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If you’ve never planned a party before it may seem like a big order to fill.
Don’t worry, though:
Because when you break it down into smaller parts it’s not so complicated. Take it one thing at a time and you’ll do fine.
Let’s go over the details of planning a graduation party and how far ahead to plan for each one.
❑ Choose a budget for your party.
❑ Pick a date and time.
❑ Decide how long you want the party to be.
❑ Choose a theme.
❑ Pick a location.
❑ Decide who you’ll be inviting.
❑ Book the venue if you’re having the party somewhere besides your home.
❑ Book rentals for any chairs or tables you may need.
❑ Book any entertainment you want there, such as a DJ or Band.
❑ Order the invitations to ensure they have plenty of time to arrive.
❑ Decide what kind of food and drinks you’ll have at the party.
❑ Pick out the decorations and make a shopping list for later.
❑ If you want a photographer at the event, book one now.
❑ Put in your order for the cake or any special desserts.
❑ If the guest list is fairly large you may want a caterer, now is the time to book one.
❑ Make hair and nail appointments for the big day.
❑ Send out the invitations.
❑ Confirm venue reservations.
❑ Confirm chair and table rentals.
❑ Confirm cake and caterer arrangements.
❑ Order thank you cards.
❑ Start buying decorations. Shopping early will make sure that you’re able to get everything you want.
❑ Place an order for flowers and balloons.
❑ Buy paper products (i.e. napkins, plates, etc.) and utensils.
❑ Create or order any custom signage for the party.
❑ Start putting together a slideshow or photobook of the graduate.
❑ Shop for graduation gifts.
❑ Come up with a general schedule for the party.
❑ Finalize a grocery list.
❑ Decide what you’ll do with your pet/s during the get together. Make arrangements if necessary.
❑ Find out who’s going to help with party setup and take down.
❑ Check your guest list and see who’s coming. Usually not everyone can make it which means you may not need as much food.
❑ Check the forecast for the day of the party.
❑ Pick up any last-minute decor.
❑ Create a music playlist.
❑ Shop for food and drinks.
❑ Wrap gifts.
❑ Check the forecast again. If your party is outside you may need to make adjustments.
❑ Clean your house and tidy up the yard.
❑ Make sure your camera is ready to go with a fully charged battery.
❑ Stock the bathroom with extra supplies to prepare for the influx of guests.
❑ Start decorating.
❑ Confirm chair and table rentals.
❑ Set up chairs and tables if possible.
❑ Prep food that can be made early.
❑ Confirm venue reservations if any.
❑ Confirm cake and caterer arrangements.
❑ Pick up the cake or desserts.
❑ Pick up the flowers and balloons.
❑ Pick up ice for coolers and/or drinks.
❑ Take your pet/s wherever they’re going to be during the party.
❑ Finish any remaining food prep.
❑ Chill the drinks in coolers or the fridge.
❑ Finish putting up decorations. Don’t forget to put the sign and balloons out front.
❑ Set out extra trash cans for guests.
❑ Take pictures and enjoy the celebration!
All those little details add up into a ton of things to remember.
That’s why I created a printable checklist. Now all that information is available in one location and it’s easy to see what there’s left to do.
There are two versions: one with hearts and one with simple check boxes. I thought that the hearts were pretty cute.
You can use this ultimate graduation party checklist for FREE.
I have a graduation party planning template that goes with it. You can use the worksheet to flesh out all your ideas.
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Get the printable PDF files right away by filling out the form below! Or head here to sign up for free access to the Ultimate Graduation Party Checklist.
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