It’s about that time, before the start of graduation season. However, it’s not too early to begin planning. In fact, I am sure if you have a child graduating from high school this year, you’ve already thought about it. Are you going to have a party? Planning a small family gathering or a large party with neighbors, friends and a band or DJ?  Whether you’re planning a small get-together or a large bash, its success is in the planning.

Preparing a guest list is a stepping stone and great guideline for many things. It helps when ordering a tent, tables, and chairs. Knowing how many invitations and thank-you notes as well as how many stamps for both is easier if you know how many guests are on your list. Then you have the food. How much food and drink should you order? This is probably the question I get asked most frequently.  In fact, ordering food for a grad party is not like ordering food for a typical party.  I like to think that with all the years of experience I have in the food industry, I can recommend an amount so that you do not over-order. Graduation may seem like a time of indulgence if you have a graduating senior, but the indulgence is often spread over several houses and families. With that in mind, depending on the menu, you can generally get away with ordering less than you would for a typical party.

Deciding on a date and time for your party may depend on where you would like to have it. Most facilities book up early, some almost a year in advance for graduation season. If you plan on having the party at home, you can definitely select a date and time that fits perfectly with your family’s schedule. When ordering your tent, tables and chairs, remember to order additional tables, so you can utilize them for gifts or additional food if needed.

The process is just beginning, and you now have the basis to think about invitations. Some of the photographers who take senior pictures are offering invitation options in their packages. If that is not something you are interested in, consider using some of the office supply places to help you put together beautiful, simple invitations. At some point you will need to set a realistic budget for this event. You can definitely get carried away with all the great ideas that others have done or even ideas you have found on Pinterest.

Following is a Party Planning Checklist to help you get started:

Contact our Party Planners!

Troy: Annette Mulcahy
(248) 879-9222

Clinton Twp.: Shelly
(586) 412-6000

St. Clair Shores: Chef Jimmy
(586) 778-3650