Graduation Party Budget
Don't panic! You don't need to spend a fortune to enjoy a great celebration.
In a nationwide survey conducted by GraduationParty.com $985 was the average amount spent on graduation parties.
There are many ways to save money:
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Consider co-hosting a party with other families. Talk to neighbors, friends, or relatives. Perhaps two or three families could go in together and host one large get-together. Joint parties take some coordinating but sharing in the rental costs, food preparation and expenses will likely be worth it.
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Consider having your party before the graduation or on a weeknight. You will have a much better chance with caterers and rental companies if you plan a celebration in May instead of June.
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Limit your menu to snacks that can be frozen or stored for later use.
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If you prefer to provide a full buffet keep in mind that most people who host graduation parties often complain they had too much food left over. Limit the expensive items and stock up on non-perishable items that you can pull out if the food runs out.
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Ask family and friends to make a food item for the buffet.
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Share rentals with a friend or neighbor.
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Share decorations with a friend or neighbor. Instead of buying all new plants borrow some from a good friend or neighbor.
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Buy paper goods at a seasonal sale that corresponds with your school colors.
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Save time and money on gifts and cards for your graduating friends by ordering everyone the same item.
After years of planning graduation parties we've come up with four sample budgets and a budget worksheet, including a printable worksheet.
Sample I
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Invitations
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79.00
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Thank you notes and postage
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35.00
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Decorations/Balloons
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25.00
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Scrap book/board assembly
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6.00
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Banners and signs
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15.00
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Food
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300.00
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Beverages
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35.00
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Flowers and balloons
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30.00
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TOTAL
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$525.00
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Sample II
(Restaurant, closed for private party on Sunday) |
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Invitations
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92.00
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Thank you notes and postage
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38.50
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Decorations
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20.00
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Restaurant, food, tip and tax
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715.00
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Beverages (brought bottled water and pop)
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75.00
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Mini cheese cakes and cookies
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85.00
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Flowers and balloons
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58.00
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TOTAL
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$1,038.50
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Sample III
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Invitations
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82.20
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Thank you notes and postage
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38.50
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Decorations
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40.00
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Table and linen rental
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10.00
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DVD production
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100.00
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Food
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400.00
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Beverages
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75.00
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Home improvement made for party
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500.00
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Flowers and balloons
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25.00
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Rental of Nacho Machine
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65.00
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TOTAL
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$1,335.70
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Sample IV (Country Club)
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Custom Invitations
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237.00
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Thank you notes and postage
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75.00
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Country Club Buffet
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2,800.00
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Valet Parking
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120.00
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Decorations
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500.00
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Entertainment, Band
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500.00
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Tent rental
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500.00
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Cake or Cupcakes
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135.00
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Beverages
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316.00
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Bar Tab
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120.00
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Tips
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580.00
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Gifts for the graduate's friends
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2,000.00
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Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream
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600.00
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TOTAL
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$6,483.00
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Here is a sample budget for you to fill in the blanks (click here for printable version):
Invitations:
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Quantity ________ x Printing Price _________ =
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Quantity ________ x Postage _____________ =
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Waiver from photographer to use photo?
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Thank You notes and postage
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Rental fee for park or party room
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Decorations/Flowers and balloons
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Entertainment
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Tent rental
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Table and linen rental
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DVD production and/or scrap book assembly
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Banners and signs
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Caterer/Food
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Beverages
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Hire a food server/helper
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Gifts for the graduates
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Home improvement (Were you going to do it anyway?)
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Cleaning services
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Other fun stuff to rent or buy
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TOTAL
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