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Graduations, Reunions, Birthdays: Milestone Party Planning

BY LAUREL SASS, GENERAL MANAGER, WATERMARK 920

Milestone parties, like graduations, baby showers, birthdays, class reunions, and retirement parties, are important, one of a kind occasions. They can also be difficult to plan!

Graduation to retirement, the purpose of any of these events is to celebrate the milestone and make friends feel loved and appreciated. Guests will feel comfortable if you are comfortable, and ease comes with proper planning.

Planning doesn’t have to be a lot of work. At Watermark 920, our planning system with preferred caterers, photographers and designers, and me as on-site event coordinator, is designed to eliminate the pitfalls and accentuate the celebration. This is an advantage over just renting a hall or having the party at your home. We help, so your party can be an event to remember, not an exhausting chore.

Pick a date and reserve a place. Pick a date where most of your guests are free. It’s best to start with a handful of possible dates and reserve early!

Guests will gather in groups. Provide areas to comfortably sit, eat, and talk. Adequate air conditioning is a must in the summer. If your guests feel relaxed, they will stay longer and enjoy their stay more.

Reserve your place early! Of course, we hope you will consider Watermark 920 for your event. Call me now for options and pricing, because, like other venues and vendors, we book far in advance!

Decide on a theme. Pleasing the guest of honor is paramount. Not all people celebrating a 50th birthday will enjoy a black, over the hill theme. Maybe a beach, Mardi Gras, or heritage theme would suite them better. The theme will inform the music choice, so, for example, don't choose a country theme for a jazz fan.

Muskegon Magazine.com, Muskegon County's online magazine

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I can help. As on-site event coordinator here, I’ve helped theme many events just like yours, and have the expertise to talk you through options to make yours unique.

Invite guests as soon as possible. This means starting and finalizing a list first, so you can budget per-person. Make invitations or start a Facebook event, and follow up with phone calls. The invite or Facebook graphic should reflect the theme of the party. Be sure the invite or event answers the who, what, where, when and why questions.

If your invitation has an RSVP request, you will be astonished how many will not respond. You must telephone those people to be sure of your count.

Muskegon Magazine.com, Muskegon County's online magazine

Above photo by BlinkPhoto.

Muskegon Magazine.com, Muskegon County's online magazine


Decide what food and music to provide. In both cases, make choices that agree with the theme and your guests.

Who hasn’t been to a party in full swing where the guests leave when the music begins? Dancers will dance, but people who want to talk should be able to carry on a conversation.

At Watermark 920, events are what we do. Our preferred caterers offer a wide variety of food choices. We work with DJs all the time. Let’s talk!

We have some grad packages and specialty party packages that can make your event one to remember. Our modern space is ideal for your special day. Call me now at (231) 578-0469 for options and pricing! Or email me at laurelsass@watermarkcenter.com.

Muskegon Magazine.com, Muskegon County's online magazine


Watermark 920 is located at the corner of Washington and Division in Downtown Muskegon. This progressive urban address integrates productivity with creativity and is redefining event planning on the lakeshore. For corporate events, weddings and other celebrations, or the NEW off-premise beverage service, consider Watermark 920. Learn more at WatermarkCenter.com, phone or email General Manager Laurel Sass at (231) 578-0469 and laurelsass@watermarkcenter.com.

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Contents:

FAITH
Loving God and loving others doesn’t mean that we are not to love ourselves in healthy ways. Beth Bolthouse of Front Porch church explains here. VIDEO!

HOLIDAYS
This month, the Hackley and Hume houses are decorated, a Chase Bros. Piano Co. ornament is available, and more, at the Lakeshore Museum Center.

HOLIDAYS
Looking for something to do in December that’s commercial-free (and free)? Check out Hackly Public Library’s stress-free easy-going options. VIDEO!

HOMES
You should pay yourself first — by buying a home! Realtor Nancy Bierenga explains why and how here, in this informative article.

FAMILY
Jodi Clock has become curious about the reasons behind why people choose a funeral home. Her observations, and her questions to you, are here.

SENIORS
Judith Delis of Seminole Shores Living Center says respite care benefits both seniors and caregivers. Find out how this short term stay service could benefit you.

COMMUNITY
During this holiday season, Christine Robere is thankful for all those who give their time, talent and treasure to United Way of the Lakeshore.

PARTIES
Graduations, baby showers, birthdays, class reunions, and retirement parties can be difficult to plan! Laurel Sass helps you cover the basics in this article.

LAKESHORE STAR GAZER
The Carr-Fles Planetarium presents Mystery of the Christmas Star through December 14! Plus, explore the night sky here. VIDEO!

HOLIDAY CARTOONS
Happy holidays! Enjoy these cartoons from the ’20s, ’30s and ’40s, including a rare nitrate print of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer! VIDEO!

EVENTS CALENDAR
Enjoy what’s happening with Muskegon County's BEST online events calendar, from Hackley Public Library.

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