Are you a parent of 2020 graduate and feeling the pressure of hosting a party your teenager will actually enjoy and remember?

Time is short and budgets can be tight. This shouldn’t stop you from avoiding the pitfalls of a painful graduation party.

The family may be the primary party planner, but don’t forget to include the guest of honor — the graduate. Include your teenager in the discussion about the party details such as when, where and what will happen. 

Have you checked out their social media lately? This may help you get some ideas for themes, food, or gifts that they may like.

Let's be real the best party of any party, including a graduation party is the food. But you don't want to be tied to the stove or grill for the whole party.

Consider  menu where mostly everything can be made ahead of time so that you can take your chef's hat off and enjoy the graduation party with the rest of your guests. Or if you have the budget consider having it catered. A taco bar, BBQ buffet, or ordering from your teen's favorite restaurant may be good choices.

This is the perfect time to go beyond just your basic balloons. Check out local businesses that can provide everything you need for decorating. One of the things that Las Vegas is good at is throwing a party and there are a lot of local businesses that will help you throw the perfect party.

Say it Big with Sign Gypsies Las Vegas is perfect for this. Decorate the front or back yard or even inside and have the perfect spot for photos that you don't even have to do yourself. Save your self time and money by renting a graduation yard sign.

Between the selfie station and the hundreds of other pictures taken at the party, make sure everyone can enjoy them later on by creating a hashtag on social media (i.e. Instagram) such as #garrettgraduates. Simply put a few framed signs with the assigned hashtag around the party to remind people to feel free to post and share. Check out our Facebook page to see some of the photos that our customers have shared.

There is not shame in self promotion. Tell everyone it’s your birthday and see if they offer any special deals or freebies available. Let people know you are in Vegas to celebrate your special day.

• When making your hotel reservation make sure they put a birthday note on your reservation and mention it upon check in. They may give you an upgrade when making the reservation or when checking in.
• Sign up for players club cards and their email lists. They will email you promotions for your birthday. It may something as small as a free drink or it could be freeplay credit. Last year I was given $10 free play plus a bonus of $30 for any stay during my birthday month. If you don’t get a special via email I would still go to the players club ask if there are any promotions or freebies.
• These are the Vegas specific freebies that have been reported on various websites, chat boards and forums. I can’t speak for the validity of them so please report any that are not active.

The Eiffel Tower at Paris is free on the day of your birthday.

Excalibur offers $20 Free Play through the week before and after your birthday.

Luxor offers a free spin $5 – $100 within a week of your birthday.

Park MGM offers $25 Free Play.

Ellis Island offers Free Play on the day of birthday.

Four Queens gives a two-for-one dinner voucher for Magnolia’s during your birthday month.

Orleans earn 1 point and swipe for prizes at kiosk booth.

Wynn: $10 Free Play within 48 hours of b-day (not sure if still active).

Enjoy over 3 million lights and immerse yourself in a complete Christmas experience for all ages! The crisp winter air will sparkle to life as holiday lights twinkle to warm and familiar Christmas music, creating a backdrop to a whimsical holiday light show.

Ride on the magical Polar Express train ride where you can get a tour of the whole town! Enjoy the lights and music as you are taken through Christmas Town where you can see all your favorite sights and perhaps see a few of your favorite Christmas characters that may be visiting the town as well. 

Ready for a snow day?! Want to experience real snow in the middle of the desert? Pull on your snow boots (or tennis shoes) and climb our wintry sledding hill (man made of course).   Slide down the 100-foot snow hill as you go tubing the old-fashioned way! Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow! This sledding treat will become one of your family's favorite holiday traditions!

Take a moment to rest and enjoy this spectacular show! When the show starts, the music will come alive and will show animated visual sequences thanks to the newest technology paired with RGB lighting. See the lights dance to some of your favorite Christmas songs. Don’t forget to watch out, because it just might snow!

Keep the holiday joy going by booking a yard greeting for the holidays. Sayitbiglv will design, install, and take away the greeting after 24-36 hours, It is the perfect addition to your holiday party.

Where can you rent a graduation yard sign in Las Vegas?

Say it Big with SG Las Vegas will design, deliver, install, and pick up a yard greeting for your special graduate. We specialize in making your greeting personal and fun! Check out our gallery to see some of our graduation greetings. Check out our Facebook to see some of the photos that our customers have shared.

We constantly update our inventory to stay on trend and provide the best products for our customers. We love celebrating graduation with our customers. Tell us the grad's school colors, sports, or interests and we will customize the greeting for them. We have the biggest inventory in town.

What makes us better than buying yard signs from Amazon, Party City or Hobby Lobby? We totally customize your greeting. It includes the grad's name, school colors, and interests. Plus, no need to worry about storing all the signs. We do all the work for you. Just let us know your event date and we will work out the set up time with you for your yard sign rental. When your event is done we will pick up your yard greeting. The next time you have a celebration we will design something completely new for you!

Not in Las Vegas? Check out signgypsies.com to find a SG near you.

This seems so simple, but it is so important. Choosing a theme will also help you stay organized and focused. Don't think themes have to be too cutesy or complicated. A theme can be something as simple as a color scheme and food theme.

Assuming your party is at a home, don't forget to decorate the outside. This will not only help bring your party to the next level, but it will also make your party easier to find. Find a yard greeting rental company near you like sayitbiglv.com or signgypsies.com.

Try something new and different. Don't just stick to the basics, if it is summer you can BBQ, but why not try something new on the grill, like kebobs or elote?
Don't think you have to serve a whole meal either. Maybe pick up some appetizers and dips with crudites.

Your music can stick to the theme that you planned or it can be something pleasant that will facilitate the vibe at the party. Will you be playing games or will people be talking. Pick something that fades into the background, but is still pleasant. Pick your favorites and something upbeat. But spend some time and make a playlist ahead of time. Make a playlist at least 2 hours long so that there is not too much repetition as you party on!

Don't stress and don't spend too much time cooking, cleaning, or organizing that you forget what the point of the party was. Have fun with your family and friends and enjoy yourself! Check out our Facebook page to see some of the photos that customers have shared with us.