This post is all about what NOT to do at your graduation party.
Hey there, grads! 🎓 First off, congratulations on your amazing accomplishment! Whether you’re graduating from high school or college, it’s a milestone worth celebrating. Now, let’s talk about graduation parties. You want it to be memorable for all the right reasons, and as you know every party has dos and don’ts, so here’s a handy guide on what NOT to do at your graduation party. Plus, I’ll share tips on how to fix any party faux pas you might already be planning.
Let’s dive in!
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WHAT NOT TO DO AT YOUR GRADUATION PARTY:
1. Don’t Forget to Make a Guest List
Recreate this guest book look:
What Not to Do: Overlook the importance of a well-thought-out guest list.
It’s easy to overlook this basic step when you’re caught up in the graduation party planning. But having a rough guest list ahead of time is crucial for setting a party date, booking a venue, sending out invitations, and knowing how much party food and decor you’ll need.
Why It’s a Problem: You don’t want to miss inviting someone important or accidentally invite too many people for your space.
How to Fix It: Start planning ahead of time. Make a list of family, friends, and mentors who have supported you. Consider sending out digital invitations for easy tracking and RSVPs.
2. Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute
What Not to Do: Last minute planning is a reciepe for disaster.
Why It’s a Problem: You’ll get so stressed out, rushing around trying to get all your party supplies togther if you leave everything last minute.
How to Fix It: Start planning at least 1-2 months beforehand, if not earlier. Order the graduation supplies like plates, napkins, and decor well ahead of time to avoid stress and sell-outs closer to graduation season. Secure any rentals like tent and tables early too.
3. Don’t Ignore the Weather or Your Backyard
Recreate the outdoor table look:
What Not to Do: Plan an outdoor party without a backup plan.
Why It’s a Problem: Mother Nature can be unpredictable, and a sudden rainstorm could ruin everything.
How to Fix It: Rent a tent or have an indoor space ready just in case. This way, your party will go on, rain or shine!
If you’re hosting the graduation party at home, be sure to clean up the yard, set up outdoor seating, and consider backyard games like corn hole or giant jenga. You’ll want indoor and outdoor areas for guests to mingle.
4. Don’t Skimp on Food and Drinks
Recreate the graudation cap cake box look:
What Not to Do: Provide too little graduation party food or drinks.
There’s nothing worse than your graduation party running short on refreshments, especially if it’s an all-day event. Overestimate a bit when calculating how much food and beverages to have on hand. It’s better to have leftovers than hungry, thirsty guests!
Why It’s a Problem: Hungry guests are unhappy guests. You want everyone to enjoy the party food and drinks.
How to Fix It: Consider having it catered (if possible) if it will be a large group or plan easy, filling options like a taco bar or hot dogs. Don’t forget to include vegetarian and gluten-free options to accommodate everyone.
5. Don’t Forget to Personalize & Capture Memories
Recreate the graduation banner look:
What Not to Do: Have a generic party without any personal touches.
Why It’s a Problem: Your graduation party should reflect your personality and achievements.
How to Fix It: Set up a photo booth area with fun graduation props like graduation caps, banners, and picture frames. , or have a guest book for everyone to sign. Or hire a photographer to get great candid shots. You’ll cherish having quality photos from this major celebration. A guestbook for signatures and messages is another great keepsake. These little details make the party memorable.
6. Don’t Overdo it on the Sweet Treats
Recreate this graduation cake topper idea:
What Not to Do: Having more sugary treats that you do proper food.
By all means, have a dessert table full of cupcakes or candy bar. But balance it out with savory foods too.
Why It’s a Problem: No one wants to attend an all-sugar graduation party! People need actual food to sustain themselves and give them energy to continue partying.
How to Fix It: Great savoury options include a taco or nacho bar, veggie trays, sandwiches or sliders.
7. Don’t Overlook Decorations
Recreate this outdoor lantern candle look:
What Not to Do: Ignore the importance of decorations.
Why It’s a Problem: Decorations set the mood and make your party festive.
How to Fix It: Choose a fun theme that reflects your style. Pinterest has great graduation party ideas! Think balloons, banners, and a rustic candy bar for a sweet touch.
Related Article: 31 Epic College Graduation Party Ideas For Him To Celebrate in Style!
8. Don’t Forget Simple Decor
What Not to Do: Sometimes simple party decor really is best.
Graduation balloon arches, banners, and directional signs instantly put guests in a celebratory mood when they arrive. But you don’t have to go overboard
Why It’s a Problem: Nobody wants to look at weird or complicated decorations that’s difficult to setup to begin with. Sometimes simplicity is more stylish and affordable for a one-day party.
