Entertainment for Graduation Parties – Must include ShutterBooth Photo Booth

Graduation is HERE

Your baby is all grown up and about to graduate from high school. We know what you’re thinking, “Where did the time go?!” Just remember, graduation is an emotional time for everyone. For parents, this is the end of an era. The days of helping with homework, attending science fairs, taking prom pictures, and fighting about curfews will soon be over. We know it’s bittersweet, but don’t let yourself forget what an accomplishment this is for your son or daughter. They’ve worked hard for 12 years to get to this point, and they’ve made it! This is a major moment in your child’s life, one they’ll remember for the rest of their lives. It’s important to celebrate this triumph with the graduation party that they deserve. So, let’s get started!

Unlike their childhood birthday parties, this party is for a young adult. Treat your son or daughter as such and involve them in the planning process. After all, they’ll be out on their own soon, so this is a great opportunity to teach them a thing or two about budgeting… Once you figure out your budget, the rest of the pieces can fall into place and the whole event becomes a lot easier to plan.

Set the Date

Selecting a date and time is one of the most important things to get your Grad’s feedback on. Obviously your son or daughter won’t be the only one having a graduation party. Chances are, there will be lots of overlap and some people just won’t be able to attend. That’s okay. All you can do is try to pick a time that works for most people.  It’s also wise to avoid hosting your party the afternoon of graduation, as many students will be busy taking photos or having family celebrations and won’t be able to break away. While it may feel like some of the momentum has worn off, don’t be afraid to host your party in July (or August, for that matter, if you’d like to have a Graduation/Going-Away-to-College Party). Discuss these potential speed bumps with your Grad and let them make the final call – after all, this party is all about them! 

Venue & Decor

Many families host graduation parties in their own homes and backyards, or at local parks. The nice thing about having the party at your home is that you can plan for an outdoor party, but if weather isn’t on your side, you can always move the party indoors. Regardless of your venue, it’s a good idea to make sure that you have plenty of tables and chairs for your guests. Dress the tables with table cloths in your Grad’s school colors and top them with fun, graduation-themed centerpieces. Other popular decorations include Graduation-themed banners, streamers, and balloons.

Invite Guests

When it comes to the guest list, determine how big your Grad wants this party to be. If they’re looking to host a block party, don’t be shy! Invite the whole family, your Grad’s friends and families, their favorite teachers, the neighbors and their kids, and anyone else you’d like to have around. If you’re hosting a party with an extensive guest list, it’s not a bad idea to go Open House style. Open Houses encourage staggered arrivals and departures, which will keep the party fun with fresh faces without feeling over-crowded.

Food & Drink

As far as food is concerned, a barbecue is the usual go-to for grad parties. But, don’t be afraid to switch it up! Since people will most likely be mingling, it’s best to aim for finger foods or other little to no-mess snacks. Graduation parties are a great time to hire a Caterer to do the work for you, so that you can enjoy time with your family and not worry about replenishing the snack table. Add a celebratory touch to the festivities by booking a Bartender to serve up fun mocktails for the new high school graduates and adult beverages for the parents!

Entertainment

Graduation parties are all about letting the good times roll! While it’s important to leave some time for mixing and mingling, it’s also a great occasion for a DJ or a Cover Band to play all of popular songs from your Grad’s high school years. (You hate it now, but you’re going to miss their “music” when they go off to college!)

Give all the guests something to remember by having ShutterBooth provide the Photo Booth to create those lasting memories and the BEST ENTERTAINMENT!! Plus everyone with have great pictures to remember your party for months to come!

Great Party Booth

Great Party Booth

Thank You!

Guests will likely bring a gift for the new Grad. Make sure that someone keeps a log of who each gift is from, so that your Grad can send out individual thank you notes after the party is over. After all, they’ve got a dorm room to furnish and every bit helps! Gifts aside, encourage your Grad to thank each and every guest for coming and sharing this special moment with them.

Thank you to GigSalad.com for all this great information!