Graduation Party: Where to Begin?

Question

I'm helping my parents host my college graduation party. It's going to be in their backyard and the guest count is about 40-50 people.

We were planning on hots dogs, hamburgers, lots of salads, veggies, chips w/ dip/salsa. Also, we are going to get a few trays of pasta from a local Italian place and some chicken there too (in case people don't like stuff off the grill)

Now, I'm trying to figure out how much liquor to get. There are only going to be about 6 people under the age of 21 at the party and most of my friends and family casually drink.

I wanted to do beer (like Bud and Bud Light) and Mike's Hard Lemonade/Smirnoff's.

I also want to do soda and bottled water.

How much many bottles/cases of beer/Mike's should I get? How much soda and bottled water?

Also, any other suggestions for my party? I'm a little overwhelmed with planning the whole thing. Ideas?

Answer 1

Sounds like you have the food covered.  Here's my advice, skimp a bit on the alcohol and buy extra non-alcoholic like waters and sodas, and make you own sun-tea.  I am not saying this as a tee-totaller, it's just that booze is expensive.  If you plan for 2 alcoholic drinks per adult (maybe a case of back-up beer that they don't know about!) you should be fine.  Most people are sane enough to know that when the booze is running low to start on the water, iced tea and soda.  On top of that, you know they're all safer to drive home.  And for you, it's a long and exciting day, you probably will get tired and need to crash at some point.  OK, maybe 3 drinks a person.  Some drink more, some less, and maybe they have plans afterwards.  2-3 per should be fine.  If it's not, hopefully some party member will go on a beer run for you!

Answer 2

It seems you have most of it sorted already!

aim for two drinks per person I would say as some people will drink less and some people will drink more and you reallllyy don't want anyone to drink more than five you should then probably get one litre per two people of different bubbly sodas. Coke and lemonade are a must, some water and iced tea would be good. Orange juice is usually served too

Maybe you could also make a punch?

You haven't said anything about the music yet. I hope you have thought about that, because with that many people you are going to have to have a dance floor and a really good sound system... depending on how brave you are you may also want a little bit o kareoke (only if you are strong willed)

good luck with the party and remember, they are all there to have a good time, not to scruitinise that there isn't enough vegetarian food or that you didn't cater for jenny who is a celiac etc (btw, clearly label something that is vegetarian, gluten free, has nuts, and has dairy... someones not gonna eat something)