5 Traditional and Nontraditional Ways to Celebrate your Graduate

When it comes to graduation parties, it's not a one-size-fits-all situation. Depending on your senior’s personality, your budget, and how you imagine celebrating them as a parent, a traditional party may be the way to go.

The first step is to talk to your graduate and figure out what they’re thinking for a celebration. Make sure you’re on the same page or you can find some middle ground and collaborate on ideas.

Some kids want a traditional graduation party and some have no interest in it. But that’s okay.

Not everyone wants a huge party for 150 people because maybe he/she is more introverted, has smaller friend groups, or finds a big party overwhelming.

But don’t fret, parents.

There are countless ways to honor your graduate that veer from tradition while still providing an amazing celebration for all to enjoy.

Here are my top 5 traditional and nontraditional ways to celebrate your 2023 graduate.

1. Traditional Graduation Party

Of course the most common graduation party is the traditional style, big party. These are typically held at the family’s home, but depending on specifics, can be held at a local venue.

The decision to use your home or a venue usually depend on the party logistics and the answers to two of the most important questions when planning any event:

How many people are on the guest list?
What is the budget?

I LOVE a home party for graduation celebrations. The opportunities for themes, design ideas, and personalization to celebrate your grad are endless.

If you plan on having a traditional graduation party at home, consider some of these ideas to spice up your party and celebrate your grad in a BIG way:

Personalized decor that can be reused by grad in the future
Food truck
Entertainment
Photo op
Seating arrangements
Mocktail menu for grads attending
Bar and bartender
Bathroom rentals
Dance floor
Parking situation
Rentals - tents, tables, lighting, linens, seatins, etc.

Whether you have a graduation party at home or a venue, keep in mind that the location definitely sets the stage for the event and hosting the party at home is typically more work (unless you hire an event planner).

Let's celebrate!

2. Small Intimate Graduation Party

If you and your graduate decide a larger, more traditional graduation party isn’t the route you want to take, there are plenty of other options.

A small, intimate gathering is, in my opinion, one of the most underrated options for any party.

If you choose to host an intimate gathering at home, a theme can really bring it to life, and it’s way more possible to go big with a theme when there are less guests.

Here are some ideas for hosting a smaller party:

Bring a chef to your home
Take the event to a restaurant that makes you say WOW and feel some sort of way.
Go to a cooking class as a group

No matter where you decide to hold a smaller graduation party, keep a few things in mind:

Keep the guest list small (Usually 15 or less. Maybe 20)
Only invite your closest friends/family.
Allow your grad to have a say in the location and guest list especially since it’s small.
Make it your own!

Now, I can’t give all of my ideas away, right? If you’re looking to host a party (big or small) give me a call. I can customize a planning package to meet your exact needs.

3. A Day Trip

Maybe your family hosts tons of parties throughout the year, so another party just doesn’t sound like the best way to celebrate your grad.

That’s okay.

There are plenty of other non-traditional ways to celebrate. One option is to plan a fun day trip.

Visit Cedar Point

If you’re more of a thrill seeker and can’t stand the idea of sitting somewhere for hours eating a meal, Cedar point is a great option to have some fun together while you celebrate your grad.

Charter a Boat or Yacht

You read that right. You don’t need to go to a tropical location to enjoy the boat life. I’ve planned yacht parties right here in Cleveland.

Whether you want to cruise over to dinner in downtown Cleveland or spend the day hanging out and swimming, there are options available to suit your every need.

Concert Experience

We are so lucky to have tons of concert venues in the Cleveland area both large and small. Concerts are a great way to celebrate and have one fun with friends. Take a limo bus to tailgate beforehand and enjoy the evening at the concert.

*Photo courtesy of Cleveland Guardians MLB website.*

Rent a suite for an Guardians game

Besides incredible seats and views, for a Superior Fan Experience at a Guardians game, you and your guests would get:

All Premium Suite agreements include:

18 tickets per game
4 parking passes
Food service available
A private restroom and suite attendant

All suites are equipped with:

A large HD TV
Comfortable indoor and outdoor seating
Field facing drink rail and upholstered wooden stools with backs behind a floor to ceiling glass wall
Kitchenette featuring full size refrigerator, sink, base cabinetry, upper display shelf, and plenty of counter space for food service

Take a ride on the Goodtime III

Whether you choose a dinner cruise, sightseeing, entertainment cruise, or rent it for your private graduation party, The Goodtime III will provide you and your guests a unique experience to celebrate your graduate.

While I list some day trips specific to northeast Ohio, keep in mind, no matter where you live, a day trip is a great option to have some fun with family and friends instead of a traditional graduation party.

4. Weekend Away

Niagara Falls

Niagara falls is about a 3.5 hour drive away from Cleveland and is home to TONS of fun options for a weekend away. Whether you visit the US side or the Canadian side, you’ll find plenty of ways to have fun and celebrate.

Put-in-Bay

Put-in-Bay is a local spot to enjoy beaches, fun, and restaurants. While they have made a recent attempt to change the “party place” reputation surrounding the island, Put-in-Bay is a great place to go if you’re looking to spend the weekend and have a good time.

Geneva on the Lake

Geneva on the Lake provides tons of options for a weekend getaway. Whether you’re looking to stay at a newer lodge or rent a beach house on the water, spend the weekend relaxing while you lay on the beach.

In the evening, visit a local restaurant to enjoy some delicious eats.

Kelleys Island

Kelleys Island is another great option for more low key island experience. With the state park available, you can choose a camping experience with your friends and family. If camping isn’t for you, you can rent a cottage, a house, or stay at a bed and breakfast.

Whether you want to lounge around on the beach, go for a hike, go wine tasting, scuba dive, or rent a boat, you’ll never be bored at Kelleys Island.

Hocking Hills

If your graduate loves the outdoors but also a little bit of luxury, Hocking Hills could be an excellent option for a weekend away. In just about 3 hours, you’ll find yourself worlds away from Cleveland.

There are several accommodation options to various group sizes and tons of activities to do while you enjoy the outdoors, family, friends, and fun.

5. Big Vacation

The last option is one that would take some serious planning depending on the destination. Taking a big vacation (national or international) with your immediate family is a unique way to celebrate your child’s graduation.

Depending on your child’s next steps, this may be the last big vacation you’ll be able to take as a family for quite some time. So rather than spend a ton of money on a big party, use that money to travel together as a family.

You can’t go wrong with any of these ways to celebrate, but no matter which you choose, make sure that it’s something your graduate will truly enjoy even if it’s a nontraditional option.

For several of these options, a planner can help lead the way. Give Sterling Events a call and see how I can help make you a guest at your own party so you can actually have a good time.

Let’s plan a party!