Finally, finals are over! Time to have some summer fun. This
means…graduation parties! But what if your fiesta ends up causing more stress
than studying? Relax. GL has the perfect tips to make your party accident-free
and fabulous. Read on, chica…
How to get the word
out
Put some time into the invites and go all out! Sure, a
Facebook invite or a mass text is an easy way to announce your party, but why
not go old school? Get some cute stationary, a school directory (yep, you’ll
have to find everyone’s address) and plenty of stamps. Your classy invites will
get you and your guests and way excited for the p-tay. Keep one invite for
yourself, so you can scrapbook it at the end of the summer.
Who to invite
Alright…we covered HOW to invite, but what about who? Guest
lists can get way dramatic. If you want something cozy and personal, invite
only your closest friends and keep it on the DL. If you’re going for something
bigger, try your best not to leave anyone out. If your ‘rents are okay with it,
why not extend the invite to your whole grade? It’s likely a lot won’t be able
to come, but they’ll still appreciate you thinking about them. If your house is
def not big enough for a whole grade bash, just make sure you include everyone
who has invited you to their grad party.
What to wear
Your outfit can seem like the most important decision of
all! You want to look super cute. Our favorite ensemble for grad parties is definitely
a sundress. They’re easy going and perfect for summer. As for shoes, make sure
your toes are comfy. You’ll be walking around and mingling the whole night.
Wedges are always great, but a pair of flat sandals are a cute, smart choice,
too, and might be easier on your tootsies.
What to do
All your guests will be eager to catch up with each other
for the first hour or so. When that gets boring, try a fun, nostalgic game
called “Who Knows School Best?” Put
questions in a hat (as many as you can think of) and have everyone pick one
out. Try, “Which water fountain has the coolest water?” or “Who taught history
in sixth grade?” Everyone will be excited to reminisce. Whoever comes up with
the best answers gets first pick at dessert.
What to eat
BBQ is a summer party favorite. For desert, get your bake on! Decorate a sheet
cake or cookie cake with a congratulatory note to all the grads at your party.
Our top pick idea for personalization? Use frosting to sketch out a doodle of a
yearbook, and include some cute messages. We recommend lemonade to quench your
guests’ thirst. Make up a simple pitcher full, then up the fun by adding raspberries
and strawberries.
How to say thank-you
A good hostess never
forgets to say thank you—it’s the golden rule of throwing parties. Like the
invitations, go old school for the thank-yous. Hand-write a card to everyone
who came, brought a gift or helped out. Your gratefulness will mean a lot to
them.
BY MARISA DUNN ON 6/17/2012 12:00:00 AM
POSTED IN school, end-of-the-year fun, party ideas, summer parties, backyard BBQ how-to, how to throw a killer party