Planning a Graduation Party
Graduation season is upon us! No matter whether you’re celebrating a high school or college graduate, consult the Iroquois Club’s graduation party planning timeline.
4-6 Months Before
Ask your grad how they want their milestone event to be celebrated, and let that guide your preparations and theme.
Establish your party budget to steer your planning.
Pick a date prior to, the week of or after the graduation ceremony. Be mindful that summer is a popular time for graduations and weddings, so book in advance to get your ideal date.
Reserve a venue, such as The Iroquois Club, or plan to host the event at home.
Compile a guest list consisting of family, friends and others who have had an impact on the honoree’s life.
Hire entertainment and secure rentals, such as chairs, photo booths, DJs and cotton candy machines.
Order invitations and thank you cards. If your graduate had professional photos taken, this is a great opportunity to use them!
4 Weeks Before
Now that the month of the event has arrived, it’s time to dive into the nitty-gritty.
Finalize your guest list and mail out invitations.
Make a Facebook Event so guests can receive updates, if necessary, and post photos or memories of the graduate.
Choose a menu for the event including food and drinks or compile a grocery list for an at-home celebration.
For specialty desserts, including cakes, cookies or cupcakes, place your order as soon as you have a rough estimate of the number of attendees.
Select a theme and gather decoration and centerpieces. Consider a theme of the guest of honor’s choosing or use the colors from the school they are graduating from or planning to attend.
Order any customized or personalized items such as cups, napkins, plates, balloons, banners, party favors and photo books.
2 Weeks Before
The home stretch is here! Begin last-minute preparations to avoid stress the week of the event.
Put together photos of the graduate’s experiences using photo boards, a slideshow or frame a few graduation photos.
Gather trophies, awards and their diploma to put on display.
Create a playlist to give to DJ or to use with a Bluetooth speaker.
Purchase or construct a guest book for party goers to sign.
Buy decorations like balloons and table cloths.
Choose games for guests to play during the party.
Put together centerpieces and map out where decorations will be placed.
Assemble party favors.
Week of Event
It’s the week of the event! Finish small details and enjoy the party!
Confirm with vendors (or let our event planning experts at the Iroquois Club do the legwork for you!).
Let the venue know your final guest count.
Pick up any necessary rentals or food items.
Set up decorations and food (if the venue is not providing) the day of the event.