Graduation Party or Dinner?

mfloridam

My husband and I both graduate with our Masters on the same day this December. I'm trying to decide between going out to dinner after the ceremony with both our families, or just having an open-house type party with light refreshments at our home. There are pros and cons to both. I'd love some opinions on what you think might work better.

Family Dinner Out-

Pros:

Minimal plans ahead of time

People don't feel obligated to hang around after dinner

It's what everyone is used to doing in the past

Cons:

Hard to make reservations (we're in a college town so restaurants have long waits, we don't know exactly what time the ceremony ends so we might end up having to rush or needing to wait around)

Choosing a place everyone will like

The awkward battle between fathers about who will pay 

 Party at House-

Pros:

We can go straight there after the ceremony

Fun party/menu planning

People can come and go as they please

Cons:

Food/party setup will need to be prepared before ceremony

We don't have tons of seating, etc

 

Any feedback (or additional pros/cons) would be appreciated! 

TarHeels&Rebels

I'd rather do the party, but I love to entertain.

I'd do some things in advance so the only thing to do is put them out, and then I'd have other orders ready for take-out (I'm thinking like a Chik-fil-a nugget tray or a deli cheese tray).

6fsn

I think I'd rather do it at my house.  There are pretty easy ways around not being home- crockpots, hire someone/ask a friend.  I'd much rather set up someone's else than sit through the graduation. 

If you opt for a restaurant, skip the bill battle and pay ahead of time.

mfloridam

Thanks for the ideas ladies!

BlackDiamond3201

I would rather do it at the house. I was going to suggest doing the dinner another day, but I thought it may be possible that some are coming in from out of town.

vjcjenn1

how many people