MBA graduation party tips?

[dis ms.]

My DH is getting his MBA in May and my mom and I want to throw him a party. I don't think it's very common to have an MBA party, but DH has worked so hard to get to this point (while working fulltime and traveling frequently on business), that we just want to celebrate his accomplishment.

My friend manages a hotel, so I've been able to get a banquet room for the entire day at a great price. But, I'm still looking for ways to cut costs and still have a great party.

If anyone has any graduation party tips, I'm all ears. I'd love to hear any suggestions for saving money, decorating, food...whatever!

TIA!

 

[dis ms.]

Anyone?

 

[kuusimo]

You know- my DH will graduate next year with his MBA. I know what you mean about a tough road. I keep telling him at least our boys are young now...

When he graduated with his Bachelors, he did not want a party and I insisted on one. I was six months pregnant at the time and we had it at our home and invited just family. I ordered a cake from Costco, did deli trays, cut up fruit, potato salad, and everyone made sandwiches and had cake. It was a huge success. I am not sure how many people you are wanting to invite. You could ask a few people to bring food items. If there are a lot of children make sure you have a few games to entertain them. The best advice though would try not to do it all yourself. Best of luck to you!

 

[dis ms.]

Thanks for replying. I was starting to think that I stink or something.

You know- my DH will graduate next year with his MBA. I know what you mean about a tough road. I keep telling him at least our boys are young now...

That's exactly what I tell my DH. He feels bad because he has had to miss some of the kids' activities, but it would've been much worse if they were older--there would have been lots more to miss!

Thanks for the tips. My mom is helping me, so I won't have to do it alone. Sounds like our plans are similar to what you did for your DH. We were thinking about getting a couple large party subs and just having fruit, veggies, chips, punch--that kind of stuff.

Good luck to your DH with his MBA. Just remember, it'll all be over next year!

 

[princessjv]

My DH will graduate with his master next year. My plan is to do a 'simple' cocktail party. I will have wine, cheeses/crackers/bread and several desserts. I will not be inviting 'families' (except our own kids).

I am not sure if you can bring your own food into the hotel that you are using...? If not, you may want to opt for a simple pasta bar (pasta, red sauce, white sauce, meatball/chicken(sliced) and a salad. I have done this type of party many times and I can usually do it for $150 or less for 75 people (if I do it myself). The hotel will of course charge much more.

 

[jedijill]

Hi,

I can totally relate. I will be earning my MBA in May. It's been a tough couple of years. No party for me but I am treating myself to a 4 day DCL cruise and then 6 days at WDW with my parents.

Congrats to all the MBA earners and a special thanks to all those family members that supported us while we were trying to get those papers written!

Jill in KC

 

[mrp4352]

YEA for all those MBA earners out there!!

I'm afraid I went the simple route with my party - we had a family dinner at a really nice restaurant!

 

[YachtClubWoman]

When I graduated with my master's degree (in Pharmacy) my husband threw a surprise party at our house. He organized a pig roast with the pig roasted from an Italian shop in S. Philadelphia. Some side dishes snack type stuff. He stored everything at our neighbors and I had scheduled myself a spa morning not even knowing it was the day of the party.

The party was also for him as he had deal with me in graduate school for 3 yrs, working full time, his mother lived with us and we were undergoing infertility treatments. I was not fun to be with at times

So in short, to keep costs down have it a home and don't worry about decorating.