It's that time of year again, when friends and family pull out their cameras to get that first shot of their high school and/or college graduates. So why not congratulate them with a Graduation Party?
Planning a party of any caliber can be stressful, time consuming and expensive! But I’m here to assure you that, “It doesn’t have to be!” Here are my three steps that you MUST follow:
•Set a budget and stick to it, no matter how bad the urges are to add things at the last minute
•Set a theme and color scheme, let it be evident throughout the entire event
•Tap into your inner you and DIY! Make the local 99c Store, Party City, Target, Michaels and other craft stores your best friend
The first thing that you need to do is set the date and time for your event and determine how many people you want to invite. Figure out where you’re going to have your party. Don’t go for the expensive places like reserving a space at a restaurant or a catering hall. Keep it simple and affordable! There are many places that can be transformed into the ultimate party places. For instance, your backyard (free of charge but remember to contact your Home Owner’s Association for permission if necessary), a local park (it might cost as little as a trip down town and a park permit), a local community center/hall or even your church’s community space are all great inexpensive party venues.
After you’ve got your venue secured start sending out those party invitations! You should send them out just around the time of your loved one’s graduation. Therefore the invites will serve as a formal invitation to the party as well as an announcement of your loved one’s scholastic accomplishments.
In this day and age there are so many ways to send out an invite. You can do it the old fashion way and buy packs paper graduation invitations from the store or get on board with technology and utilize free options. You can create an electronic invitation using Evite.com or you can design your own invitation and simply email it to all your friends. However, if the invitation is the most important aspect of your party then you might want to allocate your budget accordingly. Remember, your invitation sets the tone for your event! It introduces your theme, color scheme, and makes the first impression. It can also help your guests decide just how formal or informal your event is. The invitation can potentially alleviate a guest showing up in jeans and a t-shirt as opposed to wearing slacks and a button-down shirt with a tie. Simply put, it eliminates mishaps like the former.
I have you thinking about it now, huh? You probably never thought about an invitation serving such a huge purpose before, until now! But relax, and have fun picking the best invite to match your theme and color scheme. Try looking for invites in the shape of the graduate cap or roll up the invite printed on a plain white paper and seal it with a ribbon to emulate a diploma. The ideas are endless! However, while you’re having fun with all the possibilities, don’t forget to include the directions or a map to the location of the event.
I have you thinking about it now, huh? You probably never thought about an invitation serving such a huge purpose before, until now! But relax, and have fun picking the best invite to match your theme and color scheme. Try looking for invites in the shape of the graduate cap or roll up the invite printed on a plain white paper and seal it with a ribbon to emulate a diploma. The ideas are endless! However, while you’re having fun with all the possibilities, don’t forget to include the directions or a map to the location of the event.
streamers, banners); your table décor (table cloth, centerpiece, napkins, cups, plates, utensils); and your focal piece (head table, cake). But always remember your budget, if you choose to go big on one thing, cut back on something else. If you choose to get cloth table
cloths
for a more elegant look (highly recommended if the event is held in doors) as opposed to plastic table cloths (suggested for outdoor events), then cut back on the allocated amount for your plates, napkins, cups etc. Pick those up at the 99c store or Family Dollar to save money. As for your centerpieces, there are many crafty ideas that are inexpensive. Instead of using vases, get some cardboard gift bags in your color scheme and use them as your vases. Insert a glass of water and place
your flowers in there. 
A gorgeous DIY idea! Here’s another good and affordable idea that can serve two purposes. It’s called wanderfuls and can be used as your centerpiece and then distributed as your party favors. 
A gorgeous DIY idea! Here’s another good and affordable idea that can serve two purposes. It’s called wanderfuls and can be used as your centerpiece and then distributed as your party favors. 
They come in all colors and themes and can be customized to your liking.
Your cake on the other hand can be a sheet cake from your local baker, a few dozen cupcakes 
(really popular right now) or even a great BJ’s cake customized from the bakery section. If the cake is one of your main expense then go for it, how does a three tier custom cake sound? 
Now that you are knee deep into this pool of water, ask yourself, how am I going to entertain my guests? Well, it all depends on the age group. But remember, keep it affordable! Utilize your iPod base and connect your iPod to DJ your event. Music always gets a party going! Pull out those group board games like Gestures, Taboo, Twister, Charades, Cranium, and Jeopardy to get a friendly competition going. If the party is for an elementary grad, you might want to purchase a piñata and maybe play musical chairs. Whatever you do, make sure it’s fun!
With all this event planning you must be starving! So what’s on the menu? For an event like this you’ll want to keep it light with inexpensive finger foods. Cheese and crackers, fruit
platters
, pigs-in-a-blanket, vegetable platters, mini beef patties, chicken wings, chicken fingers, mini burgers/sliders, 
just to name few. As for beverages, you want to make sure you have something for everyone. In other words, don’t just get soda! Your guests might prefer juice or even water. As for your college grads, you might want to include some cases of beer, wine coolers, margaritas etc.
Finally, the day is here is everything went well! How do you thank your guests? You guessed it, party favors! One of the most popular favors is candy because everyone has a sweet tooth. It can be candy or even chocolate but the presentation is what counts the most. It should somehow relate to your theme or match your color scheme. If candy is not really your thing, not to worry customized mints filled favors are very popular these days.
Or how about these cute candle favors?
Well you made it! Now was that easy or what? Or maybe not so much? Remember if it’s too overwhelming and time consuming or you’re just not tuning into your creative you, then you can always ask for expert assistance. An event planner can help you from start to finish and be present on event day to setup and breakdown as well as ensure that the day starts on time, runs smoothly and goes according to plan while you relax and actually enjoy your party! N’Chantment Events can assist you in all your needs!
N’Chantment Events presents Shining Star Graduation Party Design Canvas
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