Give Your Grad and Guests a Glammed Up Party

Tis the season for caps and gowns, and grad parties galore! While most college graduations have already passed, high school graduations are just around the corner in the Tampa Bay area. It’s time for the class of 2014 to experience the best years of their life, regardless of which university they have chosen to attend.

This momentous occasion is exciting and emotional for both parents and students, but at least you don’t have to worry about saying your goodbyes for another couple of months. Now is the time to celebrate and share this proud moment with your closest family and friends.

Unfortunately, there tends to be an overwhelming number of graduation parties this time of year, so how do you make yours stand out from the rest? Well for starters, don’t have it on the same date as the other grad families in your circle. Secondly, don’t host the same old casual come as you please potluck style shindig in your backyard. Shoot for something a bit more unique. Here are some tips to help you gain the edge with elegance:

1) Think Thematically. Instead of letting your graduate’s high school or university school colors guide the tone for the party, come up with a distinct theme that will automatically set the stage for a fun and more formal social gathering. Some theme suggestions to consider: Great “Gradsby”, Red Carpet Rollout, Under the Sea, American Graduation, or Black Tie Affair.

2) Vary the Venue. Living in a city like Tampa allows you the opportunity to utilize a variety of venues for all kinds of social events, including graduation celebrations. You can reserve private rooms at favorite restaurants, bars, and clubs in anywhere from South Tampa to St. Petersburg. The other option is to book your party at a neighborhood community center or the local country club.

3) Beautify the Backdrop. This time of year, it’s certainly not difficult to find grad party decorations. Not only will those same items be used by the same families in your area, but they don’t create the most sophisticated looking backdrop. Instead, get creative and crafty to make your own decorations and centerpieces. You can even hire a linen rental company in Tampa to provide you with cocktail tables, extra chairs, and luxurious linens in virtually any fabric swatch you can think of.

4) Modernize the Menu. Chips and dip, veggie trays, and chicken fingers should not even be considered when it comes time to plan the menu for your graduate’s party. If you don’t want to utilize one of the many catering companies

5) Embellish with Entertainment. When you attend a traditional graduation party, you typically do not expect any type of entertainment, except maybe in the form of backyard cornhole or portable speakers streaming a top-40 Pandora station. Providing a professional D.J., a live band, or karaoke equipment will certainly leave an impression on those who attend your graduation party.

6) Restrict RSVP’s. If you want to glamorize the graduation celebration by hosting a formal dinner party or a swanky cocktail soiree, then you must be choosy about the guest list. This type of intimate gathering will lose its ambiance if there are too many people in attendance. Not to mention, the costs associated with an elegant occasion as such can add up quickly. The more invites you extend, the more expensive the grad party will be.