Graduation party setup in Exeter
Professional graduation party setup services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£85-£160
Typical Duration
1.5-3 hrs
Location
Exeter, Devon
Graduation party setup - gazebos erected, seating arranged, decorations up, space ready for celebrating. You've earned this party; let us handle the setup.
They've Graduated - Now Celebrate Properly
Three years of hard work. The ceremony's done. The photos are taken. Now 30 friends and family are arriving in 4 hours for the garden party.
You're looking at a flat-pack gazebo, 20 chairs that need arranging, bunting that needs hanging, and a playlist that needs speakers positioned.
We set up your graduation celebration space while you get yourself ready, collect the food, or just have a moment to be proud. When guests arrive, everything's ready and you're the host, not the stressed setup crew.
| ✅ Professional Setup | ❌ DIY Rush |
|---|---|
| Gazebos erected properly | Wonky, unstable canopy |
| Seating arranged perfectly | Random chair scatter |
| Decorations hung neatly | Bunting falling down |
| Sound system positioned | Speakers in wrong spots |
| Ready on time | Still setting up as guests arrive |
Perfect for: University graduations, college celebrations, sixth form leavers, PhD completions, family gatherings.
What You'll Pay
Depends on how much needs setting up:
| Party Size | Estimated Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Small setup (1 gazebo, minimal furniture) | 1.5 hrs | £85 |
| Medium party (2 gazebos, tables, chairs, decorations) | 2 hrs | £110 |
| Large celebration (3+ gazebos, full setup) | 3 hrs | £160 |
Based on £60 minimum (first hour) + £50/hr after. Add pack-down for similar price.
💡 Pro tip: Book us for the morning of the party. We set up while you're at the graduation ceremony. Come home to a party-ready garden and guests arriving to perfection.
What We Set Up
⛺ Gazebos & Shelter
- Gazebos erected and secured (weighted or pegged)
- Positioned for best sun/shade balance
- Sides attached if weather's dodgy
- Linked together for larger coverage
🪑 Seating & Tables
- Tables positioned (food, drinks, gifts)
- Chairs arranged in conversational groups
- Outdoor furniture moved to best spots
- Extra seating brought from house if needed
🎨 Decorations & Atmosphere
- Bunting hung between gazebos/fences
- Banners and signs positioned
- Table decorations arranged
- Photo board or display set up
🔊 Tech & Utilities
- Speakers positioned and tested
- Extension cables run safely
- Lighting set up if evening party
- Phone charging station arranged
🍽️ Food & Drink Stations
- Table for buffet positioned
- Drinks area with ice bucket table
- Plates, cups, napkins accessible
- Rubbish bins positioned discreetly
Why Choose Us for Graduation party setup in Exeter?
Party space ready to go
Heavy lifting done
Professional setup
You enjoy the day
What to Expect
Step 1: Pre-Party Planning
We discuss your garden layout, how many guests, what equipment you've hired/bought, where you want different zones (food, drinks, seating, dancing), and what time guests arrive. Usually arranged a week before.
Step 2: Setup Session
We arrive 3-4 hours before guests (or earlier if you prefer). We erect gazebos, arrange furniture, hang decorations, position sound system, set up food/drink areas, and do a final walk-through with you.
Step 3: Party Ready
We show you the finished setup, test that everything works (speakers, lights), make any last adjustments, and leave you to enjoy hosting. If you've booked pack-down, we arrange when to return.
🔧 DIY Tips
If you're setting up yourself:
Timeline (Work Backwards From Guest Arrival):
- 4 hours before: Start gazebo assembly
- 3 hours before: Arrange furniture and tables
- 2 hours before: Decorations and styling
- 1 hour before: Food prep and final touches
- 30 mins before: Get yourself ready!
- Guests arrive: Looking calm and prepared
Common Mistakes:
- ❌ Underestimating gazebo assembly time (takes 30-45 mins each)
- ❌ Forgetting gazebo weights (they blow over in Devon wind)
- ❌ No weather backup plan
- ❌ Speakers too far from power source
- ❌ Food table in full sun (everything melts)
- ❌ Leaving setup too late - still rushing as guests arrive
Pro Tricks:
- Set up gazebos the night before if weather's good
- Position tables near house for easy food carrying
- Create distinct zones - mingling area separate from food
- Use bunting to define party space and add color
- Have a backup indoor plan for Devon rain
- Set up a "photo corner" with nice background - everyone loves it
What You'll Need:
- Gazebo weights or ground pegs (essential!)
- Extension cables (outdoor-rated)
- Tables: one for food, one for drinks minimum
- More chairs than you think (people sit more than they mingle)
- Bunting, banners, balloons for atmosphere
- Outdoor speakers or portable sound system
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
Weather Contingency: June/July graduation season in Devon can be glorious or rainy. We set up gazebos with sides ready to deploy if weather turns. Garden parties work in light rain with proper cover.
Exeter University: We do loads of these around graduation time (usually July). We know the common party spots - gardens in St James, Newtown, Pennsylvania areas.
Timing: Most graduation ceremonies are morning/early afternoon. Parties typically start 3-5pm. We usually set up late morning while you're at the ceremony.
Multi-Job Discount: Having us set up AND pack down? We reduce the pack-down price as we know the setup and can reverse it quickly.
Pack-Down Service: After the party when everyone's gone, we return and take everything down. Usually takes 1-2 hours. Last thing you'll want to do after hosting all day.
Noise Considerations: If you're in a residential Exeter area, we position speakers considerately and advise on volume. Good neighbor relations matter, even on special occasions.
Photo Opportunities: We can set up a graduation photo area with your uni banner, balloons, and good lighting. Guests love it and you get brilliant photos.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does graduation party setup include?
We set up gazebos, tables, chairs, arrange seating areas, hang decorations and bunting, position speakers or sound systems, create food/drink stations - basically get your space party-ready so you can focus on celebrating.
Can you help with outdoor garden parties?
Absolutely. Most graduation parties are in gardens. We're experienced with gazebo erection, arranging outdoor furniture, creating weather backup plans, and making gardens look brilliant for celebrations.
What if the weather's bad on graduation day?
Devon weather is unpredictable! We can set up gazebos or marquees for cover, arrange indoor/outdoor flow, and create contingency setups. We'll work with whatever the weather throws at us.
Do you provide the gazebos and furniture?
Usually you hire or own the equipment and we set it up. But we can source and bring items if needed - just discuss when booking. We focus on the assembly and arrangement rather than hire.
Can you take everything down after the party?
Yes! Many families book us for setup before and pack-down after. We return when the party's finished, dismantle everything, and leave your garden back to normal. One less post-party headache.
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