How to Fix It: Hit up the dollar store or shop on Amazon for basics like tablecloths and streamers.
9. Don’t Overspend on the Graduation Party
What Not to Do: Don’t spend too much money on one night of fun.
I know you want to throw the best graduation party ever, but please listen to these tips for planning it the best do. Don’t splurge! save your money. You’ll have just as much fun with store bought decor, food, and taking pics on your phone, rather than splurging on fancy decor, expensive food, and professional photographer etc.
Why It’s a Problem: The graduation party is only for a night. You don’t want to waste your money or put yourself in debt just to fund one night of celebration.
How to Fix It: Make a list of all the things you’ll need so that when you get to the store or when you’re ready to buy the items you’ll have a rough idea how much it will cost you and where you;ll need to make some cuts.
10. Don’t Forget a Schedule
What Not to Do: Have an unorganized party with no structure.
Why It’s a Problem: Guests might not know what’s happening or when.
How to Fix It: Plan a loose schedule. For instance, when guests walk in, they can take selfies at the photo booth, then enjoy food, followed by speeches or a dance floor session.
11. Don’t Single Out Your Graduate Too Much
What Not to Do: Embarrass the graduate at their own graduation celebration.
Why It’s a Problem: The last thing they’ll want is for their friends to know any embarrassing stories or secrets about them exposed at their own graduation party. If they are really shy, then the attention may be too much for them and spoil their big party. Let your graduate enjoy the day without being in the spotlight the whole time.
How to Fix It: Skip the embarrassing slideshow of baby pictures or cheesy #Graduatingfrom prompts. Instead share photos of your favorite memories with them and opt for more photos of their time at school hanging with their friends and family that supports them.
12. Don’t Neglect Entertainment
Recreate the karaoke entertainment look:
What Not to Do: Have a party with nothing for guests to do.
Why It’s a Problem: Bored guests will leave early.
How to Fix It: Set up games, a photo booth, or a small dance floor. A DIY tutorial station for making grad caps or memory jars also makes a great keepsake.
13. Don’t Neglect Seating
Recreate the foldable chair look:
What Not to Do: Not have any or enough seating for the old folks.
While an open house with mingling works for some graduation parties, you’ll also want ample tables and chairs for guests to relax, especially the older crowd.
Why It’s a Problem: People get tired, especially when standing on their feet for a long period of time. You don’t want that being the lame reason people leave your party.
Personally, I know when I’m attending parties I tend to head to find somewhere to site down. If there is no place for me to sit, then I’ll leave and go sit at home.
How to Fix It: Borrowing folding tables and chairs can be a smart way to ensure enough seating.
14. Don’t Forget Thank You Notes
Recreate this thank you note idea:
What Not to Do: Forget to thank your guests.
Why It’s a Problem: It’s important to show gratitude for their support and gifts.
How to Fix It: Have thank you cards ready or plan a digital thank you note to send after the party. It’s a small gesture that means a lot, a let your guests know how much you appreciated them being there and celebrating with you and the entire family.
Related Article: 37 Heartfelt Ways to Congratulate College Graduates This Year
15. Don’t Ignore Social Media
What Not to Do: Overlook the power of social media for your party.
Why It’s a Problem: You want to share your special day with those who couldn’t attend.
How to Fix It: Create a unique hashtag for your graduation party. Encourage guests to post their photos with the hashtag so you can see everyone’s posts.
16. Don’t Stress Out
What Not to Do: Worry too much about everything being perfect.
With all the graduation party planning, it’s easy to get frazzled and burnt out by the time the event rolls around. Take a step back and remember that the most important thing is celebrating this milestone with loved ones.
Why It’s a Problem: You won’t enjoy your own party or that of the grad you’re celebrating!
How to Fix It: Remember, the goal is to celebrate your achievement and have fun with your loved ones. Delegate tasks to friends or hire a planner if it’s a large group. Take the time to enjoy the moment. Enlist help from family and try not to sweat the small stuff. After all, you want to actually enjoy this special day too!
Final Thoughts on What NOT to Do at Your Graduation Party
Graduation is a huge milestone, and your party should reflect that. Avoid these common pitfalls and you’ll be well on your way to hosting a memorable graduation party. Start planning early, stay organized, and most importantly, have fun! You’ve earned it. 🎉
Check back to my blog every week for more content to help you level up your life.
What’s your top piece of advice for planning a graduation party? Drop a comment below! Let’s celebrate your graduate together! 🎓✨
This post was all about the things NOT to do at your graduation party.
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