Find Graduation Ceremony venues for rent in New Orleans, LA

About New Orleans

New Orleans is a vibrant city known for its unique culture, rich history, and diverse people. Located in the state of Louisiana, it sits on the banks of the Mississippi River and Lake Pontchartrain. The city is one of America’s oldest, founded in 1718 by French explorers. It has a long history as an important port city, connecting the old to the new world. In addition to its many ports and wharves, New Orleans is also famous for its distinct music. From jazz to blues to zydeco and more, music is just one facet of its culture that stands out from the rest.

The city is also notable for its close-knit communities and traditions. Graduation ceremonies are another significant part of life in New Orleans; students often hold special events in honor of their achievements where family and friends come together to celebrate their success.

It’s impossible not to mention one of New Orleans’ most interesting facts: it has been dubbed “the most haunted city in America” due to a large number of ghost sightings reported throughout the city's centuries-old buildings. Whether you believe it or not, it's always an interesting conversation topic!

Graduation Ceremony Options in New Orleans

• Event Planner
  For a graduation ceremony in New Orleans, an event planner is an essential component for success. With the city's rich history and cultural landscape, an experienced event planner can create a unique and meaningful experience that reflects the graduating class of students. From venue selection and decor to food and entertainment, an experienced event planner will be able to customize the celebration to meet the needs of the graduates and their families.
  
  
• Musicians
  Music is one of the most important aspects of any graduation ceremony. Hiring a local band or musician can provide an exciting atmosphere while also celebrating New Orleans' vibrant culture. Local jazz bands are particularly popular, as they evoke feelings of nostalgia while providing a vibrant atmosphere with lively music that everyone can enjoy.
  
  
• Catering
  A graduation ceremony is not complete without excellent catering services! Working with local vendors allows for custom menus tailored specifically for each event that reflect New Orleans' rich culinary diversity. From traditional dishes such as gumbo or jambalaya to more contemporary items like sliders or tacos, there is something for everyone on a catering menu in this wonderful city.

Graduation Ceremony Vendors in New Orleans

• Joe Simon’s Jazz Band
  Joe Simon's Jazz Band has been a beloved staple of the New Orleans music scene for over 50 years and counting. Their repertoire offers a blend of traditional jazz and classic New Orleans classics, appealing to all sorts of audiences. The band has earned profound respect from folks far and wide, receiving performances and acknowledgments from Presidents Bush (both) & Clinton, US Senators, grand sports organizations such as the NFL and NCAA, numerous celebrities, and many generations of devoted New Orleanians. Joe Simon passed the torch in 2014 to two long-time members: Vic Shepherd on guitar and Chuck Brackman on trumpet. With the experience and talent they've accumulated over decades of playing together with Joe, they are sure to keep the band alive with that old-fashioned NOLA soul music!
  
  
• Mardi Gras Productions
  At Mardi Gras Productions, they believe every event is special. They feature award-winning event planners and production staff that specialize in making whatever occasion you have in mind come to life like a dream. Their decades-long track record of success since 1986 offers an assurance of tried and tested service — from intimate gatherings to large-scale events, Mardi Gras Productions will make sure your graduation event will be memorable for years to come. With their eye for detail, creative solutions, proactive attitude, and high standards of excellence, you will never have to worry about the success of your special occasion.
  
  
• Ms Linda Green "Yakamein Lady"
  Miss Linda's amazing Yakamein dishes have gained acclaim since she established her business in 2006. Often referred to as "The Yakamein Lady", this New Orleans local is beloved by both residents and celebrities alike. The dish, traditionally enjoyed during the hot summer months, is known for its unique mix of flavors that tantalize any palate and leave you wanting more. The most acclaimed element of Miss Linda's dishes are her secret sauces; made with a blend of herbs, spices, and love, these sauces truly make each bowl of yakamein something special! Whether you're from New Orleans or just visiting, Miss Linda's Yakmanein should definitely be on your foodie bucket list.

Pros and Cons of Graduation Ceremonies in New Orleans

Graduation ceremonies are special moments that mark the end of an important chapter in a student’s life. People living in or near New Orleans, Louisiana have the unique opportunity to experience a graduation ceremony with the flavor of the city’s rich cultural heritage. From jazz funerals to second-line parades, there are many ways to celebrate this momentous occasion. To help you decide if New Orleans is the right place for your graduation ceremony, let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons.

Advantages

• A graduation ceremony in New Orleans can be an incredible experience, due to the city's vibrant cultural heritage.
  
  
• The city is known for its vibrant music scene and well-loved art and traditions. This can be incorporated into your ceremony in any number of ways — from hiring musicians to play traditional New Orleans jazz during your procession, to incorporating elements of Mardi Gras celebrations into your event decorations.
  
  
• Additionally, if you're hoping to have a unique graduation party afterward, there is no shortage of amazing restaurants, bars, and venues where you can host one-of-a-kind after-party experiences.
  
