As people start to prepare for the graduation party season, it is important that the ground rules are laid out.

The Do’s

1. DO try and attend every grad party you can. Even if you do not consider yourself ‘close’ with the graduate, they will appreciate you taking the time to celebrate their day with them.
2. DO offer to help the hosts clean up the party if you are there near or at the end time. The hosts have a lot to clean up, and since it is their event and celebration, it would be a chance to help the cleanup process go faster and to thank the hosts for putting time and work into the celebration.
3. If you are hosting the party, DO order extra chairs for the party just in case there are more people than expected. It is common for groups to eat at the same time while at the gathering, so many people will want to sit and enjoy their food together. Extra chairs are a good idea so no guests are left standing.

The Don’t’s

1. DON’T be afraid to eat a lot at each grad party. The food is offered for guests to enjoy. The family hosting the party would most likely prefer to not have a lot of leftovers due to the amount of extra stuff they will already have to deal with after the celebration.
2. DON’T stay stationary the whole party, visiting with people is important, but make sure you visit every aspect of the party. From the pictures, to the decor, to the activities the party offers, it is a good idea to experience the whole entire party and do not let the hard work from the hosts go to waste.
3. If you are the graduate or the hosts, DON’T forget to send thank you cards to all of the guests that attended your party. Send the cards in a timely fashion and make sure you do not miss a guest.