Are you planning a party for a high school graduate? Here are some tips and ideas to get you started.

1. Start with the graduate

Start by asking them how they want to celebrate? Do they want a small, family party or a larger event for them and their friend? Have them make a list of their top 5 "wants." Take their personality, style, favorite colors and hobbies into account when making any decisions.

2. Look at the important numbers - Date & Guest Count

Decide if you are holding your party after graduation or another weekend. Look at what other local events will also be occurring that your graduate and their friends might also be attending. Put together a guest list to get an estimate of how many people to plan for and the space size needed. It is usually easiest to host the party as an open house so that guests can come and go at their convenience.

3. Choose a Location

While it is more budget friendly to host the party in your home, there are numerous other options.

Possible venues:

Party Rooms
Community Centers
Restaurant Private Dining Rooms
Church hall
City Building or Business Private Room
Clubhouse
Rec Center
Hotel Banquet Room
Bowling Alley
Theater or Art Gallery
Park

4. Choose a Theme

While you don't have to choose a theme, it can be fun for the graduate. There is an almost unlimited list of possibilities. But here are some to get you started.

Theme Ideas:

Fiesta/Taco Party
Luau/Aloha
Dr. Seuss
Adventure/Travel
Camping/Bonfire
Sailing into the Future/Nautical
The college they are going into
The world is your canvas/Art
To Infinity and Beyond

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5. Set a Budget

The 2 largest expenses for the party will be the venue (if not in your home) and the food. If you choose to host at home, a tent rental may be necessary. For many parties, it is easiest to use catered food from a restaurant such as a taco bar, BBQ, etc. Other typical expenses would be invitations and decorations. Some parents choose to spend larger amounts of money on entertainment for their parties.

You don't have to go overboard with decorations better. Instead, choose 2 or 3 accent points to decorate such as the front entrance, a gift table, dessert table, or a table honoring the graduate.

Decide how you will handle extra tables and chairs if you are hosting the party at your home. You may be able to borrow them from friends or neighbors.

6. Set the Menu

If you host the party in your home or a location that allows outside food, you will need to decide how much food to prepare yourself. It is more cost-efficient to cook the food, but much, much easier to have it catered.

Food Ideas:

Catering from a local restaurant such as a fajita bar
Homemade Finger foods
Pasta or Potato bar
Desserts Only
Party trays from Costco/Sams Club/Kroger

7. Order the Invites

Choose an invitation that matches the style and theme of your party. You may need to send separate invites for the graduation ceremony and the party if they are held on different days or times. Be sure to include a phone number or email address for RSVPs.

For invitations, my 2 favorite places for printed invites are Costco and Minted.com. For digital invites use Evite or Paperless Post.

8. Plan ahead

Try to make a plan for setting up decor and food ahead of time so you can relax and spend time with your graduate. Ask for help or hire staff so that you don't have to do everything by yourself.