget and what the interests are of the person who is graduating. You might want to ask the future graduate what his preference is for a graduation party in terms of theme and food, or you could keep the party a surprise and work with the graduate's friends and family to plan the graduation luncheon.
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Ideas and Inspiration
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Collect ideas on different themes, menus and decorations by reviewing publications such as Martha Stewart Entertaining or party planning books by famous celebrity party planners such as Colin Cowie and David Tutera. These publications provide valuable inspiration on color themes, gifts, flowers and menu ideas. Visit your public library or bookstore to peruse other magazines and books that focus on parties and entertaining. Collect ideas in a binder along with contact information and clippings of pictures that inspire you.
Luncheon Locations
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Pick a location for your graduation luncheon that fits your budget and theme. You can select the graduate's favorite restaurant or rent an available Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) hall if you are on a budget. For a more exotic luncheon location, you could rent out a private space at the local zoo or get a permit for a picnic luncheon on the beach if you live near the coast. A backyard is always the perfect choice for a graduation luncheon for someone on a budget.
Alma Mater Theme
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Select the future graduate's school colors as the color theme for your luncheon. Most schools have two colors in their school logos. You could even visit the school store for props such as school flags and posters to use at the luncheon location. Some caterers may be able to incorporate the school colors into the menu. If the school colors are red and white, the menu and cake could revolve around the colors. Get the school logo copied in color for the caterer so he can paint the school logo onto the graduation cake. Hang red beaded curtains at the entrance for drama. Red Christmas lights strewn around the room or the landscaping enhance the red-and-white theme. Use streamers in red and white along with matching tablecloths. Blow up the school logo onto legal size paper to use as place mats.
Profession Theme
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Use the future profession of the graduate as the central theme. If the graduate's major was art, expand upon the artist theme to make a creative graduation luncheon. Long paintbrushes can be placed in clear vases instead of flowers. Canvas palates can serve as place mats. Use paper tablecloths and leave crayons or drawing pencils at each place setting so the invitees can draw on the table. Have the baker replicate the style of art the future graduate prefers. If she is into sculpture, have the baker create Rodin's "The Thinker."
Menu Ideas
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Choose from either a buffet, sit-down or barbecue luncheon for the graduation party. Buffet luncheons tend to be more casual, while sit-down luncheons lend a more formal atmosphere. For a family-style graduation luncheon, hold a backyard barbecue. Be sure to rent tents in case the weather is wet for that day. Buffet luncheons are best held at a catering hall or large restaurant because of space limitations. Sit-down luncheons may be best thrown in restaurants or large catering event spaces.
Keep the menu simple but varied to accommodate people's tastes. Not everyone eats meat, so consider a vegetarian meal option. Many graduation luncheons have a large cake to be sliced in front of all the guests instead of individual desserts. But if individual desserts is more your style, another option is to have a dessert table where people can select their own desserts along with a slice of cake.
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