Below are a few of the most important aspects to tackle when planning a graduation party. While some may seem like common knowledge, a few of these tips include details often overlooked by parents, friends, and family who wish to give their graduates a spectacular day of celebration.

1. Pinpoint Your Attendance Size – Before choosing a venue or listing out catering options, your optimal first move is to solidify the number of guests attending the graduation party. In doing so, you’ll be able to choose a venue that accommodates that exact attendance size without the risk of inviting too many people and not having enough space or, on the contrary, spending too much for too large of a space. Ask your graduate to compile a guest list, and be sure to discuss how many guests are too many and vice versa.

2. Be Aware of How Many Weeks in Advance You Need to Book – Chances are, if you’re looking to book an FAU graduation party during the university’s spring commencement period, you need to book far ahead of time since most nearby venues will be hot spots for other grad parties. Most online guides recommend at least two to three months in advance for the best chance of finding the perfect location and date. You may need to call some places to ask how far ahead they recommend you book while you complete our next tip for planning a graduation party.

3. Look for an Accommodating Venue – Once you know how many guests will attend and have an idea of when you’d like to book the party, your next move is to start your search for the best-fitting venue. While doing so, there are many factors to remember, such as ease of transportation for your guests, overall accommodations, costs and fees, etc. Do you want a kitchen? Do you wish to cater the event through a third party and bring the food with you? These are all things to figure out before locking up a date. 

   Additionally, there are some lesser-known questions you may wish to consider when searching for a great venue. Do they allow you to bring your own decorations? Will other events or parties be happening at the same time? Do they accommodate guests with disabilities or who are handicapped? It really is in your best interest to consider every detail you can think of that may be relevant to your party’s success before solidifying your spot.

4. Decide on a Scrumptious Menu – Whether you wish to cater, utilize the venue’s menu if applicable, or bring an array of your own goods and groceries, an awesome grad party becomes even more awesome with a delicious lineup of food. Since food and drinks are paramount for celebrants, honing in on a desirable menu or spread can make a massive difference. Going for a classy party with a multiple-course meal? You can definitely benefit from planning out a formal menu ahead of time, which you can share with guests before the big day. Thinking more of a grab-and-go ordeal? At the very least, comprise a list of items you can expect to have. 

   You must also keep some specifics in mind when planning food and drinks. Consider allergies, cost-effectiveness, longevity (do you want shrimp sitting out for five hours?), courses and drinks, and having both adult and child beverages readily on hand. Will there be an open or closed bar? Are you going to need additional alcohol or juice boxes, or will your venue have enough to suffice? And finally, it’s always better to have too much food than too little. You can take extra food home or give some away to guests, but you wouldn’t want to make a grocery store run in the middle of the party if you run out.