We bought a property (last year during the summer so the kiddos school year began at the new house) about 80 miles from our old home, which was by family and friends. We love it but the problem, well not "problem" per se, small obstacle, is one of our sons graduates this year and we do not really have any family/close friends by us now.
Does anyone have any ideas to draw old friends and family this way? How should I send announcements, with an RSVP so I don't buy too much food, etc?
Anyone have any ideas, comments, experience or advice with my plight?
Thank you!!!
If we were close, I would have no problem driving 80 miles for a once in a lifetime graduation party. I wouldn't need to be enticed by anything, in order to get myself there, either.
Sent invites. 80 miles is not far to travel for a party.
Can you have it at a family members house back near your old area and more friends/family live?
hahaha hotels in kiowa :) Not sure about how much property you have but could people bring their campers and camp out? have a big field party? I would rsvp or make one main meal like pulled pork or something that is cheaper and feeds pretty good sized groups. And then they could all bring their own sides or whatever.
Send out the invites and include with it names of reasonable hotels. You can also call ahead and reserve a block of rooms for that weekend so that folks who want to come can easily do so.
Do what you can to make it convenient. If the graduation is on a weekday, then host something small at your house for the immediate family and then a larger party on the weekend for out-of-town guests. Make it a family-friendly event worth driving for...
Odds are pretty good that your family will travel, but most of the friends will not. Ask for an RSVP and include your cell phone as well as your email address. A week before you need to order the food, email folks who have not responded and ask them (clearly but kindly) to hit "reply" so that you can plan accordingly.
When my son turned one, we threw a huge bash. Way over-the-top, but fun. We invited all of our family, many of whom lived a plane ride or 3+ hour drive away. They ALL came. They made a weekend out of it. It was a blast, but it ended up costing us more than we expected b/c we hosted a pizza night on Friday, the party on Saturday and then people came by all day Sunday on their way out of town, so keep that in mind as well!
Oh my gosh are you kidding, 80 miles is nothing. Just running errands around here adds up to that many or more miles. Invite and they will come!
Congratulations and have fun!
I would rent a park pavilion in your old hometown and have it there. Then have smaller one for new friends at your new hometown. Although a previous poster was right 80 miles is not that far it's less than 2 hours
I would not expect anyone other then close family (that are able to travel and have the means, God parents, and people who are close to your high school graduate), to attend.....UNLESS you and dad have the capability to host a lot of people at your home for a couple of days. Are any of the folks you want to invite into camping and a big pot luck party?
If not, I would just send out graduation announcements and no party invite to those who are so far away.
