High School Graduation Party Ideas For Easy Party Planning

by Dee Schrock

It's not too early to start planning for the graduate's big day. Here are a few ideas to help you get started.

Give out fun 2006 sunglasses for all the kids to wear, and a crown for the special graduate

Invitations

Create your own invitations by drawing graduation themes such as diplomas and graduation caps. You can roll the invitation to look like a diploma.

Games & Activities

Kids love to get together and just talk- so remember not to overdo the planned activities. Here are a few to choose from:

*Guests bring a white t-shirt and sign each other's shirts.

*Do a time capsule with memorable items from their school year- to be opened at a future reunion. Guests place personal notes to the graduate as memorable keepsakes.

*Make a large poster board collage of the graduate's pictures from baby to now.

*Water balloon toss

*Piñata

*Place a sticker on each guest's back with the name of a teacher. Guests give clues and help the person guess that teacher.

*Pin the tail on the teacher. Tape a teacher's picture to a wall and then the "tail" can be any item of choice- crazy hair, earring, etc.

Food & Drink

Any finger food works well, since guests are more interested in talking and socializing. Nachos served in miniature sombreros and salsa is great to have on each table.

Above all, provide an atmosphere for that is comfortable for plenty of conversation and reminiscing. Happy graduation!

Tips for Selecting a Wedding Band or DJ

Tips for Selecting a Wedding Band or DJ By by Elizabeth Greene

You've got the ring, your ceremony and reception sites are booked, and now your attention turns to the selection of entertainment for your wedding reception. Your decision will have a great impact on the outcome of your party. You know that music is a key ingredient in setting the mood for the affair.

Many factors will influence your choice of music for your reception. How large a group will you be entertaining? What size band will suit your room size and your budget? Most wedding audiences will include guests whose ages span from teenagers to grandparents. How can you be sure that your friends and your relatives will all rave to you about your band or DJ?

When to begin shopping for a wedding band or DJ

Begin shopping for bands 9 to 18 months in advance of your party, especially if your reception will be held on a Saturday night. Popular bands will often have their prime dates taken up to a year or more in advance, so get started early to ensure that you will have a good selection to choose from.

What to look for in a wedding band or DJ

Look for a band or DJ that has substantial experience performing at weddings. Most seasoned professionals can provide you with a list of country clubs and caterers that recommend their services. When interviewing a band or a DJ, ask for a list of the songs that they can play. Versatility is a key ingredient to your party's success! You should be able to create a list of the songs that you want to hear or to provide a list of "please do not play's!" Make sure that you feel comfortable and can communicate easily with your bandleader. He or she should be willing to learn your wedding song and to spend time helping to coordinate all the special touches at your celebration. You should be encouraged to express your preferences on all of the party's details, including the control of the band's volume.

Questions to ask before hiring a wedding band or DJ

Some questions that should be asked include: How many breaks will be taken? Will live music or taped music be provided during the breaks? How long will the dance sets be? Am I guaranteed to have the same musicians or DJ that I have seen on video or at a live showcase? Does the company have liability insurance? Should I plan to feed the entertainers?

If your budget is tight or if you are looking to create the atmosphere of a nightclub at your party, choosing a DJ might be right for you. DJ companies offer services that range from a single DJ entertainer to an elaborate DJ package that includes a DJ, an MC-entertainer, costumed dancers and laser-like light shows.

Whether you choose an exciting dance band complete with male and female vocalists and a horn section, an elegant smaller band or a DJ package, try to see the entertainers perform live at a showcase or other event. There is nothing like getting the real feel of a performance by previewing the entertainers in action. Most importantly, have fun shopping and planning for the most significant and exciting day of your life!

By Elizabeth Greene, Ariel Entertainment