1. Make a list of attendees in an Excel spreadsheet. Include name, address, city, state, zip, and whether or not they’re attending, so everything is in one location. This makes it easy to make mailing labels.
2. Start looking at Invitation ideas. Personalize your invitations with HS senior pictures and activity photos. Look online for ideas at Shutterfly, Vistaprint, Target, WalMart, and Walgreens. These are all places you can upload photos and customize with your specific time & date at very reasonable prices.
3. Look for venues in which to host your party. Think about your garage, backyard, church, community center, or bank. If you decide to have the party at your house, there are a few important things to consider. Do you need to rent a tent if it rains? Do you have time to clean the garage?
4. Find out where you can get ahold of tables and chairs. Check with neighbors, churches, or party rental services in your area.
5. Think about your table decorations, tableware, glasses, and tablecloths.
6. Beverages -- what are you going to serve? How much will you need?
7. Food -- are you going to cater or do it yourself? Are you going to serve munchies and snacks, or are you going to have a full meal with a buffet line? Will you be serving cake? These might be good things to include on your invitations.
8. Start scrapbooking or make photo books, so you can have something awesome on the graduation table for people to look through other than the diploma.
9. Once it’s all over, have your graduate send out thank you notes in a timely manner. They can either be personalized (which I prefer) or you can order through the same company or store as your invitations.
10. Keep track of gifts that you receive and who gave them to you; this enables you to keep track of thank-you notes that you’ll need to write after the party.
11. Have fun and enjoy the day!
Cindy - ICAN Hiawatha Center
