During a formal graduation reception, guests are invited to celebrate the graduate's hard work and applaud his accomplishments. Because the event is formal, the decorations at the reception site should similarly be formal. Generally, this means that flashy signs, silly photos or other nontraditional decorations should not be included. Instead, flower arrangements, tablecloths and a photo of the graduate in his robe should adorn the reception room.
Instructions
1. Determine the graduate's school colors. Provided they do not clash with the room's current decorations, use these colors to decorate. Shades of the graduate's school colors will remind your guests about the purpose and importance of the event.
2. Inspect the reception room to determine its current decorations. Your decorations should not conflict with the room's colors or theme. If, for example, the room's walls are painted a dark green, you will want to avoid bright-green vases for your floral arrangements. Make a list of the main decorations in the room so that you can add decorations that will enhance the room's natural ambiance.
3. Measure the size and height of the tables if you will be providing the tablecloths. Formal tablecloths fall to the floor, making the table's height particularly important. Tablecloths are used at formal receptions. Measure every table you anticipate using. Count how many floral arrangements you will need. Floral arrangements are necessary for any formal reception. Traditionally, one floral arrangement is required for the center of each table. If, however, you have a long table, for example one that seats eight or ten people, you may need as many as four floral arrangements.
4. Measure the space in the center of the table for floral arrangements. This measurement will provide you with an approximation of how large your floral arrangements should and can be to properly fit the table without getting in your guests' way. Visit your florist or your local floral shop to design appropriate floral arrangements. The vase should be simple and elegant, and the flowers themselves the colors of the graduate's school. Arrangements should be low to the table to allow guests to speak freely to each other.
5. Visit your caterer to set a menu. The menu should consist of an appetizer, main dish and dessert. When selecting the dishes, make sure to keep in mind any of your guests' food allergies. At this time, you should also determine the timing and presentation of the dishes at the table. Also select the types of hors d'oeuvres that will be offered either through a station or by waiter service.
6. Frame the graduate's graduation photo using a glass, metal or other elegant frame. The photo should be of the graduate in her robe and hat. This photo can be placed on the gift table or near the entrance to the reception.
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