It’s almost that time of year again. Proud grads will be finished with school and entering the next chapter of their lives. Some grads will be off to college while others will be entering the work force for the first time.
Graduation is a time of fun and celebration with family and friends, so don’t let finances interfere with your good time. Here are some tips for saving money on a graduation party.
Save Money on the Invitations
Make Your Own Invitations
Instead of paying for pricey professional invitations consider making your own. There are many templates and websites available online to help you make your own professional looking invites.
Go Digital
I know it is nice to receive something in the mail that is not a bill, but you can skip costs by sending a digital invitation. Use Evite to create an invitation to send to your friends and family. You can customize it to make it look nice, and save on postage and paper.
Bonus: Evite will send out event reminders and track RSVP’s and it is environmentally friendly too!
Another option is to create a Facebook Events page. The page can also be used afterwards to post event photos.
Save Money on the Venue
Have Your Party At Home
Consider having your party at home or in your backyard. Don’t have a lot of room? Ask a relative to consider hosting the party at their home.
Go to the Beach
If you’re lucky enough to live in close proximity to the beach, consider having your event there. Many state beaches have fire pits, which can be a fun late evening activity.
Go to the Park
You can save on venue costs by having a party in the park. Enjoy the sunshine, the outdoors, and time with your family.
Graduation Party Decoration Ideas
Buy Online
Check out sites such as the Oriental Trading Company for discounted themed decorations, which can be bought in bulk.
Make Your Own Decorations
You can save a ton of money by getting creative and making your own decorations. Use newspaper, old magazines, wrapping paper, old report cards and photos of the graduate, as well as recycled items to make fun and festive decorations.
Go to the Dollar Store
Not feeling creative? Go to the dollar store! Buy some affordable decorations and save them for the next time someone graduates in your family.
Share Your Decorations
Chances are there are other families also trying to save money on their own graduation party. Pool your resources and share decorations if your parties are held on different dates.
Graduation Party Food Ideas
Have a Potluck
To avoid costly restaurants, and reservations, have a potluck at your house. Ask attendees to each make their favorite dish. Potlucks are a great way to connect over food, lower costs of meals, and try new foods.
Pizza Anyone?
Pizza is an easy food choice and has the added benefit of easy clean-up. Look for pizza specials to cut costs.
Buy in Bulk
Many stores such as Costco, Sam’s Club, and Smart & Final have pre-made catering trays for sale. Save money and time by purchasing pre-made cheese trays, vegetable trays, and dessert.
Going Out to Dinner? Check Groupon First
If you do decide to go out to dinner, check out sites like Groupon, Living Social, and other local deals sites to find a discount. Be sure to read the terms and conditions of the discount, as some require reservations or minimums. These sites can cut costs if you already know you will be going out.
Skip the Cake or Make Your Own
Cakes can add up quickly. To save money, make your own! If you want something with a little more personality, opt for buying cupcakes. You can get a larger variety and they are individualized.
Save Money on the Entertainment
Be Your Own DJ
Skip the DJ and use sites like Pandora, or my personal favorite Songza to play music at your event. Songza allows you to choose moods, themes, and artists to curate your perfect musical experience.
With these tips you can focus on celebrating and honoring the accomplishments of your graduate, and not your budget.
What tips do you have for saving money on graduation parties?
For my high school graduation, my parents had a small get-together in their backyard. They bought one of those huge Subway sandwiches and we just hung out on the back porch and enjoyed the day. You don’t even need fancy decorations to celebrate — just family, friends and food! 🙂
I agree! Your party sounds like a blast 🙂
Here in the UK we just dont really bother with graduation from school parties. The kids have a prom, and they can go to a pub or nightclub if they really want to.
My eldest son 18 finishes school soon and the idea of having a party wouldnt enter his head