Planning a graduation party menu and thinking about graduation party ideas sounds like a lot of fun, but creating a graduation open house budget doesn’t sound as exciting.  Is a budget really necessary?  Yes.  Having a budget will help you make decisions as you’re considering various graduation party ideas.  It is very easy to spend a lot of money because there are so many different items to plan and purchase to make your party a success.  I suggest you set a budget and keep track of expenses as you go or you may spend more than you wanted to.

 

People often ask me if they should include the costs of all the home improvements they are doing to get ready for the open house.  It is a good question.  It could be included, but isn’t home improvement a continual cost to maintain or improve the value of your investment in your home?  Yet, it would be good to know how much you are willing to spend on renovation and remodeling before you start improving your home for the open house.  Remember, whatever work you haven’t completed two months before the graduation party, should wait for another time.

 I would suggest that you first set a budget for the graduation open house that you are comfort with, and

then make your plans fit your budget.  If one item goes over budget, try to trim another item so the final cost remains the same.  Out-of-control spending could create unnecessary stress for you and your family.

 Here is a list of items you should budget for:

  Announcements/open house invitations and postage

Decorations and banners

Flowers and balloons

Food items and ingredients

Dishes (disposable or ones to purchase and keep for your next party)

  Paper products

Tent rental

Table and chair rental

  Picture display and video

Thank you notes and postage

 Once you have determined your graduation open house budget, you are ready to start thinking about the graduation party menu.

 Laurie Phelps

website Your Graduation Party Ideas into a Budget