How to Plan a Graduation Party on a Budget

There is no reason you shouldn't be able to plan a graduation party on a budget. After all, the point of the party is to celebrate a student's achievements. Still, a good party should feel festive. A personal touch and a DIY approach are the keys to combining fun with frugality.

Instructions

1. Make the food yourself. Home cooked food can save a lot of money compared to catering prices, and can also be a good opportunity to make the graduate's favorite dishes. Cut costs further by planning a mid-afternoon or evening party rather than a lunch or dinner. If you really want to have a meal, consider making it potluck style.

2. Consider limiting the guest list. It can be tough to plan a graduation party on a budget if you need to feed a crowd, or pay for a large venue. Don't cut the guest list so much that friends will be missed, but do remember that you don't need to invite the entire neighborhood, graduating class and extended family.

3. Get creative about decorating. Some common decorations, like balloons, are really quite affordable. Visit a party or paper goods store and get a bunch of anything interesting that is on sale. One creative DIY graduation party feature is a display with photos of the graduate through the years.

4. Put the graduate in charge of music, if he is willing. Use a stereo to play mix tapes or CDs of his favorite songs.

5. Consider asking friends to bring something for the party, for example a potluck dish, instead of a traditional gift. This makes it easier to plan a graduation party on a budget and feel like friends and family are really contributing, while saving them some money in the process.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider planning a joint party with one or more classmates who are friends of the graduate. This makes it easier to afford a bigger and more elaborate party, if that is what everyone wants.