Has a loved one just graduated? A celebration is in order! Before you start stressing about how you’re going to afford the party your grad deserves, check out these savvy party tips and avoid credit card debt.
To avoid credit card debt, throw a graduation party on a budget!
Budgeting For A Graduation Party
Large parties can get expensive quickly, but there’s no sense in blowing your emergency fund on an elaborate affair. There are many cost effective ways to have plenty of food, entertainment and ambiance to appease your guests.
Skip the mailed invitation. Websites like Evite and Punchbowl are great ways to design party invitations that can be sent via email for free. Save the environment and money! Worried about some of your less technologically savvy relatives not getting the message? Give them an old fashioned phone call, they will appreciate the gesture.
Keep the food simple. Catering can be astronomically pricey, and sometimes much of it goes uneaten. Ask close friends and relatives if they wouldn’t mind bringing a salad or pan of ziti in addition to making your own food. Grilling is also a great way to feed everyone while keeping the cost down.
Make your own cake or cupcakes. A sheet cake with his or her face on it could run you up to $200, sometimes even more. Use your baking skills to create your own treat that everyone will love.
Avoid “class of” merch. Cups, napkins, streamers and balloons that are graduation specific can be easily supplemented with school colors, also aiding you in a color scheme.
Use pictures as center pieces. You can pick up old, great looking frames at Goodwill and other second hand stores. Use old pictures that you already have to spark nostalgic conversations around the tables with your guests.
DJ your way. Save your iTunes gift cards, use services like Spotify or Pandora. Better yet, reach out and ask someone that’s attending if they have an account to avoid advertisements.
Graduation parties are a special and fun time for both the graduate and the family, don’t stress over keeping up with the Joneses and just enjoy the quality time with your guests.
If you’re struggling to pay off debt, ACCC can help. Schedule a free credit counseling session with us today.
