Can yall believe spring is almost here? That means graduation season will be here before we know it! Have you been tasked to plan a graduation party for a loved one? We're here to help with our list of 7 tips for planning a graduation party!

Determine Your Budget for the Party

Start by making a party planning list of things you know you need to do. The sooner you start planning your event, the better. Weekends in the spring and graduation season fill up quickly in Charleston.

First things first, figure out your budget. You can’t really do anything until you know how much money you have to spend on the event and how much everything costs. This will also help you figure out how many people you'll be able to invite.

Secure Your Graduation Party Location

Now that you've got a budget, you can start to nail down the details! Figuring out the guest list and location go hand in hand, but you must ensure you have a place for your event.

Having a ballpark number of guests you intend to invite will help you determine how big of an event location you'll need, whether at your home or another venue.

Suppose you're having the event at your home and/or backyard; awesome! If you plan on having it somewhere else, start calling different venues, restaurants, rooms, or other party locations you've brainstormed. Before you can send out invitations, securing the place is a must.

Finalize Your Guest List

Once you have an idea of the initial number of people you'll invite and you've secured a location, it's time to finalize your guest list and get your invitations out so people have enough time to plan. As we all know, spring and summer are crazy busy in the Lowcountry, and people's schedules start to fill up quickly!

Remember, you don't have to send out paper invitations when it comes to invites. There's nothing wrong with sending out a beautiful evite or paperless post. I love a good paper invitation, but in this digital age, sending out, following up and RSVP'ing to an invitation can be done at the touch of a button.

Plus, the money you save on sending electronic invitations can pay for something else for the party.

Invites are done! Check that off the list!

Pick a Grad Party Theme

Having a party theme isn't necessary, but at the very least, it's a good thing to consider if you want a color pattern, decorations, or a certain vibe.

Get Your Event Rentals for Your Graduation Party

Now for the fun stuff (if we do say so ourselves)! Unless you have a stockpile of linens, tables, chairs, tents and other items, you'll need to secure your event rentals. And we're here to help!

Tent Rentals

Setting up a tent at an event is an easy way to take any party up a notch. Even if you didn't decorate or do anything else to the tent, having one can make any party feel incredible. We've got tents of all sizes for you to choose one.

If you opt for a backyard graduation party at your house, we can easily put a tent in your backyard, plus it keeps the traffic flowing out of your home and into the backyard. And, if it rains, everyone will still be comfortable and dry under our event tents.

Table Rentals

Most guests prefer to sit while they eat. I love round tables at parties because it allows you to see and chat with everyone around the table, and it's an excellent way to have everyone involved and included in the conversation.

Cocktail tables are great to have for people to gather around while mingling with other guests casually.

Rectangle tables are a must for your food and drink stations, making it easier to access the food for your guests and caterers (or whoever is helping with the food).

And, of course, they're the perfect shape to put images of the graduate from early school to now, memorabilia, awards, and anything else to help the event be special.

Chair Rentals

You've got to have some chairs for people to be able to sit and eat and for people to be comfortable. Our wide selection of chair rentals has anything you can think of. From padded to folding to kids' tables and chairs, we've got something you'll l love!

Linen Rentals

Linens are the perfect way to add color and personality to any event! Even if you don't have a color theme, adding a pop of color is an easy way to complete your look.

Plus, no laundering for you! Just put the rental linens back in the bag we bring, and we'll do the rest. It makes things easier for you!

Specialty Items

Our specialty items are another simple way to add a little something extra to any special occasion. From cotton candy machines to popcorn machines, we have something to give your event a little extra touch.

And remember, we have heaters, too. It usually starts to get warmer in the spring months, but you never know about the weather sometimes. Our portable heaters ensure people stay warm if need be.

Decide on Food and Drink

Next, it's time to decide whether to handle the food and drink yourself or have it catered. Either way, plan early on what you'd like to have so you're prepared on the day of the big celebration. And don't go it alone! Ask family members or friends if they can lend a hand a few days or the day before. Most people will be happy to help on such a special day!

Other Graduation Party Tips that Go a Long Way

Music

Having live music or having a great playlist made beforehand is another way to set the party's tone. Fun, lively, and light-hearted music goes a long way at any event!

Give Neighbors a Heads Up

If you plan on throwing the graduation party at your house, give your neighbors a heads up - more cars on the street and it might be a little noisier than usual. Of course, keep things from getting out of hand. The last thing you want is frustrated neighbors because your party was too loud or lasted into the night.

Photobooth Props and Photobooth

Everyone loves a good photobooth and props. You can easily do this by making some or buying a few simple things that make a photobooth fun!

Create a hashtag where everyone can tag their photos. This makes it easy to have all the event images in one place to download and print to remember the special day.

If You Need Help, Ask

I know I already said this, but seriously, ask for help. Most people have planned a big event and knows what an undertaking it can be.

Enjoy Every Moment

Most importantly, enjoy every moment. Spend time with your family, friend and loved ones and celebrate the graduate's big day.

Congratulations to all the graduates out there!

Download Our Checklist for Planning a Graduation Party

We hope this helps! Contact us or come by our location anytime. We’re always here to help! Our rental process is super easy.

Be sure to download our checklist to help you out and feel free to reach out to us

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Easy Tips for Planning a Graduation Party