  
• Another great pro is that New Orleans has plenty of hotel accommodations available for friends and family who may be traveling from out of town.
  
  
• There are also several public transportation options that make getting around easy and convenient for visitors who don't want to worry about driving or parking their own vehicle while visiting.

Disadvantages

• One issue is the cost associated with hosting large gatherings in the city due to limited availability of venues and high prices of goods and services that accompany such events.
  
  
• Additionally, while some university campuses may have adequate space available to host ceremonies outdoors, most have limited seating capacity which could pose challenges when adhering to social distancing guidelines during this unprecedented time period.
  
  
• Moreover, traffic congestion on major roads leading up to events may cause delays or forced cancellations on short notice if safety regulations are not followed properly due to overcrowding concerns or other issues such as inclement weather conditions.

Tips on How to Organize Graduation Ceremonies in New Orleans

Planning a graduation ceremony in New Orleans can be an exciting and rewarding endeavor. With its unique culture, atmosphere, and rich history, the Big Easy offers a perfect backdrop for such a momentous occasion. Whether it is a private ceremony or a large-scale event, organizing a graduation celebration in Crescent City will require careful planning and attention to detail. Below are some tips on how to organize successful graduation ceremonies in New Orleans.

• Choose your venue carefully: The venue you choose will depend on the type of ceremony you plan to have; larger public events may require an outdoor or indoor space with adequate seating and AV capabilities, while more intimate gatherings may simply need a restaurant or hotel conference room. Make sure that your venue meets all safety requirements and has the necessary permits for hosting your event.
  
  
• Consider cultural elements: New Orleans is home to many vibrant cultures, so if you want your ceremony to reflect this spirit of diversity consider including activities or elements that represent various cultures represented within your graduating class. This could involve having traditional food from different countries served at the reception, playing music from around the world during the festivities, or having local speakers talk about their experiences as immigrants and their journeys toward success.
  
  
• Plan transportation: If you are expecting out-of-town guests who need transportation from the airport or other places within town make sure you plan ahead by reserving shuttles for them ahead of time. You may also want to consider offering carpooling services for those attending from further away who don’t have access to public transportation or ride shares like Uber and Lyft.
  
  
• Hire professional staff: Professional staff can help ensure that everything runs smoothly during your ceremony, especially when it comes to managing people who attend the event like caterers, vendors, security personnel, etc., so make sure you hire experienced staff that can handle any situation that arises throughout the day.
  
  
• Make use of technology: Utilizing technology can be tremendously useful when organizing any event — this includes making use of online tools to manage RSVPs, keep track of payments/donations made towards the event, stream live video content during performances/speeches, etc., as well as providing information about nearby accommodations for out-of-town guests (if applicable).

Famous Locations in New Orleans

• French Quarter
  When you visit New Orleans, the French Quarter is a must-see. With its iconic buildings along the Mississippi River and its blend of French influences, it really is something to behold. Just take a look around and you'll find everything from historic stained-glass windows to classic wrought-iron balconies — some of which date back as far as 300 years! Today these buildings are mainly used as hotels, restaurants, shops, and galleries, while at night they come alive with the soulful sounds of jazz music filling the air. You could spend days here exploring and sampling all the different things there are to do — so whether you just want to sight-see or get your groove on to some good ol' New Orleans tunes, you won't be disappointed.
  
  
• National WWII Museum
  The National WWII Museum in New Orleans is a great destination if you're interested in learning about war-related historical events. Not only does it provide a wealth of knowledge, but also a truly unique experience that can't be found anyplace else! With the museum's humble beginnings as the National D-Day Museum, it quickly became affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution and has grown to become renowned across the country. If you go, make sure you check out the observation deck, where you can get a close look at some of the suspended aircraft models in the aviation exhibit. While exploring inside the museum don't miss out on Beyond All Boundaries — an award-winning 4D film showcasing unforgettable moments from WWII. Last but not least, visitors should extend their stay to fully explore what this educational and mesmerizing place has to offer.
  
  
• Jackson Square
  Jackson Square is a unique hub of activity, located in the French Quarter of New Orleans. Despite originally being called Place d'Armes, the area has undergone quite a transformation, and it is now a popular spot amongst locals and tourists alike. It features an equestrian statue in its center, dedicated to the Battle of New Orleans hero General Andrew Jackson. The iconic St. Louis Cathedral sits at one end of this very picturesque square — with its white façade and cone-shaped spires easily recognizable from far away — along with the Presbytere, Cabildo, and Louisiana State Museum. Artists are also known to hang around near the iron fence that surrounds the square, as well as nearby shops and eateries. Further attractions such as the Mississippi Riverboat Docks, MoonWalk promenade, and Millhouse are all within easy reach here, adding to its allure for visitors looking for an enjoyable time in this vibrant part of town.