Graduation party rentals in Milwaukee, Madison, Chicago, and Green Bay.
Are you or someone you know graduating from college this year? Like high school graduations, college graduations are a huge milestone that deserves a celebration.
Some choose to host a smaller graduation party at home to cut back on expenses. Others choose to host a graduation party at a venue that offers graduation party rentals.
Whatever option you choose, we all know how stressful party planning can be. Therefore, it's important to know how to host a graduation party the right way.
Keep reading this article to learn 6 tips for planning a college graduation party.
1. Determine Your Budget
Determining your budget should be the first step before hosting anything. Do you want the graduation party to be a small, intimate get-together? Or would you rather opt for something more big and extravagant?
Once you determine a price range you wish to spend on the graduation you can plan the rest of the party accordingly.
Remember that the more people you plan to invite the higher the budget. So if there are a lot of friends and family you intend to invite, consider raising your budget. Likewise, you can cut back on people and lower your budget.
While determining your budget, you can decide whether or not you wish to host the party at home or an event venue.
2. Find Graduation Party Rentals
If you choose to host the graduation party at an event venue, it's important to pick a party rental that's within your budget. It should also hold the number of guests you intend to invite.
Remember, an event venue does not necessarily have to be fancy and expensive. Many will choose to host their event venue at a park or a simple restaurant.
However, if you're looking to go big, a banquet hall is wonderful for hosting any large event.
Be sure to keep in mind the weather of where you are located as well. If you're worried about heat or rain, many venues should provide a tent, tables, chairs, etc for your guests if the party is hosted outdoors. A frame tent is one type of popular outdoor tent that you may request.
3. Invite Your Guests
So, you've determined your budget and found your event venue. Now, it's time to send out those invites.
Before sending out your invites, think about who you really want to attend the party. Don't feel obligated to invite every single person on the graduate's contacts list. Try to only invite the people you truly want to attend and keep the amount within your budget.
You could opt to mail tangible invitations or email your guests with a digital invitation.
Whatever you choose, be sure to send out your invitations at your earliest convenience and provide a deadline for your guests to RSVP. This will prevent scheduling conflicts with your guests and ensure you know ahead of time how many people will be attending.
Graduation tent rentals in Milwaukee and Madison Wisconsin.
4. Create a Party Theme
Any great party needs a unique theme and there are tons of graduation party ideas to choose from! This involves decorations, specific color schemes, etc.
Typically for graduation parties, people like to show off their college or university's colors and mascot. For example, if the graduate's school's colors were blue and orange, you may choose to have blue tablecloths with orange balloons, streamers, flowers, etc.
You also may wish to showcase photos of the graduate throughout their years at college and include any of their achievements and special interests.
Be sure to also advertise the class year of the graduate.
5. Provide Food and Drinks
Food and drinks will almost always be expected at any special event, so never let your guests go hungry. If you're hosting your event at home be sure to prepare a generous amount of food to fill each person.
If you're cooking, be sure to give your guests appetizers or hors d'oeuvres to munch on before the main course is ready and supply a dessert such as a graduation cake. You should also provide both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages for your guests.
If you don't wish to cook, an excellent alternative is to hire a caterer.
Now, if you're hosting your event at a restaurant or banquet hall, the venue will usually provide a three-course meal. If you have a large party and it's within your budget, you may choose to provide an open bar for your guests as well.
If anyone attending your event has any food allergies or dietary restrictions, be sure to let the restaurant know and ensure they have alternative options.
6. Entertainment and Activities
Your graduation party needs to have fun and engaging entertainment and activities for your guests. If the graduate and guests love to dance, finding a venue with a dance floor and a DJ or live music is a must.
Another popular activity to provide is a photo booth for the graduate and guests to take pictures throughout the night. Often these will come with props and selfie sticks to hold up featuring relevant slogans pertaining to graduation and the school year.
Cotton candy, snow cone, and popcorn machines are also super fun for guests, especially if children are attending the event.
You also may want to provide activities like karaoke, board games, inflatables, or yard activities like corn hole.
Start Planning Your Special Event
This guide taught you 6 helpful tips for planning a graduation celebration. So, if you know a soon-to-be graduate, be sure to give them an event they will always remember.
If you're planning on utilizing graduation party rentals for your graduate and are beginning the process of planning your party, Willie Fun Events has got you covered.
Contact us today to receive a quote!
