Outdoor Graduation Party

I'm 19 years old and I'm planning my own college graduation party in April. I have no idea where to start. I am inviting about 80-90 people and I found a location that is outdoors with tables, a huge BBQ, and a lot of open space. Any ideas for it would be really awesome. I want it to be fun but at the same time classy. I am thinking about including my favorite color which is hot pink. I really want the party to reflect me, a real girly girl!

SFC from Phoenix, AZ

Answers:

Outdoor Graduation Party

Hi, congrats on the upcoming graduation! When I threw the party for my husband and his best friend, we had it outside also. You can do baked beans, potato salad and hamburgers and hot dogs or chicken. Are you going to have help cooking? If not I would plan something really simple. You can use tulle in pink with pink ribbons. Does this place you found have any places where you could hang the tulle and ribbons? Flowers, etc. in your favorite colors.

By Michele

Outdoor Graduation Party

Congrats on your Graduation! I love the idea of hot pink and a party reflecting exactly who YOU are!! You go girl! Find out if your location takes/requires reservations - you don't want 80 people showing up to a spot somebody else is using. Also, if your location doesn't have sufficient coverage in case of rain, maybe think about a "plan B" just in case your weather doesn't cooperate. Look into catering options (lots of restaurants do it for very reasonable amount of $$ - check websites). It saves you a lot of time and effort. If not an option, maybe recruit friends, family, neighbors, whatever and have a little cooking "party". Plan your menu well in advance and plan food items that can easily be made in advance.

The less you have to day the day of your party, the better off you'll be. Also, assign specific tasks to anyone helping you and write down all of your ideas and assignments so you know that everything will be done on time. Think about lots of signs, balloons, unique invitations (be sure to include really good directions), etc. Gather photos and create photo collages - a fun way to show off what you've been up to for the last 18 years! Look online for theme/decorating ideas. There are tons to choose from. Most importantly, have fun! It's your day - make sure you get to enjoy it! Good luck! (01/12/2007)

By Crista

Outdoor Graduation Party

We, too, are planning an outdoor graduation party for our daughter. We are centering it around food. Ours will be much smaller than 80 to 90 people. One thing: COSTCO is a wonderful place to search for party foods. Everything is all packaged in trays and ready to go. And if money is a bit of a problem, I would simply give thought to having close friends chip in with potluck dishes. Salads, baked beans.

Even sweet and sour meatballs. COSTCO also has a party tray of "wrap" sandwiches sliced into rounds. Chips. Drinks Maybe order a large sheet cake from COSTCO in your school colors or how about hot pink. :) Party supply stores will have tons of stuff for decorating from disposable plastic table cloths to paper plates and plastic silverware. They too could all be in HOT PINK. Balloons too, for that matter.

Hope I've helped with some ideas. HAVE FUN AND CONGRATULATIONS! :) (06/27/2007)

By CaroleAnn

Outdoor Graduation Party

Hi Grad. I am planning an out doors party for my son in May. We are having BBQ, beans, potato salad, etc. You can do tea, lemonade, water or cokes. Sometimes it is cheaper to purchase BBQ than cook it yourself.

Good Luck (04/09/2010)

By Pam