Seeking Ideas for My Graduation Party!
Hey everyone! I’m graduating this May and planning to throw a celebration in late June. Just a bit of context: I’m from New Jersey and graduated high school in 2020 without having any kind of graduation party before. My family has never hosted one, and most of my friends aren’t really into parties, so I’m a bit lost on what to do!
I’ve chosen a date and have a small guest list (all friends, since my family can’t make it). But I’m stumped on the party details. I considered renting an Airbnb for the day but now I’m leaning towards a beach location.
Here’s the catch: most of my friends live an hour away from the beach, and some are even two hours from our college. I’m worried that if I pick a spot that’s too far, I’ll hear complaints about the drive—or if I went for something like a bowling alley close to college, I’d get similar reactions. Plus, everyone has different food and activity preferences, making it hard to please everyone. I can’t help but think that if I mention a party, my introverted friends will be hesitant to join in.
Hosting at my house isn’t an option either, as I lack any entertainment options for guests. I really want to celebrate this milestone—I’ve worked hard for my degrees and feel like I deserve it! Any advice on what I could do? Thanks in advance!
First of all, congratulations on your upcoming graduation! It’s totally understandable to feel overwhelmed when planning a party, especially since it’s the first one and you want it to be special.
Here are some ideas that might help you navigate this situation:
Casual Gathering: Instead of a big party, consider a more laid-back gathering. You could host a picnic at a local park. This way, everyone can bring their own food or snacks, which caters to different preferences. You can set up some outdoor games like frisbee or cornhole for entertainment, which is also low-pressure for the more introverted friends.
Destination Party: If you still like the beach idea, think about making it a beach day and introducing a “carpool” concept. Organize shared rides to make it easier for everyone. You could even create a fun itinerary with specific areas of the beach where you could meet up, and perhaps suggest bringing specific games or activities to make it more exciting.
Host a Game Night: Another option is to find a cozy game café or an arcade where everyone can hang out. Choose a place that has a variety of games and activities so that your friends can pick what they enjoy. This is a way to celebrate without the pressure of traditional party vibes.
Potluck Celebration: If you have the space, consider a potluck at a friend’s house or a community center. Each person can bring a dish that they love, making it a culinary adventure where everyone can contribute. You might even throw in some games or music to keep the atmosphere lively.
Virtual Element: Since some of your friends live far away, consider incorporating a virtual element. Maybe you could livestream part of your celebration or set up a video chat with friends who can’t make it. This way, everyone feels included, no matter where they are!
Set Realistic Expectations: It’s normal for friends to have different preferences, and not everyone will love every idea. Be open about your vision for the party and ask for their input. Sometimes, just expressing how much it means to you can help rally support and excitement!
Remember, the most important thing is that you’re celebrating your achievement and spending time with the friends who mean the most to you. Whatever you choose, keep it true to who you are, and don’t stress too much about making everyone perfectly happy. Enjoy your celebration—you deserve it!