Party Budgeting

Don't panic! You don't need to spend a fortune to enjoy a great celebration.

In the Midwest, where we have the most experience the average family spends $1200 on graduation, including $700 on food.

There are many ways to save money:

• 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.

• 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.

• Limit your menu to snacks that can be frozen or stored for later use.

• If you prefer to provide a full buffet, keep in mind that most people who host graduation parties often complain that 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.

• Ask family and friends to make a food item for the buffet.

• Share rentals with a friend or neighbor.

• Share decorations with a friend or neighbor. Instead of buying all new plants, borrow some from a good friend or neighbor.

• Buy paper goods at a seasonal sale that corresponds with your school colors.

• 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.

Here is a sample budget for you to fill in the blanks (click here for printable version): 

Copyright © 2007, GraduationParty.com.  All rights reserved.