GRADUATION
4C THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
THURSDAY, MAY 11, 2006
CELEBRATION
How to plan the perfect grad party Easy tips for making your bash memorable
BY ERIN CASTANEDA
editor@kansan.com
KANSAN CORRESPONDENT
Liz Munz, Topeka senior, left, tries on a graduation cap Monday afternoon at the Kansas Union laughs with her friend Liz Ebert, Astoria, N.Y., because the cap is too small. "I have not bought my cap and gown yet and wanted to check them out before I purchase them," Munz said.
If there's one thing most college students excel at it's partying. Soon-to-be graduates are some of the best, and probably have their party style well established after four, five or six years of keg parties, bar hopping or wine parties at home.
wine parties at home
Graduate parties may reflect
Graduate parties ma your style in the most grandiose manner. You can go all out or you can go low key. The customary cake, punch and graduation banner need not be the norm. You can rent a shelter and barbecue at Clinton Lake or have a themed dance at the Camelot Ballroom, the choice is yours. Just remember, this may be the last of your hard partying days so go out in style.
Planning for a party is a bit like studying. Some people procrastinate and some plan ahead. Ashley Crowell recommends planning every-
her family and friends will dress up for wine and cocktails at the Oaks Retreat. She said drinks will be provided but it is too expensive to provide for everyone. She requested that people bring their favorite beverage on the invitation.
Knowing how many people are going to show up at your party is a gamble. Maggie Bixler, Topela senior, said she invited friends on facebook.com.
Graduate
thing and making reservations before the end of the semester when you have too much to do.
Graduate parties may reflect your style in the most grandiose manner. You can go all out or you can go low key. The customary cake, punch and graduation banner need not be the norm. Just remember, this may be the last of your hard partying days so go out in style.
Crowell didn't want to have the typical keg party so she and
"About 25 people confirmed and about 35 say they are maybe attending so it hard to judge how many to plan for," she said.
She also sent out invitations to family and isn't sure how many will actually come.
Bixler and roommate Beth Chronister, Topeka senior wanted a laid-back outdoor event. They live at Ecumenical Christian Ministries, so family and friends can stroll over to their spacious living
quarters for a barbecue and Free State keg after the commencement.
menit. "It's free and easier to plan your own party." Bixler said.
Their friends will bring side dishes to accompany the hot dogs and shish kebabs the hostesses will make. In addition to the beer, Bixler's mom will make sangria, a combination of fruit and wine
contribution of A.I.
Nothing says congratulations like gifts and money to send you on your way. Visitors may also want to leave you with a parting note, consider something for them to write in, a journal or notebook, and a thank you note never hurts.
to get on the fast track to a
There will be lots of parties to attend. Cromell said it's hard to know when to plan your own party because you may not know where your friends are and don't want to miss them. Safe Ride and taxi services are available.
Catering
successful graduation party consider these options;
Marceli's, 1031 New Hampshire St., provides facilities for groups of 25 to 400. Call 331-2096 or go to www.marcelis.com for more information.
Hereford House, 6th and Wakarusa, requires a minimum order of $1,000 for catering. They also take reservations for a special room or dining table seating for a maximum party of 30. Call 842-2333 or visit www. herefordhouse.com for more information.
Dillon's deli trays: Call ahead at least one or two days in advance. Dillon's provides meat (ham, turkey and beef) and
cheese trays that serve 18-24 people for $45; a veggie tray for 20-25 for $40; Regular cheese for $40, They also serve cheese and crackers trays that serve 18-24 for $30. Call 843-0652 for more information.
Beer and Liquor
Free State started taking reservations yesterday at noon for kegs. Full kegs range from $80 to $90. Smaller kegs cost around $50. Free State will also take reservations for up to 20 if they want to eat at the restaurant. Their menu will be tailored toward a graduation special including their daily specials.
Locations Clinton Lake Shelters: The
Locations
law permits 3.2 beer in state parks. There are six shelters at Clinton Lake. Two are in picnic areas, two are in campground one and two in campground three. Each shelter costs $26 to rent. Guests must be out of the picnic areas by 9 p.m. and the campground by 11 p.m. Vehicles require a permit to be in the park. Permits are $7. For permits and reservations call 842-8562
andRESERVED
Liberty Hall also rents out the big theater for a party. The rates are $1,000 for any night, Monday through Thursday, $1,800 for Saturday night and $1,200 for Sunday night. Guests can bring their own food. Liberty Hall has tables and tablecloths you can rent. The theater can also provide alcoholic services.
---