Tips for a Stress-Free Grad Party

Another senior class is getting ready to walk the commencement stage and that means it’s time to start planning those grad parties! Here’s a few tips for throwing a memorable, fun and stress-free event, right in your own back yard:

1. Plan Ahead.

Create a budget, set a date and send out your invitations early. While there’s nothing like receiving a beautifully designed printed invitation in the mail, we’ve embraced the convenience of digital invitations from an online resource like Paperless Post. They have a number of customizable party invitation templates, response tracking and you can even easily remind guests to RSVP from their app. 

Once your date has been set, create a budget and checklist of everything you'll need for this special event. You may even want to recruit a few trusted friends or family members, so you don’t have the stress of managing it all on your own.

2. Keep it Simple.

In this age of perfectly-staged Pinterest inspiration and Instagramable moments, it’s so tempting to go all out with party themes. Instead, we suggest focusing on these key party-planning practices:

• Decorate with a few potted plants or balloons and streamers in your school colors.

• Provide comfortable, shaded seating areas where guests can relax and socialize.

• Serve a variety of crowd-pleasing, easy-to-prepare dishes and set up a beverage station with a selection of non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks to suit everyone's tastes. Opt for disposable plates and utensils to minimize cleanup afterward.

• For entertainment, have the guest of honor create a personalized playlist, setup a few yard games and install outdoor lighting if the party will be extending into the evening.

Remember that keeping it simple will reduce stress and allow you to enjoy the celebration with your graduate, family and friends.

3. Have a Contingency Plan.

If there is one thing we’ve learned, it’s that we can’t control the weather. From excessive sunlight to an unexpected rain shower, a party tent will help guests to remain comfortable and dry during your event, regardless of the weather forecast.

If you would like to Rent-This-Tent for your summer event, we’d be happy to help! We are a family-owned and operated tent rental service. Our inventory includes tents for small-to-medium sized events as well as lights, side walls, tables and yard games.