3 Tips to a Great Graduation Party Celebration without Breaking the Bank!
We made it to the end of the school year! Yes, it is that time of the year again when we will be celebrating graduation parties to commemorate our child (ren) achievements this school year. Depending on the celebration, graduation parties can get costly, there are several steps you can take to have a fantastic celebration and not break the bank. Here are three simple steps that you can follow to make your graduation party celebration memorable for your graduate!
Step 1: Keep it small:
Keep your graduation party celebration small and more intimate affair, invite only relatives and close friends! This option will allow you to save money on invitations, decorations, food, and gift favors. This also means that you can have your gathering at a smaller venue, such as your home or your neighborhood clubhouse (if one is available at your HOA). Remember, it is a celebration and most probably your son or daughter will be happy with this arrangement, as long as the ones they love are in attendance. It doesn’t have to be huge to be fun.
Step 2: Make a budget & Stick to it:
Why set a budget? A budget will dictate & determine many of the key elements of your celebration. Don’t just rush to the store and start buying things. Set priorities such as: what is needed, how much of it, what other people can bring, and what you can borrow or get used. Make a list: start with the most expensive items, followed by most needed items (like a cake), and work your way down the list. Setting a budget, priorities & a list will ensure that your wallet doesn’t suffer along the party planning preparation and that the item most needed for the party are bought and any extras can be cut if needed.
Step 3: Keep it simple:
Don’t go overboard on activities to make your graduation party memorable. From making your own DYI decorations, to using your iPod as a DJ. Plan your activities accordingly, from something as simple as a water balloon toss to board games can make a party lively. For the guest favors, do simple things like have guests make their own bags of candy from a simple DIY candy bar, or provide a craft project that they can have fun with and take home afterward.
Let’s hear from you… How do you make sure you are on budget? How do you plan to celebrate your graduate this year?