Throw a Fabulous Yet Frugal Graduation Party

Smithtown youth are celebrating graduating onto the next level of education everywhere this week. Creating a beautiful party doesn’t have to be the cost equivalent of an academic semester. In fact, there are many little tips and tricks to throwing a fabulous Graduation Party without breaking the bank. Our resident event planner is sharing a few clever ideas for your inspiration, guaranteed to wow guests and have your special Grad praising you all Summer long. For even more fantastic ideas, check out our Graduation Party DIY Pinterest Board

grad3Line the walkway or driveway with blown up pictures of your Graduate, glued to wooden stakes. Or Replace the Photos with balloons to create a VIP Carpet entry every guest will rave about.

Make a Marquee Sign using foam board or pre-cut cardboard letters which are easily found at Art Supply stores like Michaels. Decorate each Letter or Number with tissue paper, moss or even glitter. Elmer”s glue works great if you are using styrofoam to make your sign. For moss or glitter, use a spray adhesive (3M, Krylon or Mod Podge work great) for time saving application.

grad2Throwing a party at night? Put glowsticks or LED lights in balloons before blowing them up and line the yard, walkway or dance floor with them. Line the top of an outdoor canopy, pergola or patio umbrella with globe lights to create a midsummer night whimsical look. Wrap tree trunks with christmas tree lights or hang votives from tree branches to keep the party going into the night.

grad1Create a s’mores station by filling a long wooden box with pea stones or small pebbles. Line catering sterno candles down the center of the box, separating them at least 2-3 inches apart. Next fill up three large apothecary jars with marshmallows, Graham Crackers and personal sized Hershey’s Chocolate Bars (leave them in the wrapper to avoid melting).

grad-photoboothYou don’t need to rent a photobooth to capture memories for your guests. All you need is a instant photo camera, like a polaroid or Fugifilm Instax Mini 8, material to create a life size frame such as cardboard, poster board or pallet boards and some fun props which you can find at a dollar store or a party supply shop. Hang the frame from a tree or use garden stakes and shepard hooks. Add a backdrop like a shower curtain (Waterproof) or a white sheet, globe lights and some chairs and you’ve got a hollywood photoshoot!