Do you have a child graduating from high school, college, or university this spring? Are you planning on throwing a graduation party? If so, it’s time to get to it! Be aware that availability this close to graduation season may be limited, as many parents throw graduation parties. When planning your party, it is important to be open to alternative plans and options, as your first choice of tenting or other items may have already been booked up. Even though we are a month and a half out from graduation season, parents are already getting everything on their planning check-lists taken care of, and you don’t want to miss out on the party necessities!

What are ‘graduation party necessities’? These basic items will have your party covered, literally, as well as give your guests a place to sit, and provide a setting for food and drinks. If your garage is not large enough, or clean enough, to host guests, you will want to consider a tent. Unfortunately in Colorado, the last few weeks in May are extremely difficult to predict as far as weather is concerned. It is best to be prepared, and a tent works great to cover from rain, or sun! Be sure, when planning, to note where your tent will be placed for the party. A tent set up in the driveway, will require weights, and possibly be a different style of tent, versus one simply being staked in the backyard. Based on the amount of space you have available, you will want to decide if you need a tent to cover everything and everyone, only the food and drinks, or just guest seating. Some hosts will use their garage or porch are a food and drink area, and have a tented area for guests to sit and converse. If you are completely unsure of the size of tent that will fit in your yard or driveway, a site-check can be completed to ensure you do not end up with something too large. Keep in mind that based on your party’s location, there may be a fee to have a crew take time to travel to your location to out to measure the area. If you already know the sizing and style of tent that will work for your party, then you can move on to the other essential items!

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Tables and chairs are the next important items to be sure to have for your party. Banquet tables, in either 6’ or 8’, are most commonly used for food and drink displays. 6’ tables are typically used for drinks, while 8’ tables are usually best for food service. A simple rule for ensuring you have enough space for food and drinks for all of your guests, is one table per 50 guests. However, if you have the ability to refill food or drinks as the party is happening, you may only need one set of tables. Using coolers, or hot boxes, as back-ups for drinks and food, can be a very helpful way to keep extras at the ready. As most graduation parties are ‘open house’ style parties, meaning guests will come and go throughout the designated party times, you will not need seating for everyone. Plan on seating for about half of your invited guests, as typically not everyone will show up at the same time. Standard folding chairs are the most popular, and most affordable option for guest seating, however, padded folding chairs are another option if you want to make your party a bit fancier. 6’ and 8’ banquet tables will work great for guest seating, however, 5’ round tables are another perfect option. Cocktail tables can also be incorporated to add some additional gathering spaces for your guests to be able to mix and mingle. Once you have your tables and chairs selected, your last step is the accessories!

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Don’t forget table coverings! If you are looking to keep the party pretty casual, consider using kwik-covers for your tables. This disposable option is available for 6’ and 8’ banquet tables, 5’ round tables, and cocktail tables. They also come in a variety of colors to work for any school! If you are already planning to class up your party with the padded chairs, you may want to consider real linens for your tables. Front Range Event Rental carries a variety of linen color options to match the colors of any school in the area. Make sure to call, or stop in to pick out your choices as soon as possible, as quantities may be limited due to high demand. Beverage dispensers or bins, chafers, serving utensils, trays, and bowls, are all items you will want to make sure to not forget! Since graduation parties are all about fun, consider renting a concession machine. Popcorn, cotton candy, or sno-cones, are all perfect additions to the celebration.

For all of your graduation party needs, call Front Range Event Rental at 970-221-3159 today for a quote. Thanks for reading, and happy graduation party planning!