So, I just searched "Senior Year To Do List" and discovered a BUNCH of lists and even some fun graphics. They all had similar ideas on them: fill out your FAFSA, apply to colleges, register for the ACT/SAT, complete scholarship applications, and schedule an orientation. Great reminders, but what about the other things to do during your senior year and even the summer before? I'm talking thinks like reserve the venue for your grad party, meet with a senior photographer, and order graduation invites. Where is THAT list??

     Well, I can't help with the WHOLE list, but having graduated 2 seniors, I can look at few of these things with you.

So first, that grad party. The possibilities are endless as to where you could celebrate - a banquet hall, local park, or even your home. We chose to use our church hall. The important thing is to choose where you want your party and snatch up that spot soon...some places book up a year in advance. That is to be expected though, as graduation season is also wedding season and many venues are used for both. Make sure to check on the rules at your location choice. Are they rules you can live with, or are they deal breakers? Numerous places won't allow you to hang anything on the walls for your party...but I have seen people get pretty creative with this, even tying banners and such to the ceiling rafters. So if you really like a venue, use your imagination! You can make it work!

What about meeting with a senior photographer? This will actually depend on a few things. First, check out your school's deadline for submitting yearbook photos. Some are pretty early in the year. Second, does it matter to you what season you have your portraits taken...are you doing an outdoor session? Also, how quickly does your photographer book up?

Ideally, meeting with a photographer sometime during the spring of your junior year or the summer before your senior year is a great plan. Taking your portraits then isn't necessary, but this gives you time to form a plan and book your photographer before they get super busy. The earlier you book, the more choices you will have when choosing a session date.

So, how about invites? Well, when is your party? Most parties (at least around here), are somewhere between the end of May and the begin June. So beginning the invite process February or March is a good plan. Are you gonna have your photographer design your cards, ask a local print shop to do the work, or maybe try your hand at it yourself? While designing them yourself may save some money, having someone else do the work is sure to save you some time.  

Which ever way you decide to go, you will save time if you have all your info ready when you start. Choose a couple of your senior portraits to put on the invite. Then make sure you know date, time and location for your party. An address for the party venue is good to state on your card, too. Before you go to place you order, do a guest list count. Are all guests getting a paper invite, or will a social media invite be suitable for some?

There is sooo much to think about throughout your senior year. Most importantly, don't forget to make memories! You'll want to remember this time with family and friends for years to come!

If you'd like to chat with Pix Along The Way about scheduling YOUR senior portraits, click on the button below to contact us online or give us a call. We'd love to hear from you!