Size

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  Start the process by deciding if the party is going to be a small and intimate gathering, or a huge celebration involving all the student's friends and family. The next decision you want to make is how much you are able to budget for this party. Your budget will set the tone for the theme (particularly if it is elaborate), as well as the number of guests who will be in attendance.
  
  

Types

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  In order to determine the theme of the party, you must first determine what the student's interests are. If you are throwing a graduation theme party for a student who has graduated from high school and intends to go to college for science, then you could use that as a theme. The biggest mistake you can make is throwing the type of party you would like to have thrown for yourself. Just because you are interested in law or aviation does not mean the student will be.
  
  

Time Frame

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  Timing this graduation theme party is very important. You want to be sure it falls right around or on graduation day. You also want to plan well enough in advance to be sure the venue you want is available. For example, if you plan to throw a graduation party themed around environmental science you may need plenty of advance notice to throw the party in a botanical garden or natural museum. Set a rain date, as well, if this is an outdoor party. That way, the celebration can still go on rain or shine.
  
  

Features

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  You could also throw a very simple themed party involving the school colors, about the student's favorite sport throughout school, about their participation in other extracirricular activities, or their favorite hobby. Remember, whatever theme you choose will dictate what types of party favors and decorations need to be purchased. The more detailed the theme, the more costly the supplies will be. This is another area where budgeting plays a huge role. You will need invitations, decorations and paper goods for food.
  
  

Considerations

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  Do not forget to enlist the help of friends and family during the planning process. This will be helpful if you are not planning to hire a caterer because each helper can bring a dish or some other food item. Determine the menu first, and then ask for volunteers who would like to help. Ask for help figuring out what games to play, as well. Some common graduation party games include making a time capsule, signing T-shirts, and having paper streamer fights.