Businesses that cater to the high school grads are prepping for the onslaught of graduation party season – typically, the first three weekends of June. Some parents will be throwing their grad a party resembling a small wedding, complete with a tent in school colors, catered food and entertainment.

Graduation parties “have been on the upswing the last couple years,” says Erin Anderson, who owns Mr. Music Disc Jockey Services with her brother.

“There are more parties this year than in years past,” she says. “And it seems there’s an increase in what (parents) are spending, from having a band or DJ, to having tents and flowers on the table.” She believes some parents are skipping the once customary “Sweet 16” party and saving for one, big graduation party instead.

GJ’s Rentals was “booking very fast” as of late May, says owner Garrick John, noting more than half of their June tent rental business stems from graduation parties.

“Later in June it becomes weddings and festivals, but for the first two to three weeks, it’s heavy graduations,” he says.

John thinks the number of graduation parties has been about the same the last three years, except now they’re more spread out. “Six or seven years ago, almost everyone had them on the same weekend.”

Grandview Catering in Traverse City is already booked for several high school and college graduation parties, according to Jen Foltz, operations manager for Grandview Catering and The Kitchen. “It’s always a popular time for us, but I would bet business is the same as last year, as far as traffic,” she says.

“We have one (party) that’s almost the size of a wedding – with a dance area for the kids!” Foltz reports.

Most graduates prefer Grandview’s sliders, wraps and create-your-own taco bar, while others opt for sushi from Firefly or the smoothie bar.

The popularity of the photo booth doesn’t appear to be waning, and Up North Photo Booth has so far committed to four graduation parties and a St. Francis High School senior party. “I’ve actually had to turn down jobs due to the fact that I have two booths and can only manage two jobs on the same day,” says owner Kristen Richardson.

As for decorations, the most popular theme this year is the Hawaiian luau, says Greg Keller, who’s owned Party Giant in the Kid’s Creek Marketplace on South Division for 11 years. Most graduates have fun picking their own themes, though.

“One girl did her whole party in neon,” he says, “and another did all polka dots.”

If hosting a graduation party is all new to you this year, here are some tips for a successful event from Allison Beers, owner of Events North in Traverse City:

• Remember it’s about your guests. The graduate may love chocolate and potato chips, but remember to include foods that all of your guests will enjoy. Include a protein, a vegetable or two and other sides that will appeal to a wide array of guests.

• Make sure the music level is loud enough to be enjoyed, but soft enough that people can talk without yelling over each other.

• If you can, hire a neighbor, college student or have a good family friend or relative help that day to take garbage out, pick up plates and make sure your bathroom is neat and tidy. You might not be able to escape a conversation to make sure the toilet paper has been refilled!