Tips for Planning an Affordable Graduation Party

Whether your child is graduating from high school or college, it’s only natural to want to celebrate this huge milestone in their life. A graduation party with the people who have loved and supported them through the years is just the ticket. 

While a celebration needs you to pull out all the stops, the real world also needs you to be able to plan a party with a budget in mind. But just because Justin Bieber isn’t the headline act of the party doesn’t mean that you can’t throw your young graduate a party they’ll always remember. Read on for our top tips on how to plan a graduation party that doesn’t break the bank.

Keep It Small

The smaller the party, the more affordable it gets. Ask your guest of honour to make a list of must-have guests and help them edit it to a number you are happy with. Do the same when it comes to your relatives too. 

Find a Co-Host

Is your soon-to-be grad’s BFF graduating at the same time too? Then they may enjoy a party that celebrates both their achievements simultaneously. By co-hosting a party with their family, there’s a good chance that there’ll be considerable overlap in the guest list and the cost of the party suddenly becomes less overwhelming. The only thing you need to make sure of is that all the co-hosts are on the same page when it comes to the vision for the party. 

Have the Party at Home

Having the party at your home or in your backyard automatically limits the number of guests you can invite. It also helps you skip having to shell out for an expensive venue with expensive exclusive catering. While it does mean that you’ll have to put in some effort tidying up afterwards, the money you’ll save can make it all worthwhile.

Using disposable paper plates like these Graduation Fun "Hooray" Luncheon Plates and cups like these Shimmering Silver 9 Oz Paper Cups add an element of fun to the party and reduce the number of post-party dishes as well.

Keep Catering Costs Low

If you’re lucky enough to have a bunch of friends and family who love to cook, consider having a themed potluck party. Have them make a dish that reminds them of your young graduate. Having their favourite foods will not only make them feel special but will also bring up plenty of food-related ‘remember when’ stories over the course of an evening. Another option is to cook the graduation meal yourself, after you’ve enlisted some help from a friend, of course.

If you do have an extensive guest list and are having the party at home, make it an ‘open house’ party where guests can come and go as they please within set timings. This way you can get away with serving finger foods instead of preparing entire meals.

Bake Your Own Cake

This one may not be for everyone. If you’re not a baker, then you get bonus points for asking a friend for help. Bake your own cake and decorate it with cake toppers like this Gold Stars Cake Topper. If cupcakes are more your vibe, and honestly they are easier to serve, then check out these Black and Gold Sequin Cupcake Toppers to add oodles of ‘oomph’ to your creations. 

Skip the Photographer

Forget about hiring an expensive photographer or a photo booth. Create your own photo booth with graduation-themed decorations like these tassel garlands, Graduation Photo Booth Props, and this Black White and Gold Large Balloon Arch Garland Kit. Come up with a creative hashtag for your guests to use when they post their pictures on social media so everyone at the party can view them in one place.

Decorations

You don’t need a professional decorator to make your space look special. Neither do you need to hone your crafts skills? There’s a happy in-between that can help you stick to your budget and make the party look grad chic. 

Party Things has a large collection of Graduation Party Themed Decorations that are fun, sophisticated, look cohesive, and don’t hurt your wallet. You’ll find everything you need to put your party together whether you need centrepieces for your table like this Black Mortarboard Mini Cascade Centerpiece, balloons like this Champagne Bottle Jumbo Foil Balloon, Black Mortarboard Shaped Lanterns, and a whole lot more.