Host a formal ceremony that includes the pinning. Cover tables with white linens and fill silver buckets with red roses or white roses. Cover the chairs with matching white linens and arrange small plates at each setting. Place a long table along one wall and offer warm food and small appetizers for the guests. Fill silver buckets and chaffing dishes with the food. Guests carry their own plate to the buffet table and fill it up on their own. Depending on the size of the ceremony budget, you may opt for servers that bring food directly to the table and arrange smaller plates on the buffet, just for appetizers. Treat the students to dinner and drinks, before beginning the pinning ceremony. Give all students a small goody bag of things they may need during their work as a nurse.
Opt for a more relaxed party that celebrates graduation from the nursing program, rather than hosting a formal event. Hold the party outside, if weather permits, arranging the party under a large tent or on the lawn of the school. If the temperature is fairly cold or rainy, move the event inside one of the auditoriums or host it away from campus, at a local restaurant. Serve barbecue-style food and cold salads. Cover tables with red and white checked tablecloths. Make the event a little more special, using real glass and silverware. Students still receive their nursing pins, but are treated to a party thrown by the school. The event is more relaxed and students don't have to worry about finding a formal outfit.
Ask the head of nursing at a local hospital to speak at the event and ask local doctors to speak as well. The guest speakers stress the importance of nurses and go over everything a nurse does that helps the hospital. Professional speakers offer words of wisdom and encourage the students to do their best, in their future careers.