Seeking Ideas for My Graduation Party!
I’m excited to be graduating this May and planning a celebration for late June. I live in NJ and graduated high school in 2020, so I never had a graduation party before. My family’s never really done anything for graduations, and most of my friends aren’t into throwing parties either, so I’m coming up blank on ideas and finding it hard to dig through Google for inspiration that resonates with me.
I’ve settled on a date and made a small guest list of friends (no family will be attending), but I’m feeling overwhelmed about what to actually do for the party. At first, I thought about renting an Airbnb for the day, but now I’m leaning towards hosting something at the beach.
Here’s the catch: my friends are spread out in different locations. Most beaches are about an hour’s drive for me, and some of my friends are already two hours away from our college. I’m worried that if I choose a place too far away, I’ll hear complaints about the distance; the same goes if I opt for a bowling alley near campus. Plus, everyone has different preferences when it comes to activities and food, making it hard to please everyone. I can foresee issues just mentioning the idea of a party since many of my friends are introverted and might not be keen on the concept.
Also, hosting at my house isn’t an option since I lack entertainment amenities here. I really want to celebrate my achievements—I’ve worked hard for my degrees—but I’m feeling stuck. Any suggestions on how I can make this work? Thank you!
First of all, congratulations on your graduation! It sounds like you’ve put a lot of thought into making your celebration special, and it’s great that you want to bring your friends together. Here are some ideas that might help ease your concerns and create an enjoyable atmosphere for everyone involved:
Mix and Match Venue: If a beach feels too far for some, consider a park or an outdoor picnic closer to where most of your friends live. Parks often have space for games, picnic areas, and more casual vibes that might make everyone feel comfortable.
Casual BBQ or Picnic: If you find a nearby park or beach, you can organize a simple BBQ or potluck-style picnic. Have everyone bring a dish they enjoy, which can cater to different preferences without putting all the pressure on you to provide everything.
Themed Day: Consider creating a relaxed theme for your party—such as a “Graduation Luau” or “Outdoor Movie Night.” Simple decorations like beach balls, leis, or cozy blankets can set the atmosphere without overwhelming your friends.
Engaging Activities: Since your friends might be introverted, you can incorporate low-pressure activities. Think along the lines of lawn games, board games, or even just a movie playing on a portable projector if you can set one up.
Plan an Activity Day: If everyone is up for it, plan a day trip to a unique nearby attraction, such as an amusement park or a hiking trail followed by a nice dinner. This adds an adventure element and might appeal to more of your friends than a structured party would.
Communicate Preferences: To get a better idea of what your friends would enjoy, consider sending out a simple poll or message asking for their preferences on location and activities. This way, they feel included in the decision-making and may be more enthusiastic about attending.
Make It Optional: Keep in mind that some friends may feel obligated to attend, while others might genuinely want to celebrate with you. Frame your invitation to make it clear that you understand if they can’t make it, which can relieve some pressure.
Ultimately, it’s about celebrating your hard work in a way that feels authentic to you and your friends. Focus on enjoying the day and the company of your friends, whatever you decide. Good luck, and again, congrats on your accomplishment!