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.