I can hardly believe I’m writing this—my baby boy is graduating. Like, actually graduating. The little boy who I introduced here on this blog when he was about 2 years old, the little boy who was obsessed with the movie Cars and the show Chuggington is now lining up for cap and gown measurements, senior photos, and last dances. And while he’s been busy wrapping up this chapter, I’ve been feeling all the feels and doing my best to keep up with the planning side of things.
So this post is for you, mama—if you’re also walking through senior year, prepping for graduation, and trying not to cry every time you pass the baby photos on the wall. I’m right there with you. This is our first graduate but we will have another one next year and then another one a couple years after that. So it will be a busy 5 years or so. Which means I’ll be able to update this blog with anything I might have forgotten along the way!
There’s so much joy, a little stress, and a whole lot of “this is our last…” happening right now. We’ve got senior night, scholarship applications, college applications, graduation announcements and so much to think about so I wanted to share a few things I’m doing (or trying to remember to do) before the big day arrives.
Soak It All In
First, I keep reminding myself that this is our graduation too. We’ve been there for the late-night homework, the pep talks, the parent-teacher conferences, and the growing pains. This season isn’t just about the party or the diploma, it’s also about honoring the whole journey and we plan to do just that!
So take the photos. All the photos. Candid ones. The ones where they’re half-asleep or maybe doing nothing but it looks like everything. The “lasts” that are sneaking up on you faster than you expected. And while you’re at it, write down a few memories. What are they into right now? What makes them laugh? What does life at home feel like in this moment?
I just looked through all my high school notes and paper the other day and it was so fun to look through old report cards ( when they mailed them haha) and long hand written notes that my friends and I would write. It was our snapchat and phone calls were our Instagram. But all that to say keep the little things that will make them smile 20 years from now.
Announcements + Party Planning
I already knew I wanted to use Minted for his announcements because I’ve been a fan for years. I use them for Christmas card, birthday invitations and of course art! They have amazing designs that I just fell in love with plus coordinating party invites so it all feels cohesive. They made it simple (and beautiful!) to put something together that felt personal and polished.
I picked the Distinguished design that reflected my son’s vibe—nothing too over-the-top, just clean, classic, and timeless. You can find all the graduation announcement selections on their website. I wanted an announcements that showed off as many of his senior pictures as possible haha! The quality is stunning, and I love that they offer matching thank-you cards and graduation party cards too.
If you haven’t tried Minted yet, this $25 credit is a sweet little welcome.
Start gathering those ideas early
I’ve been saving ideas to a Pinterest board over the last few months—everything from party setup inspo to food ideas and little memory station moments. It’s been helpful to pin now and sort through later when I’m actually ready to make decisions. I started to pin ideas for all the kids ( two boys, one girl) so you will get a good mix of both boy and girl ideas!
You don’t need to go all out, but having a few special touches (like a photo wall or a table of “through the years” keepsakes) can make the day feel meaningful and personal.
I plan on doing an open house style party and getting it catered just to save some time! I think a lot of treats will make him smile because he has a big sweet tooth. Also thinking that I need to put in my orders early when it comes to using local companies because so many graduates and their moms will be thinking the same thing.
Things to remember before they graduate:
- Schedule senior photos early if you haven’t already- I actual did these in November! It was great to get them out of the way and done with
- Don’t forget to get cap and gown pictures. I plan on doing this myself with my fancy camera but it might be worth it to do a mini session with a local photographer.
- I ended up ordering a custom sash for over his gown. There are some great Etsy shops that do this if you aren’t local to my hometown!
- I also want to oder this graduation lei and a money lei and maybe a candy lei. I can’t help it! haha!
- Order announcements + party invites with enough time to mail
- Start making a guest list (and don’t forget to double-check addresses. Minted has a link you can give to friends and family and they will print address on envelopes for you!)
- Think about what you want to say to your senior—write them a letter or a short note to give them on graduation day
- Get those baby pictures together—you know they’re going in a slideshow or on a table somewhere
- Get a yearbook spot early for a dedication page. I almost missed this. Thank goodness my son was on the yearbook committee!
- Schedule medical and dental appointments- if they are going off to college these are great to have!
- Make a little folder with copies of birth certificates, social security and any medical records they might need. You can also email these things to them if it’s easier!
This season can feel like a blur, but I promise, it’s also really sweet. Let yourself feel all of it. You don’t have to have the perfect party or the most Pinterest-worthy decor—what matters is that your graduate feels celebrated and surrounded by love. Make speeches, toast, play music and make it as big or as intimate as you want.
To all the senior moms out there: you’re doing a great job. We’ve raised kids who are ready to take on the next thing, whatever that may be. And that’s worth pausing to celebrate!
I’ll be sharing more on my Pinterest board and Instagram as we get closer, so follow along if you want to see how we pull everything together.
We made it, mama. Almost.
—Destiny
