*A revisit to these memories brings back pleasant thoughts as graduation approaches again. I've added extra details for those planning a major celebration, offering some helpful decoration concepts! Thank you for joining me on this trip down graduation decor memories with Bildirimlerim.
Two years ago, our eldest son completed high school. Our boys attend a small school situated a ferry and 3 bus rides away, resulting in a one-hour commute each way. Naturally, as our first graduate, we were {blissfully?} unaware of the significant scale of graduation events locally, as living a ferry ride away kept us somewhat disconnected from the excitement.
Brad's graduation day was truly astonishing. The boys wore tuxedos, and the girls sported dresses exceeding the cost of my wedding gown. The school gym, typically for basketball and sports, had been completely transformed into a magnificent beach setting; I let out an audible gasp upon seeing it.
…And I felt somewhat mortified for not grasping enough to contribute more effectively!
***
This Saturday, son #2 is graduating. My blissful naivete regarding the upcoming event was gone. Therefore, this time, I aimed to be more supportive.
Decorating commenced yesterday. My goal this time was to assist. Many other parents involved in this process are experienced professionals; much of this was their effort, not mine! I felt honored to participate and thought you might appreciate seeing it too.
How to Drape Twinkle Lights Across a Gym Ceiling for Graduation Decorations
Note: This post includes affiliate links for your purchasing ease.
If you are organizing a graduation party or any large event in a school or church gym, the initial priority should be making it look decidedly unlike a gym!
Concealing the unappealing metal beams and walls significantly aids in changing such a plain space into something beautiful and striking. Lighting, particularly twinkle lights, can achieve this.
Here is the method used to hang a canopy of twinkle lights from the gym ceiling.
1. Spread out a very large fish net across the gymnasium floor.
The initial instruction was to set up The Net. When we arrived in the morning, a commercial fishing net, roughly the size of the main room ceiling, was neatly spread on the floor.
Since we reside near the coast where actual working fishing boats operate, we have easy access to commercial fishing nets in our town. For smaller decorative needs, here are some options for decorative fishing nets.
2. Test numerous long strands of white twinkle lights to confirm functionality.
In the background of that image, you can observe clear Christmas twinkle lights being tested to ensure they functioned correctly; then the main activity began.
(To reduce expenses, parents were encouraged to donate their clear Christmas lights and label them for return post-event.)
The parents meticulously arranged the lights in an s pattern until the net was completely covered with illumination.
Subsequently, we adjusted things to resolve intermittent light failures.
3. Lift the net to the ceiling using a central pulley, then secure it to the center and sides of the gymnasium walls.
After all the lights were operational, the challenging part started. A central pulley was previously installed at the highest point in the gym's peak to aid this. Once lowered, it was connected to the net's center.
This is where my photography skills faltered. You will need to visualize the 'hoisting of The Net' yourself; it required rope, ladders, and willing individuals to climb.
The net was initially secured by ropes at each corner, followed by the sides, and then the pulley pulled the center upward.
The entire undertaking required approximately 6 hours. Previously, I felt the procedure was overly intricate for the time, effort, and tall ladders involved.
I have changed my mind; it might actually be worthwhile! The 'school gym' feel vanishes entirely once those lights begin to shimmer above.
Therefore, if you possess the time, vigor, and available helpers for ladder climbing, this offers a marvelous method to disguise a gymnasium and transform it into a refined setting for a graduation observance.
For additional ideas regarding graduation decor:
Review this article detailing the graduation party theme named “Jolly Old England”.
Additionally, here are some articles about our sons' graduations:
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