Graduations are definitely a time to celebrate but maybe a party isn’t your thing. Some don’t like the fuss or noise, others want to just hang with mates or family and look back over the years of hard work. Or maybe, you’re already completely partied out!
So here’s a few alternative ways to celebrate this incredible milestone in your life, and not all of them include partying.
1. A WEEKEND GETAWAY WITH FRIENDS
It’s not going to be difficult to grab some of your mates and head off for a little weekend getaway. You spent the last few years making a shed load of memories, some very happy and some a little stressful. So why not have a weekend where you all create some really good memories together.
Grab a car or take the train, rent a cottage or kip in a tent, a weekend getaway is brilliant fun and the perfect way to celebrate it with the people closest to you.
2. A GRADUATION BREAKFAST
This does what is says on the tin. You can either all head off to Maccies for a raucous brekkie, for not very much money. Or book into one of our many restaurants and cafes who will happily accommodate you all.
From experience though, this is where the Rents (parents) can come in handy. Ask them of they’d like to organise a special breakfast for you and your mates – trust me, most of them would love to do it.
Eating your favourite breakfast with your favourite people, especially as someone else will do all the cooking, is a nice way to celebrate graduation.
3. HAVE AN OLD SCHOOL SLEEPOVER
Whether you’re in high school or college, having a slumber party is always a good time. Inviting some close friends over for a sleepover is the perfect way to celebrate the special occasion and have fun!
Graduation is the end of one chapter and the beginning of a new one. So it’s important to celebrate with those who were closest with you during those years.
A sleepover will be a fun memory and an easy way to celebrate graduation without a party.
4. PAMPER YOURSELF SILLY WITH A SPA DAY
Let’s be honest we all love a bit of pampering and a spa day is a good way to go. Planning a spa day with family or close friends is a relaxing way to celebrate this special milestone.
Parties are great, of course, pampering is somehow better after a busy few years.
5. GO TO A LIVE GIG OR SHOW
Where do we even begin, we’ve been inundated with some of the greatest performers across South Wales recently, Shania Twain, Manic Street Preachers, Suede, and so many more. With more to come, there really is something for all tastes.
There’s IDLES this Friday at Cardiff Castle, NOEL GALLAGHER, MADNESS and CATFISH AND THE BOTTLEMEN all appearing in the capital next week.
In Swansea JAMES ARTHUR is playing in Singleton Park and LET’S ROCK WALES gets there on the 20th.
PARTY IN THE PARK is in Newport on the 19th
But make sure you check out the smaller venues too, they have some amazing performers coming up. Acapela Studios, Sin City, Tramshed, Le Pub, Patti Pavilion, The Duke, The Arch Nightclub. in Neath (Dappy is there on the 20th)
Here are some live recommendations:
- Festivals
- Musicians
- Comedians
- Theatre
- Bingo Lingo
6. ENJOY A MEAL AT YOUR FAVOURITE RESTAURANT
Again, we are spoilt for choice right across South Wales, whether you want to do it fast food style, or something a little more relaxed and ‘dressy’ there is definitely something for everyone. The guys at The Ivy have gone all out with their graduation celebrations.
THE IVY CARDIFF
Celebrate the occasion and all your hard work like never before at The Ivy Asia. Join us for a memorable dining experience featuring our specially curated set menus designed to share, comprising of an array of popular classic dishes and our graduation-themed dessert.
Enjoy two courses for £50 or three courses for £60, both accompanied by a complimentary glass of champagne to toast to your achievements!
Available between 15th and 19th July.
7. ENJOY A PROPER FAMILY GET TOGETHER
It’s not just your mates who want to celebrate this momentous achievement with you, family want to be in on the act too. Let’s face it, there’s a fair chance they’ve supported you emotionally, financially and in many other ways through your journey.
As any parent, or grandparent will tell you, they’re never too old to party with you and show you just how proud they are of everything you’ve done.
8. HOST AN INTIMATE DINNER PARTY
After some of the questionable food you’ve indulged n over the last few years, maybe a proper dinner party is the way to go. Get your guets to dress up and make an effort. We’ve heard that some like to prepare a proper menu (printed and laid on the table) and make a real night of it.
Thos pesky rents may need to come into the ewquation again and help out, or even loan you the house for the night.
9. PLAN A ‘YES’ DAY
Inspired by the Jim Carrey movie YES MAN a ‘yes‘ day can be one of the best ways to celebrate graduation without a party. Just a little word of warning however, to make a proper ‘yes‘ day, it will need a bit of planning.
If you’ve never done one of these before it’s where you, the graduate, basically gets to do whatever you want (within reason of course). Your family and friends, although they are less likely to comply, have to say yes! to whatever you ask.
Our tip is to make sure you aren’t overly demanding and make everything fun and as inclusive as you can.
Keeping it simple usually works – cinema, going on a bike ride, favourite restaurant. You say it, they have to say ‘yes’.
10. DO ABSOLUTELY NOTHING
This could well be the most favourite on the list. With parties filling up the last few weeks, and lots of time spent with you mates, doing absolutely nothing might seem like your idea of heaven. If you don’t want to do anything at all, then don’t!
Stay home, relax, and bask in the glory of the pride which comes with just having graduated.
