Planning a Memorable High School Graduation Party.
- Linda Prock
- May 12
- 5 min read
Tips and Ideas for Success when planning a Montrose Graduation party
Our Montrose event space offers many options for a graduation party. Antler Ridge is located 20 minutes from Montrose near the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, just off Hwy 50. The event center sits on a family-owned ranch, and 5 acres are designated to create a fun and exciting environment for families and guests. The Barn at Antler Ridge can host small events as well as larger events of up to 300 guests. There is plenty of parking, and it is also handicapped accessible. The spacious yard is a great place for games such as cornhole and volleyball. If you want to have music at your graduation party, there are lots of electrical outlets. The venue is the perfect location for using our local caterers, such as Jimmers. They serve the best BBQ! Your graduation guests will love the scenic background the location has to offer. Antler Ridge is surrounded by family ranches with open spaces but is conveniently close to Montrose and the Black Canyon of the Gunnison.
Graduating high school marks a significant moment in a student’s life. To celebrate this achievement, a well-planned graduation party can create lasting memories. This guide will help you, whether you want an intimate gathering or a larger celebration. Let's make this milestone truly special.
Setting a Budget
Choosing a Venue
The venue choice can shape the atmosphere of your party. Your decision should consider the expected guest count and budget. Here are some popular venue options:
Graduation party at your home
Outdoor Parks
Community Centers
Restaurants
Event centers
Choose a venue that mirrors the graduate's personality. For instance, If they enjoy fine dining, consider a chic restaurant. If your high school senior is adventurous, and you live in Montrose, Delta, Ridgeway or Ouray you mioght consider a event center such as Antler Ridge. Antler Ridge offers a spacious natural environment with a large outdoor space that is perfect for a BBQ, Al Fresca dinner, or a catered event. The spacious lawn allows for yard games and the barn or outdoor gazebo works great for an indoor space incase of inclimate weather .
Choosing a Theme
A theme can add excitement and make the event cohesive. Think about what truly resonates with the graduate. Here are themes to consider:
School Colors: Design your decorations, table settings, and dessert around the school’s colors. If the school's colors are blue and gold, incorporate those hues in everything from tablecloths to cupcakes.
The Graduate's Interests: Craft the theme based on hobbies or future aspirations. For example, if the graduate is passionate about travel, use travel-themed decorations such as globes and maps.
Classic Graduation: Lean on traditional decorations such as caps and gowns along with balloons and banners highlighting accomplishments.
Outdoor Garden Party: If the venue is in a garden, go for a floral or rustic theme with natural elements and soft lighting.
Choosing a theme that reflects the graduate’s personality will build excitement for the event.
Invitations and Guest List
Crafting the guest list is a vital step in planning. Include family, friends, and mentors who have played a role in the graduate's journey. Your guest list can range from 20 close friends to over 100 for larger gatherings.
You can choose either traditional paper invitations or digital invites. Digital invitations are easy to distribute and often more eco-friendly. Be sure to include essential details like:
Date and time
Location
RSVP details
Setting an RSVP deadline helps with planning seating arrangements and food quantities.
5. Food and Beverages
The menu is a focal point of any party, so select items that are delicious yet easy to manage. Consider these ideas:
Buffet Style
Barbecue:
Catered Meal
Food Truck /Taco theme
Don't forget about drinks. Offer a mix of non-alcoholic options like lemonade, iced tea, and sparkling water.
Decorations
Creating the right atmosphere is essential. Here are decoration ideas to consider:
Balloons: Use balloons in the school's colors or in a coordinated color scheme that fits the theme.
Photo Displays: Create a visual timeline showcasing significant moments in the graduate's life, from childhood to graduation day. This can spark conversations and warm memories.
Centerpieces: Make centerpieces that reflect the graduate's passions—sports memorabilia for athletes or books for bookies.
Entertainment and Activities
To keep guests engaged, consider including fun activities and entertainment. You might think about:
Photo Booth:
Games:
Acknowledgments:
Capturing Memories
Documenting the day is important. Consider hiring a photographer or designating a friend to take photos throughout the celebration. This ensures key moments are captured.
You might also create a guest book where attendees can leave heartfelt messages. This book will serve as a treasured keepsake for the graduate.
Celebrating This Milestone
Planning a high school graduation party can be both enjoyable and meaningful. By sticking to a budget, selecting the right venue, choosing an exciting theme, and paying attention to details, you can create a memorable event that honors this important milestone.
Whether the celebration is grand or simple, the key is to make the graduate feel cherished on this special day. Start planning, and make this graduation party unforgettable!
Antler Ridge is also known on the Western Slope as a premier wedding venue, loved for its uniqueness, location, natural beauty, and the wedding barn. Antler Ridge has been in business for 10 years, so we have hosted many weddings, nonprofit events, and amazing birthday parties. Our spacious lawn lends itself to mingling guests who enjoy the beauty of the San Juan Mountains and the amazing sunsets. The event center also has an Airbnb/VRBO that has 3 bedrooms and the best mountain views in the valley. If you're not hosting your graduation party at Antler Ridge, remember that your out-of-town guests will love staying at the cottage while attending your senior graduation party. Contact us today for a reservation or a tour.
This western slope barn venue is locally owned. We want to use our blog to increase awareness and support for locally owned wedding venues. Locally owned wedding venues tend to provide a higher level of expertise, service, and dedication. They also have far less turnover than corporate-owned or investor-owned venues. As you plan your event or wedding, we hope you will consider a locally owned wedding venue like ours. You can find locally owned wedding venues on this wedding venue map. Below is a shout-out to fellow locally owned wedding venues around the country!
Yorumlar