My best friend Kim was so excited for her middle son Blake, to graduate Class of 2020. Although school graduation and the celebrations looked a little different this year, she was still able to create a special day that we will all remember. I thought this Drive-Up Graduation Party post might help all of you looking for 2020 graduation ideas for stationery and parties.
Kim was on the ball! She designed and printed graduation announcements through TOG.ink in early March, and then whammo! Covid-19 hit, social distancing started, both providing a pretty big plot twist for the grad party. Kim decided to design these smaller Change of Plans cards and include them with the announcement.
Deciding to move forward with a drive up party for Blake, she had the street mapped out how she wanted the traffic to flow. We also marked the street with chalk arrows and set up some large orange cones in the middle of the cul-de-sac so traffic flowed correctly. His first station was the guest book table, where his older brother Ty, handed them a pen and photo mat to sign thru their window. Next stop was Blake and his car backed up to edge of road with trunk open using it as a place to stash cards and gifts. His car was decorated with balloons and fun messages on his windows.
Blake briefly chatted with each guest as they drove by and then directed them down the road to see his tables of awards and photos. (I’m going to brag a little bit… Blake is a 3-sport athlete, musician and singer and was named Valedictorian of his class. Impressive accomplishments for an outstanding young man.)
Next stop, a treat! Your choice of a cupcake or bag of candy (all Blake’s favorites). Boxes and bags had a custom seal attached. Last stop, Blake’s younger brother, Ryan handed guests a bottled tea or water.
Kim had a few extra touches that were used to decorate the yard. Large senior sports banners, school flag, printed yard signs from Pear Tree, balloons and a large 2020 balloon sign for the garage door. A few floral centerpieces were set on the tables for color. They had two picnic tables and a few chairs spread out for neighbors who walked up.
Although this wasn’t the party that was originally planned, the drive-up graduation party went great. It was actually fun to see the line of cars coming down the road. I asked Kim, was it as much work as a regular party? “Well you might not have to clean out your garage or prepare/cater food, BUT you still have all the other stuff. A little extra attention to the yard and flowers plus individually packaging up the treats and cupcakes took extra time.”
I wish Blake all the best next year at the University of Minnesota, and I hope this drive-thru party inspires anyone looking to do something special for their own 2020 graduate.
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