It's that time of year again. Graduation planning!  Yay!  

Seriously, going through commencement, and then, gasp, going off to college, isn't easy...but here are 8 things you will have to think about when it comes to the open house for graduation and High School Senior photography for the grad party.

#1) Decide on the date and time for the grad party.  Most people will plan them the first weekend in June. You don't have to be most folks, unless that absolutely is the best weekend for you and your clan.  Consider having your party the week before the actual graduation, or, the weekend after.  Consider a morning 'breakfast brunch' party for stronger attendance as well, as most parties are in the afternoon, and you will want to either attend them, or have others attend yours, so planning an alternative time can help.

#2) Call the The Imagery to get your card designed.  We do everything custom so your invite will be unique to YOU. We can even do an additional session, for free, for a new look for the card if you'd like.

#3) Come in for design work on the invitation in early March, which is just a few weeks away!  March gives you plenty of time to not panic about getting your cards ready for mailing.  The design process takes 2-3 weeks, and then you want another 4-6 weeks prior to your party as the date when you mail them out.

#4) Think about a theme for your party..,colors, mood, and food all working together on the same idea...it may help add to the design and the excitement of people wanting to attend and celebrate with you.  The more fun you have with the overall look and design, the more everyone will want to be sure not to miss out.

#5) Think about making it easy on you, the host, to enjoy the party instead of 'work' the party. Consider a caterer. Consider maybe even having a food truck show up at your driveway and prepay a certain amount for the gang, or set up your buffet items so they are simple and mess-free (as much as possible).  

#6) Think about entertainment.  Can you provide a slideshow running in a corner of the highlights of the senior's growing up? (the Imagery can help with this)  Do you have family and friends willing to take turns at playing the piano or guitar softly in a corner?  Do you have yard games and indoor games (be ready for rain!)

#7) Think about getting a sign or signs made to mark where you are. Are you a hard-to-find house with lots of twists and turns to get to you?  The Imagery can design and print yard signs that can be put up on strategic corners, with arrows pointing the way.  Banners for your garage or outdoor park pavilion are also available.  They make fun keepsakes afterwards to hang in the garage, as we can put baby photos and senior photos together in clever ways.

#8) Decorate with photos!  Here is where you might want to put in a re-order for proof sets, folios, collages, and framing, so that your photos are all displayed when it's time for the party guests to arrive. They all want to see those amazing photos, so have them ready for display!

We hope that you ENJOY your party. A little planning ahead will make all the difference. We can help! The Imagery appointments are starting already for graduation time. Call us at 952-890-7640.  Talk to you soon!