We’ve put together the following party-planning calendar that makes it easy for you to keep track of all the details. It’s your guide to what to do and when to do it in order to have a fun, stress-free graduation celebration.

4-6 Months Before Graduation

• Purchase your announcements, name cards, open house or party invitations, and thank you notes. Click here and enter your graduate's school information to see the stationery available
  at Jostens.
• Parents and graduates should talk about open house and party plans. Start making a list of friends, relatives, neighbors and business associates you would like to invite.
• Discuss the type of party you want. Consider co-hosting a party with friends or neighbors to save money.
• Consider a theme party. Click here to see our advice on choosing a theme & decorations.
• For additional party planning advice, order a copy of Graduation: Celebrate with Style! A Graduation Party Planning Guide.

3 Months Before Graduation

• Finalize your party plans and guest list.
• Set a date for your open house or party. Click here to see our advice on choosing a date.
• Reserve the park, restaurant or club party room. If you have decided to host the party at home, consider home improvements.
• Call for prices on tents, tables, chairs and linen rental if hosting the party in your home.
• Call for prices from caterers and food providers.
• Shop for open house/party decorations and necessities such as paper plates, napkins and balloons in your school colors. Get them early before supplies are low.

1-2 Months Before Graduation

• Start addressing announcements and open house or party invitations. Mail invitations to your party 3-4 weeks in advance.
• If you haven’t ordered them already, purchase thank you notes for all of the gifts you will receive.
• Check photo albums, scrapbooks and memory boxes for favorite photos and keepsakes. Assemble a personal collage to display at your open house. It’s fun to see how much you’ve changed over the years. Click here for advice on Graduate Tributes.
• Continue to work on party plans: theme, decorations, menu, etc.

1 Week Before Graduation Party

• Buy extra film and batteries for camera.
• Charge video camera and digital camera batteries.
• If hosting your party at home, clean house, decorate, grocery shop and start cooking. Click here to see our menu suggestions for cooking for a crowd.