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Choosing a Date
"When?" is your first major commitment
There are a number of factors to consider when picking the date for your graduation party. The following list will help guide you through the pitfalls of a very busy celebration season and pick a party date that works for you, your family and your friends.
- What date works best for your family? Keep in mind your preparations and pick a date that works for your schedule.
- What works best for your relatives?
- Are some of your out-of-town guests bringing their school-age children? When does school get out for them?
- When are the graduation ceremony and other events? In many towns, the graduates celebrate with a “lock- in” all night party immediately following the ceremony.
- What about other events? There may be several events that you may not even be aware of that may conflict with your date. For example, the end-of-the-year school team/club banquets are usually not scheduled far ahead of time. Check the school district calendar first. The graduate can call their coaches and teacher advisors for information on “unscheduled” events. Area churches may organize a Baccalaureate service (a non-denominational service). And, of course, in the month of June, there are also weddings competing for your guests’ time, as well as that of the rental and catering services.
- May or June? Keep in mind that weekends in June are very busy and that a lot of people will be having graduation parties on the same weekend as the graduation ceremony. Consider having your party before the graduation in May. People are excited to attend, and are not exhausted from going to so many parties. You also have a much better chance with caterers and rental companies if you plan a celebration in May instead of June. However, look out for Memorial Day and Mother’s Day.
- What time of day? When you think about the date, decide if you would like to celebrate in the morning, the middle of the day, or the evening. If you want good attendance, be different. Morning brunch parties usually have less competition.
As soon as you’ve picked your date, let out-of-town family and friends know so they can plan a trip. A postcard or phone call will do. Follow up with a formal invitation closer to the date.
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