Contributed by Info Guru Oliver VanDervoort

When that wonderful time of life comes around and your kids are going through their high school graduation you want to be able to throw them the best celebration you possibly can.

There are a couple of things you need to do in order to actually throw that wonderful celebration. You need to do everything in the top 10 high school graduation party tips if you want to make sure that everyone has a great time.

10. Location

One of the top tips when putting together a great graduation party is getting the location right. Obviously there are some people that are going to want to throw the party at their home, but if you don’t think the house is big enough you can always go with a banquet hall or some other kind of party room. You need to make sure that wherever you decide to hold the party is big enough and that you reserve it enough in advance that the banquet hall is available.

9. Party Time

You are going to want to pick the best time possible when you are setting your graduation party. The perfect time of day is really going to be whenever you prefer, though a Saturday afternoon will probably be best for everyone. By doing this, people will be able to come by and stay as long as they want. If they need to leave earlier, they have the option. This will probably lead to more guests coming which means more fun.

8. Theme

This doesn’t mean that you need to have everyone at the party wear togas. This just means that when it comes to party decorations, that there is an established theme. You don’t want to have one color of invitations, another color of banners and a third color or plates of glasses, unless you are going with the school colors. Then that becomes the theme. Plan this out well in advance.

7. Invitations

Party invitations can actually be a part of your party’s theme or they can be completely outside that theme. You need to decide whether you want to go with something ultra serious and classy or whether you want to be jovial and fun. Whatever the direction you choose you need to make sure and get the invites out early enough that people can plan for the party.

6. Live Music

You are going to want to have some form of entertainment at the graduation party and one really good way you can go is to hire a band. This doesn’t need to be a band that is going to play over the top of conversation, but something people can listen to when conversation lulls. The best part is, there might be a band you can hire from the high school and keep the theme going that way.

5. Beverages

When you are getting ready for the party, you want to make sure that you have enough beverages. You also want to make sure that you have enough beverages for those who are too young to drink alcohol and for those who can indeed embibe. Consider offering something that can be served both with alcohol and “virgin” like flavored margaritas. Getting a head count early with RSVPs will help you prepare for the amount of liquids you need for a good party.

4. Food and Treats

One of the top high school graduation party tips you can get is that you should offer a variety of different foods. Buffet style is going to be your best bet so that people can eat what they want when they want. Offering a good number of sweet color-themed treats is also a good idea, to add to the fun.

3. Party Games

One way to keep the party going longer and make sure that people are having fun is to come up with party games. You want to make sure that the games aren’t going to be too hokey though. You don’t want to embarrass the honoree. Figure out the mood of the crowd, if there is no interest in games, then ditch the plan.

2. Open Gifts Later

You are likely going to be seeing a large number of gifts coming in the door. This is not a kid’s birthday party. Do not have the graduate open the presents during the party. This can cause hurt feelings or jealousy.

1. Thank You Gifts

You should always prepare to be giving out gifts to the people who are attending the graduation party. This adds a level of class to the party and will make people feel a little special – especially with a note of “thanks” from the graduate for the support through the years – as they leave.