Party Planning: Graduation Style!

Make preliminary decisions.

The first step in planning a graduation party is making all of the initial decisions.

Many people consider the budget after they've done a lot of the planning, but this really should be one of the first steps. Once you've set a realistic budget you can decide the type of party you'd like such as a midday open house or evening cook-out.

Start putting together the guest list and decide on a venue.

Pick a theme.

The most popular graduation party theme involves using your school colors, along with decorative diplomas, mortar boards, etc.

If you want to step this up a notch in the area of creativity, choose a theme related to your upcoming career. That way everyone will know what your plans are now that you've graduated.

Plan the menu.

Many people stress over planning the menu but is really isn't that difficult. Typically finger foods combined with an assortment of salads and side dishes works well.

Having a variety of hot and cold dishes is nice, but if the task of keeping the hot foods hot will be tricky, sticking with cold or room temperature items is adequate.

Don't forget a selection of beverages such as soft drinks or punch.

Carefully consider the issues associated with serving alcohol. This will definitely increase your costs, you may run into party guests behaving badly and you could be held liable if anyone underage ends up drinking.

Send invitations.

You can always invite people to your party via word of mouth, but an actual invitation will make sure they remember the important details. There is no need to spend a lot of money or send anything really fancy unless you want to.

Aside from purchasing the basic invitation packets at card and party stores, you can do a quick Google search and find printable templates to make your own.

If your guests are computer savvy, you can also use Evite.com to send online invitations. Evite allows guests to RSVP with a quick reply, sends out party reminders and is an easy way for you to keep track of the guest list.

Prepare your lists.

The best way to make sure you don't forget anything important is to start making lists right away. Chances are you'll be adding to them all the while you're crossing items off.

You should have a shopping list, as well as a to-do list leading up to and during the actual party.

Anything that can be accomplished ahead of time should be such as assembling a memorabilia poster board, downloading music to play during the party, purchasing supplies, etc.

You'll feel less stressed if you know everything is written down and you don't have to keep track of it all in your head. Plus this makes it easier to delegate duties to those helping out.

Line up some help.

There is a lot of work to be done during the party to keep it running smoothly. You'll be too busy mingling with your guests and enjoying the party to worry about these tasks.

Enlist the help of others to handle refilling food dishes, restocking coolers, taking pictures, and cleaning up during the party. If you don't want to stick your family or friends with this consider hiring a few older kids from your neighborhood.

Confirm with vendors.

You don't want the big day to arrive just to find out there was a scheduling mix-up with any vendors you scheduled. Double-check dates, times and services requested to make sure everyone is on the same page.

Being ready on party day.

The day has arrived and there's much to do. Use your prepared to-do lists and start tackling the decorating, food preparations, etc. Don't forget to leave time to get cleaned up and enjoy a few moments of reflection.

You've worked hard and now is the time to pat yourself on the back and let others do the same.

Gift ideas for the graduate.

The purpose of your party is not to receive gifts, but if guests insist and ask for suggestions below are some useful gifts for graduates.

Gifts just for you:

• Books—You spent so much time the past few years reading for assignments, now you can resume reading for pleasure. Some of the latest best sellers or a gift card to the bookstore is a great way to get back into this.
• Diploma Display—Hey, you worked hard to get it. It should be displayed instead of tucked away in a box somewhere.
• Pampering Gifts—After all of the long nights and very little free time, an afternoon of being pampered is a great treat.
• Hobbies—You used to have hobbies before you got so busy pursuing a degree. Your schedule has eased up so it's a great opportunity to get back into these.

Gifts where you can share time with others:

• Movie Passes—You were probably too busy studying to watch many movies. Now is a great time to catch up on the latest on the big screen.
• Restaurant Gift Certificates—Everyone enjoys a night away from the kitchen to dine with family and friends.
• Vacation—You've been working hard to accomplish a big goal. A real vacation is a great way to enjoy some hard-earned time off.

Career focused gifts:

• Laptop—Your old computer may be just worn out after all of its use for school. A nice new laptop is a neat way to replace it.
• Briefcase—Toss out the backpack and welcome the briefcase. The professional "you" has arrived!
• Clothing Gift Card—Now is the time to spruce up your wardrobe with appropriate career clothing.
• Luggage and travel accessories—You may be traveling for job interviews or work. New luggage and travel accessories can come in handy.
• Résumé Writing Service—This is a helpful way to make sure your résumé stands out from the others.
• Planner—A new planner can help you stay organized in the next phase of life.
• Child care—Just because you're done with school doesn't mean your need for child care has stopped. With upcoming job interviews, an offer to help with child care is a great gift.