Congratulations on this important milestone for you and your teen!
If you are the parent or guardian of a senior in high school, you may be in the midst of planning a safe and memorable graduation party!
This is a time of transition for families, and research has proven that transitions are key times when parent influence can make a difference. Show your teen and their friends that adults can have a great time without alcohol being served.
If you are having an open house or party, join in the widespread support for safe celebrations and consider hosting an alcohol-free celebration in honor of your graduating teen.
As you consider the idea:
Below you will find some theme ideas for parties as well as "Our party will be alcohol-free" stickers that can be included in graduation party invitations.
Theme party ideas
(credit: jostens.com)
Off to College
Is the graduate going to college? Deck the walls with college pennants, banners and jerseys from their new school. Check out the school's websites. Many colleges sell merchandise over the internet. Does the graduate's future college lend itself to an even more specific theme party? Texas BBQ? Florida Beaches? Boston Seafood?
Friends
Co-host a party with a few other families and emphasize the friendships in the invitations and memorabilia. Plan a “keep in touch activity” for all the graduates who attend. Offer to produce a “directory” that will list their addresses, phone numbers, e-mail addresses and other pertinent information.
School Spirit!
Really emphasize the school you are graduating from by decorating with the school colors, logo and team jerseys. Include candy that comes in your school colors, i.e.. M&Ms, suckers, Skittles.
Thank You
Invite all of the graduate’s teachers, coaches, neighbors and special friends who helped them along their way.
Jock Rock
Is the graduate into sports? Do they love the music played at sporting events? Develop a theme around their favorite sports. Hang all their old jerseys on clotheslines around the yard, or in the house. (The little ones are real cute). Buy all of the Jock Rock CDs (a collection of music played at professional sports events) and play them during the party!
Class Clown
Has the graduate always been a fun loving kid? Celebrate this uniqueness with an inspirational focus on humor. Ask your guests to think of funny stories and roast the graduate. Make a poster of silly photos. Hire a comedian to write and perform a funny tribute.
Backyard Brunch
Is breakfast their favorite meal? Plan a brunch buffet with fresh fruit, juices and coffee.
Drama Party
Was the graduate involved in the school plays? Maybe you could borrow props from the school and invite a few friends to dress up and perform for the crowd.
Private Showing
Is the graduate an artist? A photographer? Have a showing of their work. (Did you know you could rent easels from party rental companies?) This theme lends itself to a great invitation!
Sundaes on Saturday
A cute invitation idea that makes for a simple menu. Just buy big tubs of ice cream and set up a sundae bar.
Texas or Southwest
Decorate with bandanas, red chili pepper lights, and howling coyotes. Serve southwest food or BBQ, corn bread, chips with guacamole and salsa.
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Alcohol-free
celebration stickers
(based on 8-1/2 x 11" label
paper, 30 labels per page)
One
way to let others know your celebration is going to be alcohol free, without
making a huge statement, is to use stickers. The following are examples you
can use as you send out invitations to summer celebrations. Attach them to the
envelope or to the invitation ...whatever makes sense to you!
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Mary's
letter
(2-page, 11KB PDF)
Mary is a mom who lives in Bloomington. Her daughter graduated
from high school last year and . . . well, it's easier to read in her own words.
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House Party - Graduation Celebrations Often Leave Teens at Risk (2-page, 21.6KB PDF)
by Stephen Wallace, M.S. Ed.
source: www.SADD.org (with permission)
. . . for compelling reasons to host an alcohol-free celebration
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