Graduation is a time to celebrate all your hard work and dedication, and what better way to do that than with a party? If you’re planning a grad party, you’ll want to make sure you have everything you need to make it a success.
Here are some of the essentials:
Food
No party is complete without food, and a grad party is no exception. When planning your menu, keep in mind the number of guests you’re expecting and their dietary needs.
According to the National Restaurant Association, the average American spends $1,200 per year on food away from home. That’s a lot of money! So it’s important to make sure you’re getting the most bang for your buck. Here are a few tips for saving money on food:
- Plan ahead. The more time you have to plan your menu, the more likely you are to find deals on groceries.
- Buy in bulk. If you’re feeding a large crowd, buying in bulk can save you a lot of money.
- Cook at home. Cooking at home is almost always cheaper than eating out.
Here are some popular food ideas for a grad party:
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Appetizers:
- Mini quiches
- Cheese and crackers
- Vegetable platter
- Fruit salad
-
Main courses:
- Grilled chicken or steak
- Pasta salad
- Potato salad
- Baked beans
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Desserts:
- Cake
- Pie
- Cupcakes
- Cookies
Drinks
In addition to food, you’ll also need to provide drinks for your guests. Again, keep in mind the number of guests you’re expecting and their preferences. You’ll want to have a variety of options available, including both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
Here are some popular drink ideas for a grad party:
-
Alcoholic beverages:
- Beer
- Wine
- Cocktails
-
Non-alcoholic beverages:
- Soda
- Juice
- Water
Decorations
The decorations for your grad party can be as simple or elaborate as you like. If you’re on a budget, you can decorate with streamers, balloons, and posters. If you have a little more money to spend, you can rent a photo booth or hire a DJ.
Here are some popular decoration ideas for a grad party:
- Streamers
- Balloons
- Posters
- Grad caps
- Diplomas
- Photos of the graduate
Activities
In addition to food, drinks, and decorations, you’ll also want to plan some activities for your guests. This could include games, dancing, or a movie screening.
Here are some popular activity ideas for a grad party:
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Games:
- Cornhole
- Bean bag toss
- Giant Jenga
-
Dancing:
- Hire a DJ
- Create a playlist
-
Movie screening:
- Set up a projector and screen
- Choose a movie that everyone will enjoy
Timeline
Once you have all the details of your party planned out, you’ll need to create a timeline. This will help you stay on track and make sure everything goes smoothly on the day of the party.
Here is a sample timeline for a grad party:
-
1 hour before the party:
- Set up the food and drinks
- Decorate the venue
-
30 minutes before the party:
- Greet guests as they arrive
-
Start of the party:
- Serve food and drinks
- Play games
- Dance
-
End of the party:
- Thank guests for coming
Budget
The cost of a grad party can vary depending on the number of guests, the venue, and the activities. However, you can expect to spend anywhere from $500 to $2,000.
Here is a breakdown of the average costs for a grad party:
- Food: $100-$200
- Drinks: $50-$100
- Decorations: $50-$100
- Activities: $50-$200
- Venue: $0-$500
If you’re on a budget, there are several ways to save money on your grad party. Here are a few tips:
- Host the party at home: This is the most cost-effective option, as you won’t have to pay for a venue.
- Keep the guest list small: The more guests you have, the more you’ll spend on food, drinks, and decorations.
- Choose budget-friendly activities: There are plenty of fun activities that you can do for free or at a low cost.
- Do it yourself: You can save a lot of money by decorating the venue yourself and making your own food.
Conclusion
Planning a grad party can be a lot of work, but it’s also a lot of fun. By following these tips, you can throw a party that your guests will love and that you can afford.
Tips for Throwing a Great Grad Party
Here are a few additional tips for throwing a great grad party:
- Send out invitations early: This will give your guests plenty of time to RSVP and make arrangements if necessary.
- Personalize the party: Add special touches that reflect the graduate’s personality and interests.
- Make it a memorable event: Hire a photographer or videographer to capture the special moments.
- Relax and have fun: This is a celebration of your graduate’s accomplishments, so relax and enjoy the party!
