If you have waited this late to begin planning your graduation party, you will need to get a move on! Graduation is just around the corner, and party planning takes time and effort. Furniture rentals, party stores, and invitation companies will be quickly running low on stock, so you will want to put in your orders before it is too late. And, with the economy still in the ruts, the amount of in stock products has been reduced across the board making your much-needed commodities harder to pin down.

What should be on your to-do list to make your graduation party ROCK?

1. Just the right invitation. Your invitation reflects the mood for your party, indicating formality and the general flow of the event. Spamming guests with a Facebook event invite underplays the importance of your event, and you have worked hard to get where you are? There are a ton of formal and relaxed invitation options to suit your ideal.

2. With an invitation design picked out, you will need to know how many to order. Tally up family and friends, and be sure to include more than just your immediate family! Graduation parties are a time to celebrate for everyone, especially those who offered their support while you were working your hardest.

3. Food and Drinks. Plan a menu that matches your occasion. If your party is a relaxed get together then go for barbeque and beer. However, most graduation parties are semi-formal and are professionally catered. Check out your options from a few of your favorite local restaurants! Ask about whether or not alcohol can be served at your venue, and be sure to have plenty of water and non-alcoholic options (soda, lemonade, etc.).

4. Where to party. Your locale should reflect the formality of your event. Hosting an event out of your home or clubhouse is an easy way to save on cost, but is more intensive on your prep and clean up time. If your guest list is on the large side, you may want to look into the costs of renting out the party room at a restaurant or local community center.

5. What to wear. You won’t be wearing your cap and gown  屯門 party room all day long! In fact, most graduation parties take place on a different day than the ceremony. Think about the weather, the time, and how formal you want your guests to be. Make sure you reflect these things, but also add a little extra to make your day special. A big accomplishment deserves a little extra focus!

6. Music selection. If hosting an event at your home or at a rented space that does not provide any music, you will want to start compiling a playlist. Sure, you could just plug in your iPod to some speakers but your grandma may not appreciate the Black Eyed Peas the same as your friends will. Be sure to select mood-appropriate music and populate your playlist to last the event.

7. Equipment and furniture rentals. If hosting an event at your home, you may need extra tables and chairs to host everyone. Or, you might need a good quality amp to crank up the volume as your party heats up. If you plan on creating a slideshow to commemorate your scholastic years, or use any sort of video then you may need to set up a few extra electronics.

8. Transportation to and from the event. While the party is all about you, you probably will still want to enjoy yourself! Chances are, alcohol will be on the menu, and all guests will be partaking. Consider renting a limo for yourself and some of your fellow graduates so you won’t have to worry about getting home safely. If you have the available resources, you can make a full night of it and hit the town until the sun peeks over the horizon.

9. Thank you notes. Generally your guests will want to congratulate you and your accomplishment with a gift. Whether it is a small token or a big gesture, you will want to extend your appreciation to each person with a personalized thank you card. No exceptions!

10. The after math. Every party means a mess. If you have booked a venue that provides clean up as a part of their fee, then you are set! If not, be sure to round up a couple of volunteers to help you out before hand, so you are not left with a massive amount of work once the party is done. Help yourself out by having trash and recycle cans readily visible, and your guests will do their part to pitch in.