Graduating high school is a significant milestone. Not just for your teen, but for your entire family. It’s a moment to celebrate achievements, friendships, and the exciting journey ahead. As a proud El Paso mom, you want to throw a graduation party that your teen will cherish forever. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential steps to host the best graduation party in town.
Plan Ahead
Start planning early to ensure everything falls into place seamlessly. Set a date that works for your family and friends, considering the school’s graduation schedule. Early planning allows you to secure the perfect venue, whether it’s your backyard, a local park, or a rented hall.
Here are a few popular venues in El Paso:
- A versatile venue with various event spaces suitable for different party sizes.
- Professional event staff to assist with planning and coordination.
- Located at Fort Bliss, it offers elegant banquet facilities.
- Scenic views and customizable menus for a personalized experience.
- Located on the West side of El Paso, this beautiful venue has both indoor and outdoor space.
- The Event Center at 150 Sunset offers creative design and decoration, centerpieces, bridal floral, linens, lighting effects, room arrangements, and music.
- EPIC Railyard Event Center is the perfect picturesque destination for the ultimate industrial, historic, and unique experience.
- Best known for their versatility allowing you to transform the space into whatever you desire.
- The newest ballroom in East El Paso.
- Offering a 360° online tour from their website, this venue is truly spectacular.
Create a Budget
Determine your budget for the party, covering expenses like decorations, food, entertainment, and any other extras. This will help you stay organized and avoid overspending. Consider involving your teen in the budgeting process to teach them valuable financial planning skills.
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Choose a Theme
A themed graduation party adds a special touch and makes the event more memorable. Discuss potential themes with your teen whether it’s a favorite color scheme, school colors, or a theme that reflects their future aspirations.
Invitations
Design eye-catching invitations that reflect the chosen theme. Include all the necessary details, such as date, time, location, and RSVP information. Consider digital invitations to save time and resources.
Decorations
Transform the party venue with vibrant decorations. Incorporate the chosen theme into banners, balloons, and table settings. Personalize the space with photos showcasing your teen’s journey through high school.
Food and Drinks
Plan a menu that caters to various tastes. Whether you’re hiring a catering service or preparing the food yourself, ensure there’s a mix of appetizers, main courses, and desserts. Consider a refreshment station with non-alcoholic beverages for everyone to enjoy.
Here are three popular catering services to consider in El Paso.
- Offers catering services with a diverse menu, including a variety of cuisines.
- Known for their quality food and professional service.
Around the World Catering Services
- Features modern American menus, provides service for events of all sizes from small gatherings to large weddings.
- Customizable menus to suit different preferences: Latin, Oriental, Traditional, or Italian.
- The Culinary Studio is your full-service catering company with a boutique grocery store in El Paso, TX.
- Specializes in charcuterie, food truck services, custom catering, and event coordination.
Entertainment
Keep the party lively with entertainment options. Hire a DJ or create a playlist of your teen’s favorite songs. Consider setting up a photo booth with props for guests to capture fun memories. You could also organize games or activities that reflect your teen’s interests.
Graduation Cap and Gown Display
Create a dedicated area for your teen’s cap and gown. Display it proudly alongside awards, certificates, and any other accolades they’ve earned during their high school journey.
Gift Area
Designate a special area for gifts to make it easy for guests to drop off their presents. Consider setting up a decorated table with a beautiful envelope box for monetary donations. This provides a convenient and secure way for well-wishers to contribute towards your teen’s future endeavors.
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Future Fund Jar
As part of the gift area, set up a “Future Fund” jar where guests can contribute towards your teen’s future endeavors, whether it’s for college expenses, travel plans, or any other goals. This provides an additional option for those who want to support your teen in a meaningful way.
Express Gratitude
Prepare a heartfelt thank-you speech or note to express your teen’s gratitude during the party. Acknowledge the generosity of those who contributed to the monetary gifts, emphasizing the importance of their support as your teen embarks on the next chapter of their life.
Thank You Cards
Prepare thank you cards in advance. Encourage your teen to express gratitude to friends, family, and teachers who have played a significant role in their high school experience.
Capture the Moment
Hire a photographer or designate a friend to capture candid moments throughout the event. Create a photo album or a digital collage to commemorate the special day.
Here are a few other helpful businesses with special event equipment and decor:
- Offers a range of event equipment including tables, chairs, canopies, heaters, etc.
- Known for creating customized decor setups for various occasions.
- Specializes in elegant lounge rentals and couches.
- Known for adding special touches and elegant aesthetics to events.
- Party Bowl Event Solutions is a locally-owned family business in operation in El Paso since 1933.
- From the basics like chairs and tables to concession equipment, casino tables, sound equipment, and more.
- Angie’s Floral Designs offers all the modern conveniences you’ve come to love and expect such as mobile ordering and on-demand delivery.
- Known for their stylish and contemporary designs.
- Balloon Decorations, arches, balloon bouquets, pinatas, and more.
- Known for their customer service, Balloonsve decorations are customized to complement your theme.
- Known for their professional photo booth services, open style, flower walls, cube booth, mirror frames, and 360 slow glam booth.
- Proudly Serving El Paso, TX, since 2014.
- Specializes in personal and corporate events.
- Offering three types of high quality photo booths: Mirror, Selfie, and Traditional.
Hosting the best graduation party for your teen in El Paso is about creating a memorable and joyful experience. By planning ahead, incorporating personal touches, and celebrating achievements, you’ll create an event that reflects the uniqueness of your teen’s high school journey.
Cheers to a successful graduation and the exciting adventures awaiting your teen!
The opinions expressed in this post are those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of El Paso Mom, its executive team, other contributors to the site, its sponsors or partners, or any organizations the aforementioned might be affiliated with.
