To witness a child finally receive a College diploma is
probably one of the most blissful moments of a parent’s life. A child who has
finally grown up and achieved this milestone is a dream come true for all
parents, who always want the best for their children. Truly, graduation day is an exceptional event
in honoring years of diligence, uphill struggles, sacrifices, and past triumphs
as well as looking forward to a new chapter in life.
Such a feat usually calls for a special commemoration. Here
are some tips to hold a graduation celebration that is truly memorable.
Choose a theme. Having
a fun theme can be more entertaining for the celebrant and the guests. For
example, you may plan the party around a theme that depicts something about the
celebrant’s future profession. Throw a costume party where everyone can dress
up as nurses, doctors and patients if for instance the celebrant is a nursing
graduate. If the celebrant is an
athlete, it will be cool to hold a sports themed party. Cheerleaders or
noise-makers with pom-poms may greet the guests upon arrival.
Decorate the venue
with interesting adornments. For a “This is your life” party theme, make
posters of amusing baby pictures, out of town photos (e.g. retreat pictures),
sporting and other school events plus barkada photos. You may also scan and
post tickets of concerts your graduate and friends attended. Another option is
to showcase past accomplishments by displaying a keepsake table. In this table, you may place a special
scrapbook containing mementos of your graduate such as kindergarten, grade
school and high school pictures, medals, diplomas. Use balloon bouquets that represent the college
or school colors to decorate the place if you are holding a career themed party.
Place them on tables, corners and in doorways. For a sports themed party, you
may display pictures showing the celebrant in sports uniform throughout the
years as well as photos taken with team mates. These snap shots as well as trophies
and medals may be exhibited throughout the venue or a special table may be set
up for guests’ viewing. Throw in some
inflatable basketballs, volleyballs or soccer balls as well, whichever is
applicable.
Decide on the menu. Whether
you hire a caterer or ask relatives or friends to help you prepare the dishes
for the party, make sure that the menu will go with the chosen theme and the
venue. Serve cup cakes decorated with graduation cap with cute edible tassels.
The graduation cake may contain the words “Shoot that ball!” if you are holding
a sports themed party for a celebrant that is into basketball.
Set up a Photo Booth.
Rent a photo booth service for the party. There are photo booth services
which offer really good packages such as free photo album, free personalized
tarpaulin background, DVD copy, personalized or creative photo layout and
design to add the theme of choice, online photo gallery and of course fun props
and costumes. Everyone will have a blast
smiling, posing and looking different wearing wigs, masks, or hats while the
camera clicks away! This will allow your guests to take home endearing mementos
of this event.
Play a memorial
graduation (musical) slideshow on TV with a DVD player. While waiting for
all the guests to arrive, and while the activities have not started, this will
entertain the first arrivals. It’s easy enough to create the music slides. Good
image slide show makers can be downloaded from the internet free to be
installed in your computer.
Hold fun activities
during the party. Here are some cool
ideas:
- Take out some permanent or fabric markers and T-shirts for friends to sign.
- Put together a time capsule. Ask each of the friends write something in a piece of paper about how he/she sees himself or herself 10 years from now, fold these notes afterwards and mark them with their respective names. Make each of them bring any item that symbolizes something about their College years. Have them place the notes and memorable items in a box. Hand it to someone for safekeeping with the intent of opening the box, reading the notes and showcasing the items on their tenth year reunion.
- Play “Knowing me-knowing you.” It’s a simple and fun activity that will open your eyes on how the participants see you. Ask guests to go around and write short descriptions of each person on post it notes. These notes will then be attached on the back of the person being described. After 5 minutes, ask the participants to collect the notes from their backs and one by one read out what were written.
Lastly, don’t forget to record the celebration on video. Enjoy
the party!
Note: This updated version first appeared in Manila Standard Today.
Note: This updated version first appeared in Manila Standard Today.
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