Take your planning skills to the next level by becoming a graduation event planner. When providing a graduation planning service, make sure you understand what the client has in mind, then match your plans to the client's view of the perfect graduation. Clearly state what your responsibilities include, and what they don't include, so there are no last minute misunderstandings that could take away her enjoyment of the event and possibly damage your professional reputation.

Create a graduation planning portfolio that includes photographs and price lists for graduation events you've planned and use them to build a client list. Ask satisfied customers to write a letter of recommendation and include that in your portfolio as references.

1. Include caps and gowns in your graduation planning service.

2. Arrange for music and speakers as part of your graduation planner duties.

3. Create a partnership with rental stores for your graduation planning service.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Remember traditional graduation trappings in your graduation planning

Discuss decor as a part of your graduation planning preparation. Talk about themes and colors the client may want and select items that match the vision. Also remember to include caps and gowns, photographs, and diplomas with your service.

I recommend: Gordon International offers a wide range of graduation accoutrements, including caps and gowns. Herff Jones features an interactive diploma design feature that allows your customers to design the exact diplomas they want.

Include speakers and music in your graduation planning

Many schools will set up their own speakers from their relations in the community, but it may fall on you, as the graduation planner, to arrange for speakers. Settle on who is responsible for what early on so there are no misunderstandings that may derail your planning career and the graduation. You'll also need to set up the audio/visual equipment needed for the graduation's speakers and music.

I recommend: AllAmericanSpeakers.com allows you to search for commencement speakers by category or by state. Meeting Tomorrow rents a full range of sound system equipment to ensure that everyone to hears the graduation speakers.

Make sure your graduation planning includes chairs and other needed furniture

Rent the equipment you need to ensure that the speakers can be easily seen and all the graduates have a seat for the graduation. Elevate the speaker's table so they can be seen, and make sure there's ample seating for guests.

I recommend: Chair and Equipment Rentals will help you with seating arrangements, podiums for speakers and sound systems for the party. Elite Event Rentals will provide you with the equipment you need to turn your planning skills into a successful graduation planning service.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Plan on attending all your graduation events so you'll be on hand and prepared to handle any last minute emergencies. Take lots of photographs before and during the party to showcase your skills as a graduation event planner.