High School Graduation: Things to Consider

Graduation season is almost upon us! High school graduation is a major lifetime milestone that many families celebrate, and just as it is with any party, the key to this one is planning! When you think about your upcoming graduation party, certain questions come to mind that you need to answer before you can get started. Given that your kid is 17 or 18 years old, definitely discuss the details with him or her early on so that you can plan ahead.

Important questions to discuss and decide include:

1. Will we host a graduation party?
2. If so, will it be a large party or a small gathering of close family and friends?
3. Who is on our invitation list? (Be prepared: your graduate may change his or her mind several times.)
4. What is our party budget?
5. Do we want to host the party outdoors? If so, what sort of back-up plan will we have in case of rain?
6. What is a date and time that would work well for our party? (This can often be very tricky given that everyone else in your kid’s class is also graduating and planning parties. If your graduate wants to include his or her friends at the party, you may really need input to pick a date/time that does not overlap with others.)
7. Do we want to host a graduation party that is a general gathering, or do you want a particular theme? (There are some fun themes you could use for the party, including a roast of the graduate or a party based on Dr. Seuss’s Oh the Places You’ll Go. You certainly can be creative and have a thematic graduation party!)
8. From here, you will determine the invitations, decorations, party menu, and any thematic activities.

Give yourself plenty of time to plan this event, at least six to eight weeks.