Planning a Memorable Graduation Party During Covid-19

We understand that the Covid-19 pandemic has put a lot of summer parties, especially 2020 graduation parties, on hold. With the introduction of phase 3 in Massachusetts, our clients are looking for ways to still have a memorable graduation celebration while following state guidelines. Here are our top tips for planning a graduation party during Covid-19.

2. Host your party outdoors. We have always been fond of backyard graduation parties because they feel more personal. We recommend renting a tent to keep both your guests and the food out of the sun. Following guidelines of keeping guest seating 6 feet apart will impact the size of the tent needed based on your anticipated guest count. You will want to keep in mind the space you have to work with and size of the tent needed to determine the number of guests you can safely host. Our team, in coordination with a tent rental company, can help you determine the appropriate size. 
3. Order food from a caterer that is following CDC and state guidelines for sanitization and food preparation. Whether looking for pick-up catering or a full-service event, the way food is presented is important. Guests may not be comfortable with a large self-serve buffet with many different hands touching the serving utensils.
   
   Consider offering a boxed meal for each guest or individually served items. Boxed meals don’t have to be just your standard sandwich or salad. Think gourmet sandwiches served alongside homemade chips, individual Asian noodle salads served in Chinese takeout boxes, or a curated bento box with a variety of healthy offerings.
   
   If you’re thinking of having a full-service catered event, servers can handle food from the buffet to limit the amount direct contact guests have with the buffet. BBQ style cuisine like BBQ chicken, pulled pork sliders, and cornbread have always been popular options for summer grad parties and can easily be served by staff. Another option is an on-site chef cooking fresh burgers right from the grill for each guest. You could even bring in the sports game-day feel with individual open-top boxes assembled for guests, each filled with mini sliders or chili dogs served alongside fries. 
   
4. You can’t have a graduation party without sweets. A cake can still be served but think of having one person assigned to cutting all the slices and putting them on individual plates for each guest to grab as they are cut. You can also offer cake as individually wrapped cake pops. Or if pies are more your style, you can do individual pie pops. Looking for a dessert that helps beat the summer heat? Individually wrapped novelty ice cream desserts are a great way to go. Check our some of our bakeries past dessert creations. 
   
5. When it comes to drinks -- you can include them in the boxed meal if you are doing that style of service, or have servers bring drinks to each guest individually. If you are hosting an event without a caterer, you could encourage guests to bring their own beverages.
6. How about adding in a unique way to follow mask guidelines? You can incorporate face masks into the celebration by getting custom cloth masks in the school colors or with the school logo on them.

6. Make it easy for guests to follow sanitization guidelines. Consider having hand sanitizer out and available for guests on every table and trash cans close by.

Graduations are a very special and important milestone to celebrate. We are here to help you plan your event so you, the graduate, and your guests feel safe and have an enjoyable time. Interested in learning more about us - contact us today!