The pandemic has put a damper on so many of our plans this year, but that doesn’t mean we have to stop celebrating the momentous events in life entirely. The internet allows friends, family, and acquaintances to gather virtually from the safety and comfort of their own homes. If you have a graduate who never got to walk the stage, a recent winter graduate, or an upcoming 2021 graduate, you might have to celebrate their accomplishments virtually. Thankfully, these tips for making virtual graduation special can help you plan a celebration that’s both exciting and safe.
The More the Merrier
Once you choose a date for the virtual graduation party, don’t forget to notify your friends and family. Send out invitations by snail mail, text, email, or social media. Hosting a party virtually doesn’t mean you need to cut out the speeches, presents, and other well-wishes from your guests. If they have gifts to send, they can deliver them to your address, and if they want to give a speech, make time for them during the virtual ceremony. Picking gifts for a graduate isn’t always easy, but you’ll probably want to get them something to celebrate their accomplishment. Personalized items, such as mugs, clothes, or graduation plaques engraved with their name and their graduation year, make for great presents. Before the big day, pick out the digital platform you’ll use, and make sure you’re familiar with the way it works. The night before the party, don’t forget to confirm that your microphone, audio, and camera are working.
Deck the Halls
Another tip for making virtual graduation special is to deck the halls—with graduation decorations, of course! Fill the inside and outside of your house with lights, yard signs, banners, and whatever else you can think of. Give guests a virtual tour or take photos of the graduate and the decorations together to post on social media.
Don’t Forget the Graduation Speech
During a typical graduation ceremony, there would be a valedictorian speech. Regardless of your graduate’s school ranking, why not give them the honors of preparing their own speech? They can talk about their educational journey, what they learned along the way, and their future goals. Once they’ve finished their speech, ask the guests if they have any advice, tips, or well-wishes for the recent graduate.
Dress the Part
It’s tempting to show up to a virtual meeting in a comfortable pair of jeans and an old, wrinkled T-shirt. But for a once-in-a-lifetime graduation party, encourage your graduate, yourself, and any guests to dress the part. Wear your best dress, suit, or some other formal, classy attire. Ask your graduate if they’re willing to show off their graduation gown and cap. They might be stuffy and oversized, but they’re also symbols of academic success! Take photos of them in their graduation attire and, if they’ve already received it from the school, their diploma. Graduation only lasts a day, but the memories will last a lifetime.
Crystal Central has beautiful, customizable graduation plaques that will remind your graduate of their accomplishments for years to come. If you’re looking for the perfect gift, come check out our impressive selection.