Is your graduate finishing high school or college this year? Commencement season is right around the corner, and now is the ideal time to start planning a graduation open house that feels organized, welcoming, and stress-free.
If you’ve never hosted a large gathering at home, you’re not alone. Alpine Events has helped countless families plan graduation celebrations, and here are a few key tips to help you get started.
Step One: Choose the Date, Time, and Location
Start by selecting a date and time that works best for family and friends. Many families coordinate with others to host joint open houses, making scheduling even more important.
A three-hour open house is a sweet spot. It gives guests enough time to stop by, visit, and enjoy refreshments without the event feeling drawn out. Afternoon events remain the most popular, though evening open houses are becoming more common as classmates enjoy gathering later in the day.
If you’re hosting at home, planning for the location is key. Most families secure a tent to provide coverage from sun, wind, or unexpected rain. Michigan weather can change quickly, and a tent helps ensure your event stays comfortable regardless of the forecast.
A Typical Rental Setup for 100–125 Guests
A common graduation open house rental order includes:
- 20×30 pole or canopy tent rental
- Sidewalls and lighting rentals can be added if desired. If the tent will be installed on pavement, a frame tent with weights is required.
- Five to six 60-inch round tables or 6-foot banquet tables
- Four cocktail tables – these are especially popular with students who prefer standing and socializing.
- 50 folding chairs
- White folding chairs are most common, with padded options available for added comfort.
- Poly table linens rentals, in your student’s school colors! Knee-length linens are typically used for guest tables, while food, gift, and cocktail tables often use full-length linens.
Important Reminder: Tents Book Early
Graduation season is one of the busiest times of year for tent rentals. Alpine Events often reaches capacity on canopy and pole tents by mid-March.
Reserving early is strongly recommended. When booking your tent, it’s best to reserve tables, chairs, and linens at the same time to ensure availability and streamline planning.
Food & Beverage Support Rentals to Consider
If you’re serving food and drinks at your open house, these rentals are commonly added:
- Trash box rentals
- Beverage dispenser rentals
- Large cooler rentals for canned or bottled drinks
- Chafing dish rentals
- Serving utensils rentals
- Cake stand rentals
- Serving bowls and platter rentals
These items help keep food service organized and efficient throughout the event.
Final Planning Tips
Once your rentals are reserved, confirm food plans and any outside vendors as early as possible. Graduation open houses often overlap, and guests tend to graze rather than sit down for full meals.
Handling as much as possible in advance, or assigning someone to manage refills and cleanup during the event, allows you and your family to fully enjoy this milestone celebration.
Contact Alpine Events today to reserve your graduation open house rentals or to speak with a sales representative about availability and recommendations. Planning ahead now means one less thing to worry about as commencement day approaches.