Organize-It Blog

A graduation should be a fun celebration, not a stress-filled event that you can’t wait to get behind you.  Follow these steps to reduce your stress and ensure a fun-filled party:

• Set a Budget – Determine how much you are willing and able to spend.  By setting this budget up front, it will make the decision-making easier as you go.
• Make a Guest List – Determine who you will invite.
• Set the Date – Do you want to have the party on the same day as the graduation or a different day?
• Choose a location – Consider factors such as weather, space, number of guests, and convenience when choosing a location.  If you are hosting, think about a tent, tables and chairs.
• Plan the Menu – Are you going to make the food yourself of have it catered?  If you are doing it yourself, try to choose as many things as possible that can be made ahead of time.  You don’t want to spend the entire party in the kitchen!
• Plan the Decorations – Are you going to order balloons to match the school colors or a separate theme?  Matching plates, napkins, silverware, etc.?  How about a banner?  Another fun idea is a photo board that shows photos through the years.  It can be school photos from each year or activity based (band, sports, etc.)
  
• Solicit Help! – Don’t try to do everything by yourself…again, you don’t want to miss the party.  Solicit help for serving, taking pictures, picking up the cake or balloons, or anything else you can think of.  Trade with a friend and offer to help them out at their party.
• Purchase and send out invitations
• Purchase decorations, food and cake

Lastly, don’t forget to HAVE FUN!!!  By spending time up front planning and organizing your party, you will reduce your stress and make this special event much more enjoyable.

– Donna Lindley, Certified Professional Organizer and owner of Rochester Hills, MI-based Organize Your World, Inc.

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