BTS of This Month's Biggest Party
The DIYs that worked—and the lessons learned.
Hey, Friends!
So, last weekend, my husband and I hosted my niece's graduation party in our backyard. But... it was supposed to be the weekend BEFORE.
Months of planning, DIY projects, and food all came together... until the forecast suddenly changed from scattered showers to ALL. DAY. THUNDERSTORMS.
Every host's worst nightmare. 😩
It reminded me of something I don't talk about nearly enough:
planning for what happens when things don't go according to plan.
The pretty pictures are fun—but sometimes the most valuable party ideas come from the moments that don't go as planned.
So this month, I'm sharing a few hard lessons we learned (so hopefully so you don't have to!), along with my favorite DIY projects from the party that can easily be recreated for birthdays, showers, weddings, graduations, and more.
Let's start with the FUN stuff!
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The DIYs That Made the Party Special
All the projects we'd spent months working on finally got their moment.
A few of my favorites that anyone can recreate:
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🎨 Thrifted Kids' Easel Turned Welcome Sign
One of my favorite upcycling projects was this kids easel I found for $3 at a thrift store that I transformed into a welcome sign.
The key? Washing it all down (I used dawn dish soap and warm water), scuffing up the wood with sand paper, and then using an all-purpose spray paint, like this Rust-Oleum brand (what I used!)
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💐Professional Centerpieces for Less
I was quoted nearly $500 for similar arrangements. By making them myself, I recreated the same look for under $200 (and now I get to KEEP them!)
They looked SO REAL! I highly recommend using these hydrangeas and roses for wedding or shower centerpieces!
Shop all of the items I used!
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🎓 A Party Backdrop Made from Cardboard Boxes
One of my favorite budget-friendly transformations—and proof that you don't need expensive materials to create a photo-worthy backdrop.
This backdrop used to be a headboard box. With a few tools, paint, and this backdrop stand I use over and over, it became the party focal point for a few bucks!
Full tutorial to come shortly!
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📸 K–12 Driveway Signs
One of the easiest and most meaningful details of the day were these K-12 driveway signs.
I printed them on water resistant card stock, affixed them to cut-down poster board with spray adhesive, and secured them to wooden stakes with a staple gun. It was such a fun way to walk guests through the graduate's journey.
Grab all the supplies you need here!
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🍋 Lemonade & Shirley Temple Bar
This simple drink station became one of the most popular spots at the party.
I found these affordable flavor pumps for the lemonade and shirley temple stations, grabbed this ice bucket, and used a drink dispenser and drink bucket I already had.
Shop all the supplies to recreate this!
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I'll be sharing tutorials for all of these over the next few weeks on Instagram and the blog, so stay tuned!
Now onto the lessons learned...😅
🌧️A Rain Plan Isn't a Storm Plan
The hardest lesson we learned... a rain plan isn't the same as a storm plan.
We technically had a rain plan.
What we didn't have was a true storm plan.
When the forecast shifted from scattered showers to all-day thunderstorms, we quickly realized:
- our tent wasn't large enough or heavy-duty enough for everyone to safely shelter underneath during lightning.
- moving 60+ guests into our house wasn't realistic either...
- and because the storms were expected all afternoon and evening, delaying the party by a few hours wasn't an option.
Instead, we made the difficult decision to move the entire celebration to the following week.
It all worked out, BUT... it was stressful. And not what I recommend for you.
Instead, here's what I would consider ahead of time. ⤵️
3 Backup Plans Every Outdoor Party Needs
Whether you're planning a graduation party, outdoor wedding, bridal shower, or birthday, I'd encourage you to think beyond simply asking, "What if it rains?"
Instead, have a plan for each of these scenarios:
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Plan A:
Can everyone safely move under a storm-rated structure if severe weather develops? Think a pavilion, enclosed venue, or heavy-duty tent—not just a canopy for light rain.
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Plan B:
If plan A isn't possible, could you realistically shift the timeline and start later to avoid any severe storms? Are all party elements water proof?
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Plan C:
If plan A and B aren't possible, setting a back-up "rain date" in advance may make sense. This isn't realistic for every event (especially weddings), but if you have flexibility, it's worth discussing before invitations go out.
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For weddings, check out my full guide to navigating rain on your wedding day.
One Thing That Makes Pivoting Easier
Once we'd decided to move the party, our first phone calls were to our vendors.
Thankfully, we'd already DIY'd or purchased most of the celebration ourselves—including the flowers, décor, desserts, and music—so we only had a couple of vendors to coordinate.
Our food vendor was able to shift to the new date without any issues. Our rental company couldn't accommodate the change, so we did lose our deposit.
While that wasn't ideal, it reinforced something I'll be asking before every future outdoor event:
"What's your weather or rescheduling policy?"
It's a small question that can make a big difference if your plans suddenly have to change.
🍂 Looking Ahead...🍂
As much as I love summer celebrations... Behind the scenes I'm already working on fall. (Because it's never too early in the party world! 😉)
Explore:
🍁 Fall baby shower inspiration
💍 Fall bridal shower themes
🍂 Anytime Fall Party Themes and Fall Dinner Party Ideas
💍Gorgeous Fall Wedding Ideas
And coming soon you'll find:
🍂 Backyard wedding planning
🏈 Football watch party ideas
🎃 A few fun Halloween DIYs
Let me know if you're planning a fall celebration or get-together and I'll send you a few personalized ideas ahead of time!
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One of my favorite parts of writing The Savvy Scoop is getting to share not only the finished parties—but also everything I learn along the way.
Hopefully it helps make your next celebration just a little easier.
See you next month!
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