Pomp and Circumstance - Welcome To Graduation

Before long, an entire generation of young people will be wearing robes, crossing stages and smiling for a camera.  Graduation, whether it be kindergarten, high school or college, will be here before too long.  Graduation is a momentous occasion, a milestone in the road to independent adulthood.  It should be celebrated, as the past is bid goodbye and the future is welcomed with open arms. 

Decide what kind of a gala to plan.  Will it be a simple gathering of family?  Will it include close friends as well?  Or, will it be a huge affair, with a plethora of school friends, neighbors, family and others?  By first determining the size of the guest list, the rest of the decisions will fall easier into place.

Next determine a date and time for the event.  Graduation parties can be held anytime just before the ceremony and even weeks afterward.  Plan early enough in advance to give guests time to set any travel plans.  If it appears that several parties are being planned in the same time frame, consider changing the format.  A brunch, an open house, or even creating a progressive party can insure that everyone has a good time and no one feels like a decision must be made to attend one party over another.  Weekends usually work well if the invitation list will include out-of-town guests or those with full-time work schedules.  If the guest list is primarily peers of the honoree, work with appropriate schedules to find a time to best fit the majority of possible guests.

Next, determine the location of the party.  If it is in a private home, many of the arrangements can be made informally as far as decoration and food.  If it is a larger event, a larger space is usually in order.  Many people choose to host outdoor events for graduation parties since the events are typically held in May or June, but consider the weather and have a back up plan in place.  If the party warrants a facility rental, book it well enough in advance to secure adequate time for setting up and cleaning up.

One area to note with the older graduate is a policy on alcohol.  If the attendees are of age and may legally drink, create a policy to foster responsible drinking and designated drivers.  Allow for sufficient supervision to insure that no one is put in harm’s way, and provide courtesy rides or cab service if necessary.  A host shoulders the responsibility of the actions of the guests when serving alcohol, so be sure to do whatever possible to provide a safe and fun environment.  If the party is for a younger graduation, such as high school, remember that underage drinking is prosecutable against the host.

Graduation is certainly a momentous occasion and a rite of passage into the next stage of life.  Celebrating the occasion should be exciting, memorable and fun.

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