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Graduation Party Checklist

By sarah,

March 8, 2013
Planning a graduation party and not sure where to start? We can help! Our graduation party checklist will take you through every step to make sure you don’t forget a thing.
updated grad checklist

6 MONTHS TO 6 WEEKS BEFORE PARTY

  • Make your guest list – don’t forget the parents of your grad’s friends, neighbors, coaches, mentors, and extra special teachers.
  • Choose the location – keep in mind that at least half your guests will be teens (and you probably won’t know how many, until they show up).
  • Set a date and time – try to avoid conflicts with close friends’ parties or your grad may be begging to leave his own party.
  • Set the theme – it might be based on a favorite food, school colors, or an activity.
  • Start collecting photos and memorabilia for party decorations – make digital copies of photos so you can use them in lots of ways.
  • Decide on a menu and book caterer if using one – does your senior have a favorite food or restaurant?
  • Order graduation party invitations – just enough for the adults on your list. (Check out our mini graduation announcements for classmates.)
  • Order coordinating thank you cards and address labels, and stock up on stamps.

6 WEEKS TO 3 WEEKS BEFORE PARTY
Graduation Party Checklist #peartreegreetings Graduation Party Checklist #peartreegreetings

  • Mail graduation invitations to out-of-town guests 6 weeks before party – reserve hotel rooms, if needed.
  • Mail invitations to local guests 3 weeks before party.
  • Purchase non-perishable items (soda, water, paper plates) as you see them on sale.
  • Confirm menu.
  • Arrange for friends to help on the day of the party.
  • Rent or borrow tent, tables & chairs, chafing dishes if needed.
  • Make or buy graduation party decorations – table decor, custom yard signs and personalized napkins add color and fun.
  • Work on your photo display with our graduation posters.

WEEK OF THE PARTY

  • Clean house and yard (if you’re having party at home).
  • Have your grad hand out mini graduation announcements at school.
  • Finish decorations and/or photo display.
  • Begin food prep.
  • Make sure you have enough serving dishes and coolers for iced drinks.
  • Set up tent and pick up tables & chairs.
  • Designate a table or place for guests to set gifts, with a basket or box for cards.
  • Start cooking (or confirm details with caterer).
  • Talk to your grad about what you expect from them at the party.

DAY OF THE PARTY

  • Put drinks on ice.
  • Decorate tables.
  • Put food out as guests arrive.
  • Have your helpers replenish food and drinks so you can talk to guests.
  • Relax & enjoy.

Shop graduation party decorations!

Tagged:Graduation Announcements & InvitationsGraduation Mini AnnouncementsGraduation Party ChecklistGraduation Party Decorations

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11 thoughts on “Graduation Party Checklist”

  1. Pingback: Graduation Party Checklist - Graduation Party Checklist: Make Guest List & Pick Location | Pear Salad a blog by Pear Tree Greetings

  2. Pingback: Graduation Party Checklist - Graduation Party Checklist: Set the Date | Pear Salad a blog by Pear Tree Greetings

  3. Pingback: Graduation Ideas - Stick ‘em up! Graduation photo magnets | Pear Salad a blog by Pear Tree Greetings

  4. Pingback: Graduation Party Checklist - Graduation Party Checklist: Set the Date and Order Invitations | Pear Salad a blog by Pear Tree Greetings

  5. Pingback: Graduation Party Checklist - Graduation Party Checklist: Theme and Decorations | Pear Salad a blog by Pear Tree Greetings

  6. christmas decorations says:
    April 16, 2013 at 2:04 am

    Good blog post. I certainly appreciate this site. Keep it
    up!

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  7. Pingback: Graduation Food Ideas - Graduation Party Checklist: Food Ideas | Pear Salad a blog by Pear Tree Greetings

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    July 13, 2013 at 4:04 pm

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  10. Valentin says:
    May 22, 2015 at 4:53 am

    Hello my friend! I wish to say that this article
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  11. James Borst says:
    November 11, 2019 at 7:27 pm

    My wife is graduating with her Masters in a couple of months and I’ve considered throwing a party for her. It is interesting that you recommend booking a location and the catering six weeks to six months out. I may also consider getting her a graduation sash or something that she can wear.

    Reply

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