Graduation Party Checklist

Don't forget a thing! This timeline covers everything from ordering announcements to the final cleanup.

Graduation Open House Timeline

The ultimate stress-free schedule for 2026

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Timeline Phase: 3-4 Months Before

Set the date and time
Avoid conflicting with the actual ceremony.
Book venue or rental tent
If hosting in backyard, reserve tent/tables now.
Rentals
Order graduation announcements
Takes 2-3 weeks for printing.
Shop Cards
Set your budget
Determine food and decor limits.

Timeline Phase: 2 Months Before

Mail announcements/invitations
Give guests plenty of notice.
Plan the menu
Taco Bar and Pizza are top choices.
Use Taco Calculator โ†’
Gather photos for display
Baby photos through senior year.

Timeline Phase: 1 Month Before

Plan decorations & balloons
Don't wait until last minute.
Plan Balloon Arch โ†’
Buy party supplies
Plates, napkins (in school colors), cups.
Shop Supplies
Plan graduate's outfit
Something nice to wear under the gown.

Timeline Phase: 2 Weeks Before

Finalize headcount
Follow up with non-responders.
Buy non-perishable food/drinks
Soda, water, chips, crackers.
Create music playlist
Mix of current hits and nostalgia.

Timeline Phase: 1 Week Before

Deep clean the house/yard
Mow lawn, clean bathrooms.
Confirm cake order
Or buy ingredients if baking.
Charge cameras/batteries
Clear memory cards.

Timeline Phase: 1 Day Before

Set up tables and tent
Arrange seating areas.
Prep cold foods
Cut veggies, marinate meat.
Hang non-balloon decorations
Banners, photo displays.

Timeline Phase: Party Day

Inflate balloons
Do this 2-3 hours before start.
View Balloon Plan โ†’
Set out food
Keep hot foods hot, cold foods cold.
Enjoy the party!
Take lots of photos.

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๐Ÿ“… When to start?

For an Open House, start 3-4 months early. Venues and graduation tents book up fast in May/June.

๐Ÿ’Œ When to mail invites?

Mail announcements 4-6 weeks before the party. For high school graduation, earlier is better as weekends fill up.

๐ŸŒฎ Food planning?

Use our Taco Calculator to figure out exactly how much meat and cheese you need.