Graduation season is right around the corner, and for many parents in Iowa, the planning process is already in full swing. High school graduation is a once-in-a-lifetime achievement—it’s the “straight A” celebration your graduate deserves!
At Smiling Dog Event Group, we’ve seen a massive wave of early inquiries and bookings this year. To help you plan a stress-free and memorable open house or party, we’ve rounded up the top-performing rentals based on current trends and our busiest bookings from last season.
The Top 12 Must-Haves for Graduation Parties
1. Photo Backgrounds Don’t settle for a plain wall. Custom backdrops create a designated “moment” for family photos. Whether it’s school colors or a rustic wood look, it’s the centerpiece of the party.
2. Cocktail Tables Open-house celebrations are all about flow. High-top cocktail tables encourage guests to mingle and move, preventing “seating gridlock” in your backyard or venue.
3. Balloon Arches & Decor Nothing says “celebration” like a splash of color. Our balloon artists can create arches, columns, or walls that match your graduate’s future college colors or high school pride.
4. Yard Games (The Crowd Pleasers) Keep the energy high for guests of all ages. From Giant Jenga and Corn Hole to Jazzminton and Crossnet, these interactive rentals ensure there’s never a dull moment.
5. Concessions: Popcorn & Sno Cone Machines Add a nostalgic touch. These are favorites for summer graduations and provide an easy, fun snack for kids and adults alike.
6. Slushy Machines A frozen drink station is the ultimate “cool factor.” These stay busy all day long—especially during those humid Iowa June afternoons.
7. Photo Booth Experiences From our Essential Digital Drop-Off Booths to premium print experiences, photo booths remain our #1 requested service. Your guests leave with a keepsake, and you get a digital gallery of everyone who attended.
8. Audio Guest Books Instead of a book that sits on a shelf, capture the voices of loved ones. Guests pick up a retro phone and leave a heartfelt message for the graduate to keep forever.
9. Speaker Systems & Wireless Microphones Don’t shout over the crowd! A professional speaker setup is essential for background music, announcements, and those sentimental “proud parent” speeches.
10 & 11. 60” Round & 6’ Rectangle Tables The foundation of any great party. We offer a variety of sizes to fit your food service, gift station, and seating needs.
12. White Resin Padded Chairs Elevate the look of your backyard. These chairs are clean, classic, and significantly more comfortable (and photo-friendly!) than standard metal folding chairs.
Introducing: Snap & Play Packages
We know graduation planning can feel like a full-time job. That’s why we’ve launched our new Snap & Play Packages.
These bundles are designed to take the guesswork out of your event by combining the “Snap” (Photo Booth & Backdrop) and the “Play” (Yard Games & Fun) into one streamlined, professional setup.
👉 Explore our Snap & Play Packages Here – https://www.smilingdogentertainment.com/snap-play-packages-graduations-quinceaneras-milestone-celebrations-and-other-events/
Don’t Wait—Prime Weekends Fill Fast!
May and early June weekends are the most competitive dates of the year. If you have a date set, we recommend securing your rentals as soon as possible to ensure availability.
Ready to start planning? Email us at info@smilingdogeventgroup to request a quote. Schedule a consultation.
Let’s make this milestone one they’ll never forget!
