GRADUATION PARTY PLANNING CHECKLIST

www.GraduationPartyPlanner.com

Page 1 of 4

6 MONTHS OR MORE BEFORE THE GRADUATION PARTY:

_____choose a place and book it (home, outside, restaurant, recreational facility)

_____choose a date (same day as graduation ceremony, weekday, weekend)

_____choose a time

_____send save the date cards after you pick a date

_____decide on how long you want the graduation party – 2 hours or all evening

_____decide on how big of a graduation party; how many guests to invite

_____decide if you want to combine graduation party with another friend/relative

_____start making an invitation list (you can start with your holiday list)

_____look for pictures to make a photo board and slideshow

_____start collecting memorabilia (certificates, awards, newspaper clippings)

_____start assembling scrapbooks and photo boards

_____look for songs to add to the graduation slideshow

_____decide on what type of food

_____contact caterers

_____get house repairs done

_____decide how much you want to spend; set a budget

_____decide if you want music or a band

www.GraduationPartyPlanner.com

GRADUATION PARTY PLANNING CHECKLIST

Page 2 of 4

6–8 WEEKS BEFORE THE PARTY:

_____start purchasing food & beverages, water, pop, liquor, beer

_____purchase decorations and other supplies

_____purchase paper plates, plastic silverware, napkins

_____rent tables, chairs, tents, linens

_____order invitations

_____order or make directional cards

_____make a hotel list for out of town guests

_____decide who to invite to graduation party and graduation ceremony

_____finish guest list and addresses

_____ask a friend to help

_____pick out music – iPod

_____order thank you notes

_____buy stamps

_____buy return address labels

_____buy cards and gifts for your graduate and friends

_____find a place for your pet

_____finish scrapbooks and photo boards

3-4 WEEKS BEFORE THE PARTY:

_____mail invitations

_____if you want an RSVP, include your phone number and email address

www.GraduationPartyPlanner.com

GRADUATION PARTY PLANNING CHECKLIST

Page 3 of 4

_____order cake

_____clean house

_____get lawn ready

_____find party outfit for you

WEEK OF THE PARTY:

_____order flowers to pick up the day of

_____make sure camera is ready; buy extra batteries

_____shop for last minute supplies

_____gather crock pots, coolers and supplies to get ready

_____instruct helpers

_____pick up food and beverages

_____wrap gifts for your graduate and friends

_____confirm delivery of rental equipment

_____talk to your graduate about your expectations during the party

_____ask friend if they will take pictures throughout the party so that you can visit

1 DAY PRIOR:

_____decorate

_____set up tables for decorations

_____start getting coolers ready

_____sweep the front entryway, driveway and garage, if you are using it

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GRADUATION PARTY PLANNING CHECKLIST

Page 4 of 4

DAY OF THE PARTY:

_____pick up cake

_____pick up flowers

_____pick up balloons

_____get ice

_____get coolers ready

_____hang balloons outside

_____put sign outside

_____hang banner outside

_____take your pet to a friend/kennel

_____set out trash and recycling boxes

_____set up tables and chairs

_____give your graduate a big hug and let the celebration begin

_____take pictures of everyone as they come in the door with the graduate

AFTER THE PARTY:

_____clean up – have plenty of large trash bags

_____pay caterer and rentals

_____send thank you cards within 2 weeks

_____collect photos and save in photo album for good memories