Throwing a Graduation Party on a Budget

A graduation party should be a time to celebrate the accomplishments of the recent-grad in your family, not break the bank to host a bash. Here are some tips to throwing a graduate party that is fun, and on a budget. From the music to entertainment and decoration, you can save money in various ways.

Music:

Perhaps you know of a friend or family that is a DJ that can play music at your party for an affordable price or even as their graduation gift to the recipient. If not, you can always ask the twelve year old in your family if they'd like to make $20 for the day. Hand them a boom box and a case of appropriate cd's and have them do their thing. Let guests thumb through the cd's and make requests to the DJ. Have a tip jar available as well.

Food:

One route to go to save money on food is to have a potluck. Each person can sign up to bring a salad, brownies, casserole, punch, paper-ware or whatever to get the party rolling. Another solution is to b uy a whole bunch of deli-meats from a bulk warehouse such as Costco or Sam's Club. When I went this route, I placed the deli meat and slices of cheese on a tray sitting on a bed of ice. Put bowls of wheat buns and baguettes on the side. Also, have condiments available. Serve chips and salsa or dip as well.

Decorations:

Decorations do not have to be fancy. You can simply purchase some streamers and balloons at the Dollar Tree. Or you can be creative and place home-grown flowers in vases on the tables. Freecycle is also a great place to ask for used decorations.

Momento:

Since this is a special moment for the graduate and they are embarking on a new life, it's a great gesture to send them off with lots of encouragement and advice. Pass out some small pieces of colored note cards. Ask your guests to write a special note to the graduate. They can offer advice, share a funny story, or write an inspiring quote.

Ambiance:

The good thing about graduation being in the summer is that you may find fireworks available. This would be a great ending to a party. When nighttime falls, bring out the citronella candles and Christmas lights for a beautiful effect. Chinese lanterns would also be a nice touch.