Pomp and Circumstance - Planning The Big Event
Once the basic “plan” for the party set, it is time to start looking at themes. By determining the theme up front, many of the decisions regarding decor and supplies will be predetermined.
Determine the formality of your event. Will the party be a formal affair? For older graduates, this could be an elegant choice, or it could be a fun-filled one as well, as guests could be encouraged to recycle their formal attire for the evening. Or, perhaps a more casual theme would be better. A beach theme or flip-flop theme will encourage guests to dress comfortably and casually, relaxing and having a good time as goodbyes are said. A brunch or luncheon is another good idea, and the theme can go either way (formal or informal) for either of these choices.
Encourage guests to participate in the given theme. If the party is to be a luau theme, provide guests with leis when they arrive and decorate accordingly. Guests may dress in a tropical theme, and everything from the invitations to the table decorations can reflect the tropical feel of the event. Or, honor the “rising star” guest of honor with a star-studded theme.
Another idea for a graduation party is an Open House. This is a more casual affair; guests typically come and go during a set period of time.
Try building the party around future plans for the graduate. If the honoree will be relocating, perhaps that region could be worked into the theme. For instance, if the graduate is going to be attending a specific college, work the mascot and colors of the school into the theme. Or, if it is a college graduate, center the theme around the honoree’s next course of action (i.e. a “teacher” party, an “animal” (for a vet) party, or a “doctor” party). For young children, focus the theme around their interests (animals, dinosaurs, cars, sports).
After the theme has been determined, take a look at the budget for the event and MAKE SURE YOU HAVE ONE. Some things to consider when setting a budget: invitations, paperware, food/catering, decorations, location rental if needed, photography, entertainment, equipment rental, thank yous and postage. Setting an amount for items such as these will prepare the host for the event and set some parameters for the party.
