The end of another school year is upon us and you’ve got one graduating this year. Congratulations! Since you are so proud of your senior, of course you want to celebrate their success at achieving an education.
Twelve years of working hard has come to this one ceremony and it should be celebrated. While there are many decisions to be made that your graduate can help with, there are a few questions that should be asked right away. Here are some questions you can ask your teenager about how he/she would like to celebrate this milestone in their lives:
Do you want to have a graduation party or a small family dinner?
Depending on your teen’s personality, they may not want to have too much attention given to their graduation. Perhaps a small family dinner out is more what your teen would like. The important point is that you ask him/her before you start planning. Remember, this is about their success, so even if you are a proud parent and want to shout it to the world, consider the type of party your graduate would like first.
Depending on your teen’s personality, they may not want to have too much attention given to their graduation. Perhaps a small family dinner out is more what your teen would like. The important point is that you ask him/her before you start planning. Remember, this is about their success, so even if you are a proud parent and want to shout it to the world, consider the type of party your graduate would like first.
Would you like a big party or a small party?
If your teen has chosen to have a party, there are many more questions that need answered. Discuss the options, pros and cons. Discuss a budget (or let them know of your budget for this party). If your teen desires, go and pick out balloons and decorations together as a way to bond before the party.
If your teen has chosen to have a party, there are many more questions that need answered. Discuss the options, pros and cons. Discuss a budget (or let them know of your budget for this party). If your teen desires, go and pick out balloons and decorations together as a way to bond before the party.
When is the party?
Picking the right date for your party will be a hard task to accomplish. You must remember that many other graduation parties will be going on as well. In order to accomplish getting the most people to attend, you will have to find out when the other parties will be held. Make phone calls to the people you want to attend to find out the best time to have yours.
Picking the right date for your party will be a hard task to accomplish. You must remember that many other graduation parties will be going on as well. In order to accomplish getting the most people to attend, you will have to find out when the other parties will be held. Make phone calls to the people you want to attend to find out the best time to have yours.
Who should we invite?
Getting your teen to make a list is important to your planning process and can be very hard to do. This is a busy time and your teen may feel that this can be decided later, and then later never comes. Explain to your senior that you need to know who he/she wants to invite before you can make party preparations. Plus, you need to be able to give ample notice to friends and family who are traveling to celebrate this epic day.
Getting your teen to make a list is important to your planning process and can be very hard to do. This is a busy time and your teen may feel that this can be decided later, and then later never comes. Explain to your senior that you need to know who he/she wants to invite before you can make party preparations. Plus, you need to be able to give ample notice to friends and family who are traveling to celebrate this epic day.
What should the theme be?
While the obvious theme of your party is going to be a graduation, there may be other elements to consider. What were the school's colors? Is it a medical school, Bible school or other particular field that would lend itself to the decorations? Is your event going to be formal or lighthearted? Has the graduate offered any suggestions? Once you have chosen a theme, you can then go on to choosing the decorations and refreshments. The decoration should reflect the student's achievements and the theme. You may want to make a display board of what the student has accomplished while in school. Just be sure to let the student know that this is your plan. Consider pictures through the years, but use caution with baby photos, as your young adult might find that embarrassing.
While the obvious theme of your party is going to be a graduation, there may be other elements to consider. What were the school's colors? Is it a medical school, Bible school or other particular field that would lend itself to the decorations? Is your event going to be formal or lighthearted? Has the graduate offered any suggestions? Once you have chosen a theme, you can then go on to choosing the decorations and refreshments. The decoration should reflect the student's achievements and the theme. You may want to make a display board of what the student has accomplished while in school. Just be sure to let the student know that this is your plan. Consider pictures through the years, but use caution with baby photos, as your young adult might find that embarrassing.
What type of menu should be served?Decide a menu of foods that will suit everyone and fit your theme. Ask your graduate for their input on what items their friends will eat as well as your teen’s favorite. Take into consideration all the people who will be attending. If it is a big party, finger foods such as sandwiches and cheese trays do well. This will also make it easier for your graduate to mingle with guests. Will you have cake? If so, make sure to order early and decide on a design for how you would like the cake to look. Most cake specialists will be able to help you choose the perfect design for your graduate’s big day.
Can we combine the party with your friend’s party?
To save money this is a viable option, but your teen should be in on this decision. Share the budget with your teen, think of different options and make this decision together. This question should be asked right away so you have an answer in case the friend's parents ask you, especially if the two graduates are inseparable. This may be their last big party together before going on to college. Plus, it’s easier on guests who know both graduates.
To save money this is a viable option, but your teen should be in on this decision. Share the budget with your teen, think of different options and make this decision together. This question should be asked right away so you have an answer in case the friend's parents ask you, especially if the two graduates are inseparable. This may be their last big party together before going on to college. Plus, it’s easier on guests who know both graduates.
Any party is a lot of work. Getting your teen involved will take some of the burden off of you and make things a lot easier. Don't get so caught up in the planning that you forget the reason you are having the party in the first place. Remember to keep your graduate as the main focus.
Don't forget to relax and enjoy the party that you worked so hard to put together and know that your graduate appreciates all you've done to make their day special.
