I believe that everyone will agree with me that graduation parties are among the biggest events of the year. As someone who has graduated and organized such parties, I would like to share with the most cheap ideas for the best graduation party.
When I organized my own party a few years ago, I was amazed at how much money could be spent on just one event. So, I had to tighten the budget and focus on the truly important things that we needed. The truth is, there are many ways to save money, and that’s what this article is all about – to help others like me who appreciate minimalist and budget-friendly options without compromising on quality and the overall experience. Keep reading to discover all the best ideas for the best budget-friendly graduation party.
1. Set Your Budget for graduation party
Before you start searching for decorations, organizing the celebratory menu, or anything else, you should pay attention to your budget. Sit down with your family and try to figure out how much you could set aside for your party.
And just to mention that it’s a good idea to reserve about 20% on top of the defined budget because there’s always something that needs to be purchased additionally and might exceed the budget. So, to avoid surprises, plan your budget first –that`s the most important step.
2. Keep the Guest List Small
This is another great decision I made for my graduation party. I invited only my closest friends and family and this saved a lot of expenses.
A smaller guest list means fewer expenses for food, decorations, and other party essentials. By inviting only close friends, family, and those who played a significant role in your academic journey, you can use your budget more efficiently and make the celebration more meaningful for everyone involved.
Remember, the most important aspect of a graduation party is celebrating your achievement and sharing the moment with those who matter most to you.
3. Use your backyard
I had the opportunity to host the party in the spacious yard of my grandparents’ house and we had an amazing time. I recommend, if possible, hosting the party outdoors because it creates a completely different overall atmosphere. Everyone is much more relaxed; they can walk around, talk to each other, and the outdoor setting and warm weather greatly add to the enjoyment of the time with loved ones.
4. Alternative Party Locations for graduation party
However, if you don’t have the option of a party in your backyard, you can consider free options such as a park nearby. You can bring everything you need with the help of family and friends and still have a fantastic time.Also, think about whether a friend or relative might let you use their larger yard to celebrate your holiday. It’s a wonderful option. You’ll surely find yourself in at least one of these three options.
5. Borow Chairs & Tables
Credit: www.foldingchairs4less.com
Given how expensive renting any type of party supplies can be, you’ll love this idea. I assume you’re wondering how you could get chairs and a table for free. Simply ask your neighbors to lend you their chairs or table. Camping chairs will also fit perfectly and are very comfortable. Another option is to ask the church you attend to lend you chairs. This way, you’ll get everything directly from one place and absolutely for free.
Don’t worry if you end up with chairs or tables of different styles. It might even look very artistic, especially after you decorate them. But we’ll talk a bit more about decorations later in the article.
6. Send Digital Invitations for graduation party
Here is one top invitation design that I just love:
When I graduated, I personally hadn’t even thought about this idea. It seemed to become a trend a bit later, but it’s absolutely fantastic. You won’t have to pay for supplies, printing, or even buy pre-made ones that can be more expensive. Simply choose a design you like from the many options online. Download the file, fill it in according to your preferences with all the necessary information, and just send it to your friends and family. This way, you’ll not only have invitations personalized to them, showing a personal touch, but it will also be much more budget-friendly.
7. Get Freelance Photographer for graduation party
Ask а friend: Just imagine how budget-friendly it would be if you asked a friend with good photography skills to capture moments during your celebration. There’s no need for super professional photos, really. Those natural and spontaneous moments of laughter can be captured with an ordinary camera or even a slightly higher-quality phone.I personally chose this option for my celebration. I still look at pictures from time to time, laughing at the peculiar design of the dress I chose, not to mention my hairstyle – a true disco queen 😀 It’s interesting how we change over the years, isn’t it?
Book a freelance photographer:
Another option, which I would definitely recommend to everyone, is to choose a freelance photographer in the area where your celebration will take place. Many of them don’t charge any fees as they are building their portfolio. Check out their work, see what kind of photos they take, and choose the one that suits you best.
8. Thrift Decor
Using thrift decor can be a fantastic and budget-friendly idea for your graduation party. I really love these stores. You can always find unique items. Look around for thrift stores near you and search for things that can act as the perfect centerpiece – a suitable vase, candles, and various other table decorations or frames for these gorgeous Polaroid photo frame ideas. In these types of stores, you may even discover super beautiful plates, and glasses, and create a unique set for your guests.
Here is a gorgeous Polaroid photo frame idea:
Credit: Pinterest
I can list dozens more decoration ideas, especially from thrift stores, and that’s why I wrote a separate article that you can read here in my next article where I share lots of ideas for super affordable decor for your party. Of course, many of them can be used for parties, not just for graduation.
9. Skip the Favors
Honestly, I don’t feel the need for party favors. The tradition of giving party favors seems to have shifted from weddings, and I haven’t included them at my parties. I also don’t believe anyone expects them from you.
However, if you still want to give your guests a little something, a great idea is to take your favorite chocolates and stick a themed sticker on each of them. Then, place them in a large jar or box and share them with the guests when the party ends.
Here is a great idea to recreate:
10. Arrange Your Own Home Drink Bar
Тhis is another thing I did for my party. We gathered various non-alcoholic drinks, lemonade and champagne and set up a homemade bar. You can do the same by taking a small table and simply arranging everything on top. This way, guests can help themselves to whatever they choose. You can also use plastic cups to avoid the need for glassware, and it will reduce the cleanup work after the party.
Don’t forget to put a large bowl of ice to keep everything cold and enjoyable to drink. You can add coffee and other items according to your preferences, of course.
11. Food Station for graduation party
This is one of my favorite party hacks because I absolutely love cooking. I suggest creating a large food table where everyone can take what they desire. Aim to do your own delicious catering by preparing small bites, mini burgers, mini desserts in individual boxes, and salads in plastic bowls ready to eat, among other options. This way, everyone can choose what to nibble on, and by offering a variety of visually appealing bite-sized foods, you’ll create the impression of an abundance of options. Doing your own catering will also save you hundreds of dollars.
Don’t forget that the most important thing on your celebration is for you to have fun and celebrate this special day, regardless of the ideas you’ve chosen. Stay positive and let your loved ones take care of the majority of the work.
