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Graduation is an exciting milestone and the parties following can be super expensive. But after reading this guide for cheap graduation party ideas, you’ll spend less money than you thought possible while still having the BEST time ever.
YOU DID IT! Whatever degree you’re receiving, you worked hard for it, and you deserve to have some fun after receiving it. But celebrating your college graduation doesn’t have to break the bank. After reading these savvy planning and creative ideas, you can host a fun, memorable party on a budget. This guide will walk you through everything to pull off a fantastic graduation bash without going overboard financially.
This guide is all about cheap graduation party ideas!
First, before we get any ideas going, you need to set your graduation party budget. It’s the first step to everything when you’re trying to be on a budget. Setting a (reasonable) budget will help you stay on track and see how much you actually have to spend.
If you don’t know how much things cost, go online, and do some research on Amazon, Party City, and stores similar to that to see how much the things you like might cost. Also, reach out to your friends or others who have graduated recently who may have an idea of how much stuff might cost. Remember to include food, décor, and activities, but be realistic and scale back where needed.
Idea #1: Choose an Affordable Venue
Not having to rent out an expensive venue is probably the biggest budget savor in this list of cheap graduation party ideas. Venues can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars, even for a few hours. Hosting it somewhere like a backyard (friends or parents), community centers, or parks can be extremely cheap or even free. This frees your money up for other uses.
If you live in an apartment, see if they have a clubhouse or pool you can reserve. Take advantage of any places you can think of that would be affordable and see if you can get any venues donated or discounted. If you’re having a joint party with someone else, that would also keep the cost of everything down, not just the venue.
Idea #2: Send Digital Invitations
I know everyone loves to send graduation cards, but you don’t need to send another one for the party! If you’re keen on sending a card, you can either add the information on the graduation card or print your own little slips with the party details. Those costs add up quicker than you would think.
If you’re not planning to send anything physical, try email, social media, and phone calls, which are budget-friendly. With this option, you can still make invites special with online templates and graphics.
Idea #3: Plan Inexpensive Food and Drinks
Catered food can be affordable depending on where you get it from, but there are other more affordable options. A potluck is always a fun idea and if you have friends or family who like to cook or bake (or if YOU like to cook or bake). This can also be a fun way to bond with some people. And you don’t have to cook gigantic dishes either, you can do small dishes, snacks, and appetizers!
For drinks, you can get some pitchers from the Dollar Store or Walmart for less than $20 and they’re good for future events or hosting! A few sodas are fine, but a lot of options like iced teas (mix packets) and lemonades can be more cost-effective. Try to limit the alcohol, but if you’re going with an open bar (if your venue has that option), stick with beer, wine, and a signature cocktail. Also, if your state allows Costco to sell liquor, take advantage of their prices. You’d be amazed how much you can save.
Does anyone like dessert?! For your graduation party, there is no need unless it’s a high priority to get a custom-made cake that costs hundreds of dollars. I’ve gotten custom cakes from both the grocery store and small local bakeries. They can be decorated and customized for half or a quarter of the price as those super fancy multi-layered cakes. Another option I’ve LOVED was Costco cakes. They can serve so many people and are so budget-friendly. If you’re serving a lot of guests, their sheet cakes are the way to go.
Idea #4: Create DIY Decorations
Depending on the space you are using for your party, you might need a lot of a little bit of decorations. Depending on where you get them and how much you need, these decorations can eat through your budget before you’ve had the chance to plan anything else. To lower the costs, try DIYing your crafts! Make garlands, signs, and banners from inexpensive supplies or print through Canva and Staples.
For other décor, use items like flowers sparingly because they can be expensive even for small ones. Try not to go overboard with them. Balloons and ribbons/streamers are another good way to fill up a room. Making a room feel smaller (but not small) can give the illusion of a more decorated space.
For table decor, tablecloths from Party City are good to use and then display grad achievements, photos, and awards on the tables. You can also get small cylinder vases from Amazon in cheap packs.
Idea #5: Organize Fun Low-Cost Activities
Games are a super fun activity and time-passer at parties. You can play your typical college drinking games which can be done with just one table and a few other cheap necessities. You can also rent games from libraries or see if your apartment or friends have some games. This included lawn games like cornhole.
More activities you can do at your event are dancing, karaoke, a DIY photobooth, slideshows/video viewings, speeches, toasts, and roasts. Try not to have too many activities and give people some breathing room between them. The event will flow nicely, and everyone will have a good time. Don’t worry about filling up each minute of the graduation party.
Idea #6: Enlist Helpers and Delegate Party Ideas Implementation
For all of your planning, events, setup, prep, cooking, etc. enlist help from your friends and family! You do not have to do this all on your own. Planning an event is difficult and take an offer for help you can get. If someone wants to help and go out to buy supplies, thank them somehow. But don’t stress yourself out planning a whole ordeal as big as a graduation party by yourself. You stressed all throughout school, relax a bit!
During the party, delegate tasks like decorating, music, and photos to people who ask to help or that you’ve asked for help. Decorating is one of my favorite parts of parties so I know I’m always one to offer to come over and help set up where needed. This is your day and you should get to enjoy it. Plan and do as much as you can in advance to ease the day’s stress.
Your cheap graduation party might not cost a fortune after reading these ideas, but it would still be one of the best parties you throw celebrating yourself and your accomplishments. The memories and joy will be priceless.
Now that you’ve got ideas to plan your affordable graduation party, put them into action and start celebrating your big achievement!
