“Bed parties” are the latest craze among college-bound seniors. To celebrate school acceptance, families throw a party centered around a photo-op of their teen’s bedroom decorated with a blanket featuring the name of their future alma mater and an array of other trimmings branded with the school’s name or colors.
Bed party photos might have comforters with the university’s name and banners, clothing, balloons, streamers, and colorful themed treats like cupcakes or brownies iced in the school colors. Many teens are beginning to expect a bed party, which means the pressure is on the parents. But do you really need to throw a party like this? If you do, how much is too much?
If you’re planning a bed party for your teenager, read on to learn about planning one that makes your future college student feel special, but doesn’t break the bank or become wasteful.
How to Throw a Bed Party for Your Teen
Bed parties are all about the photo, so think about the items you’ll feature. You’ll need:
- Bedding
- A backdrop
- Small decorations and themed treats
Don’t go crazy pressing “buy now,” though. A few simple items are all you need for a perfect shot and a fun party. We talked to Event Planner Valerie Le Garrec to get all the details on how to do this tastefully.
Supplies You’ll Need
There are no hard and fast rules for bed parties, but you’ll probably want these basics:
- A comforter in the college colors or with the college name on it. Go for a Twin XL-sized blanket, the standard dorm bed size. If your student will live in the dorms, they’ll need to bring bedding along, so you might as well make this it.
- Other college merchandise, such as a sweatshirt or bumper stickers. Consider buying things your child will use after the party. “Decorate with clothing items the soon-to-be college-bound child can take with them,” says Le Garrec. “Check the university bookstore or Etsy for college-themed slippers, shirts, sweaters, beanies, sneakers, tote bags, water bottles, and more.”
- Treats, snacks, and drinks. Consider incorporating the theme by icing cookies with the school colors or making a witty reference to the school mascot. Don’t want a messy bed when all is said and done? Le Garrec suggests getting the photo and then moving the food and drinks into another room to continue the celebration.
Optional Supplies
You might also consider the following supplies for your party:
- Balloons in the college colors
- Tissue paper flowers
- Streamers
- Themed pillows
- Banners
Who Is Invited to a Bed Party?
The guest list is up to you, but you don’t need to invite everyone you know. Le Garrec suggests sticking to about 12 friends and close family members. “A fun idea would be to ask guests to dress up in the school colors,” she says.
What if My Teen Doesn’t Want a Bed Party?
Bed parties are meant to be a fun way to celebrate a life milestone. If the college-bound teen doesn’t want to have one, parents should honor that. There are many other ways to mark this special moment and some children prefer a more intimate setting.
Talk to your teen about how they’d like to celebrate the occasion. They may prefer a dinner out with family or a day spent on a favorite activity. If they don’t want to celebrate with more than a hug, that’s fine too.
Dealing With College Disappointment
Like it or not, some kids won’t get into their dream school. Seeing a barrage of other teens’ social media posts celebrating college acceptance can take a toll on kids who weren’t accepted where they had hoped.
Support your disappointed teen by acknowledging their feelings. As parents, we often want to rationalize and convince our kids that they don’t need to feel bad when it’s okay to experience sadness. Be a shoulder to cry on and an ear to listen.
Some teens may need to be gently encouraged to stay off social media for a bit if they’re feeling emotionally vulnerable.
If your child doesn’t have a backup plan, help them weigh the options and choose their path. Remind them that they can find success wherever they go and help them map out their future.
A bed party can be a fun way to celebrate a new chapter in your young adult’s life. Enjoy the planning, and remember to keep happiness and love at the heart of your celebration, and don’t get too wrapped up in that Instagram-perfect shot.
