Even in tough times and on a limited budget, it is still possible to throw your graduate the party they want. Your party will be memorable, unique, and fun without the budget you think it may take! So, how is it possible?

1- Make your own personalized desserts, treats, hors d’oeuvres. Rather than hiring a caterer and an expensive cake maker – stand out with your own food trays, personalized, more creative dishes and desserts made with CANDIQUIK. Everyone will be talking about your creativity, and you’ll be happy you stayed in budget! Rather than having the typical potato salads, cookies, chips… Spice it up with:

• CandiQuik chocolate dipped potato chips
• Chocolate Dipped Strawberries personalized with your graduates’ school colors, name, etc.

You will surely stand out and be remembered with these ideas!

2- Invitations- Many ways to cut costs on these: for one, you can send out e-invitations (www.evite.com). If you prefer the paper invitations, you can always make them yourself (or have a willing, crafty family member/friend do so). Check out my free printables page! And there are loads more of free printable invites on the web. Buying the invitations at a discount party store such as Party America or Party City will also save huge (vs. ordering from the school). Another option is to consider making your invites on postcards, which will save you from the cost of envelopes and extra postage. And of course, hand deliver the invites to people that you see often!

http://www.livinglocurto.com/2010/05/graduation-party-free-printables/

3- Affordable location. It doesn’t get easier than hosting a graduation party right in your own backyard. Set up your food arrangement, tables and chairs (try your local rental center if you do not have enough) and get creative decorating! No backyard? In this case you could ask a relative that may have one, consider a local park, or possibly an apartment complex party room.

4- Low entertainment costs. Most people are just stopping by, as they have multiple parties to attend and many will entertain themselves. You can have games set up such as volleyball, bean bags, horseshoes, potato sack races, and badminton. Include a fun CANDIQUIK “fondue station” with fruit, pretzels, etc. for dipping. For music, you don’t have to hire a live band but playing some CD’s, an iPod, or MP3 player would be fun and give the guests an area to dance and kids to play.

5-Decorating costs for a party can be expensive, ways to cut back: you can buy many of your decorations (e.g. table cloths, napkins, plates, cups, balloons, streamers, banners, etc.) at stores such as Party America and Party City or dollar stores (Dollar Tree, Family Dollar).

6- If you are considering hiring a photographer at the party, consider this idea instead: have disposable cameras for all the guests at the tables. That way, they can create their own memories and have fun doing so. And this way you will get pictures with variety, which you didn’t even realize were taken!

7- Joint open houses. Consider bringing it up to your graduate and their best friend and see if that is an option. Chances are your son or daughter has a close friend(s) that they may want to do this with, so it is worth at least contacting the parents and bringing up this idea. This will let you split costs, share ideas and give the graduates a bigger party.