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How to Plan a Graduation Party

 

Graduating from high school is certainly something to celebrate.  Still, parents are role models who guide their children in the right direction, thus it’s best to resist succumbing to the excitement of the moment.  Naturally, parents are proud of their child’s accomplishments, so clouded judgment is common.  

Since imminent adulthood is now a reality, it is even more important to stay vigilant as good parental guides.  Understanding how to behave like an adult, and how to be a good host, is an invaluable skill for your child’s social toolbelt.  Use the graduation party as a teaching tool.  

Budget and Planning

A good party begins with planning.  Involve the child in the planning and inviting, beginning with a budget and a guest-list limit.  Be realistic and candid about monetary limitations—a great life lesson. 

Inviting

Besides your child’s dear friends, must-invite guests are all those who have been close to her/him.  However, the party should not dissolve into just another teen bash, as it’s best to focus on thanking those who have played a part of the child's life. 

How to Host

A good host provides guests with refreshments.  Simple fare is fine but should reflect the formality and time of day of the event.  If hosting during a time when a meal is expected, one should be provided.   Planning a simple menu that can be prepared by parent and child is perfect for the informal affair. 

Beware of the alcohol aspect.  If alcoholic beverages are served to adult guests, be diligent about children’s access to it.  Discuss the legal and liability aspects with the child. 

Hosts visit and sharing time with each guest.  Parents should practice basic meeting and greeting, introducing others, and shaking hands while maintaining good eye contact beforehand by simple role-playing with the graduate.  This is also great practice for the working world. 

Gifts

Gifts should not be a focus and never expected.  Consider the more positive message when the focus shifts from graduating, sharing, being a good host, and moving forward toward a bright future, to attempting to garner the most gifts possible—especially cash.  The message is not pretty, isn’t it? 

The lesson would then shift to “Host a party honoring yourself so you can grab some great gifts!”  Do we really want our children to feel that the world owes them and that expecting gifts is appropriate behavior?  I would hope not. 

Besides, a graduation party isn’t a mandatory gift-giving event, nor do we register.  Please prepare the child for the eventuality of not receiving any gifts.  Guests are not obligated to give anything except their congratulations. 

If the graduate receives gifts, please ensure your child handwrites thank you notes immediately. 

Please Read

Graduation Party Etiquette 101

Graduation Party Tips for Four Families

Got Etiquette Advice? (Party Planning)

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