READY, PREP,
Hy-Vee can help you get a head start on party planning. Find food, custom-made cakes and festive decorations to set the scene for celebrating.
This is the fun part! Let the grad go wild with whatever funky or creative theme their heart desires—this is their day. Use the ideas and color schemes shown to ignite inspiration. After choosing the theme, set the day, time, location and guest list, which will influence the rest of the party planning.
It’s never too early to start planning for your favorite grad’s party! While it may not be time to start placing the catering and floral orders just yet, jot down these theme ideas, essential planning steps and important dates to remember so you’re prepared.
KICK-START
THE PARTY
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Choose a theme
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FOOD
HOW TO PLAN
Once you’ve established the number of people attending the party, the Hy-Vee catering team can help with deciding how much food is needed.
WHEN TO ORDER
Mark your calendar or planner to place large catering orders at least a month before the party. Have questions beforehand? The Hy-Vee catering team is always ready to help.
Hy-Vee Catering
Food is a huge part of a successful party—and Hy-Vee can help! Pick foods that correspond with the party theme, and discuss with the catering team the amount needed. Hy-Vee will prep and deliver everything to your door.
Select the food
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The party will end on a sweet note with a one-of-a-kind crafted cake from the Hy-Vee Bakery. In addition to elaborate cakes, get grab-and-go favorites like sheet cakes, cookies, cupcakes and pies to fill out the dessert table.
Order the cake
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Bring the theme to life with balloons, streamers, florals and more. Buy what you need from Hy-Vee or use one of the fun ideas to craft some unique and personalized DIY decor.
Choose the decor
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buffets
Whether the grad’s favorite food is tacos, pizza, pasta or sandwiches, Hy-Vee has a buffet or specialty bar to fill the day with the flavors they crave.
ASIAN BAR
HICKORY HOUSE BAR
appetizer bar
SLIDER bar
Asian Bar
Choice of two or three entrées: beef & broccoli, asparagus beef, cashew chicken, chicken & broccoli, chicken lo mein, garlic chicken, general chicken, Hunan pork, Kung Pao chicken, mixed vegetables, Mongolian beef, orange chicken, sesame chicken, sweet & sour chicken, Szechuan pork, Thai chili shrimp, walnut shrimp. Includes fried or steamed rice, egg rolls, fortune cookies and crab rangoon.
Hickory House Bar
Choice of up to three meats: brisket, burnt ends, pulled pork, ribs, chicken, turkey (select stores), pork loin or barbecue pork. Includes choice of up to three sides, such as corn on the cob.
Appetizer Bar
Choice of four or six appetizers from
more than 20 options that include antipasto skewers, assorted Nori sushi, bacon-wrapped smokies, Swedish meatballs, chicken wings, fried egg rolls and more.
Slider Bar
Choice of three meats: bacon & Cheddar, California turkey, certified ground chuck, Italian sausage, jalapeño pepper Jack pork, mushroom & Swiss and more. Includes buns, choice of two sides and condiments.
Choose from a lineup of meat and cheese, fruit, veggie and sandwich trays from Hy-Vee.
trays
Keep thirsts quenched with coolers full of soda, juice and other beverages from Hy-Vee.
drinks
CAKE
HOW TO PLAN
Meet with a Hy-Vee cake designer to discuss the theme and any special or unique concepts you have for the cake.
WHEN TO ORDER
Place your bakery order about one month before the date of the party. That means you’ll need to meet with a cake designer and finalize the look of the cake well before then.
STYLISH SHEET CAKES
Hy-Vee has many ready-made options that are convenient, delicious and available for quick pickup when you’re in a hurry.
COLOR THEME
Keep the cake simple and vibrant with bright colors that match the color scheme of the party. That could include the grad’s high school or college colors.
SPORTS THEME
If your grad played a sport throughout school, or is just a huge sports fan, get them a cake that reflects their competitive and sporty side.
HOBBIES
Show off the grad’s interests and passions with a cake designed to showcase their hobbies or activities while attending school.
For more graduation ideas
DECOR
HOW TO PLAN
Decide on a focal point for the party decor: a balloon arch, photo booth, flowers or a sign. Then pick up decorations and items for DIY projects at Hy-Vee.
WHEN TO ORDER
Stop by Hy-Vee Floral six weeks in advance to see options for flowers, balloons and photo props; place your order one month before the party.
PHOTO BOOTH
WHAT YOU’LL NEED: Anything to create a fun and photogenic background, goofy props, a camera and an award-winning smile!
PROPS
Buy props like hats and signs for guests to pose with for funny and silly photos together.
CAMERA
Consider getting an instant camera to print pictures to share with guests.
NUMBER MARQUEE
Cut the numbers of the graduation year out of cardboard. Paint the numbers to match the party theme and cut out holes to weave a string of party lights through. Light up the marquee as guests arrive for photo ops!
FRINGE LETTERING
Cut thin strips of colored tissue paper and then cut a fringe along one long side. Tape or glue the tissue paper in an alternating color pattern over numbers for the graduation year.
Grab these
At Hy-Vee
Create a fun backdrop for the grad and their friends to take photos and make memories! Order balloons from Hy-Vee to set the scene.
ASIAN BAR
HICKORY HOUSE BAR
Appetizer Bar
SLIDER BAR
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