How to Plan a Graduation Open House on a Budget (The Easy Way)
Host a memorable celebration without breaking the bank. We've combined our best free tools to help you plan food, decor, and timeline in minutes.
Save 50%+
Compared to catered events by doing DIY food & decor.
3-Month Plan
A stress-free timeline that keeps you organized.
School Spirit
Customized decor matching your school colors.
The Timeline: Don't Wing It
The biggest mistake parents make is leaving everything to the last month. Venues book up fast, and personalized items take time to print. We've created a specific Open House Checklist that tells you exactly what to do from 4 months out down to the day of the party.
- 3-4 Months Before: Book venue & order announcements.
- 1 Month Before: Finalize food menu & order balloons.
- 1 Week Before: Deep clean & setup music playlist.
The Food: Why a Taco Bar Wins
| Option | Cost Per Person | Total (50 Guests) | Pros & Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Catering | $20 - $35 | $1,000+ | Zero work, but very expensive. |
| Restaurant Trays | $12 - $18 | $600 - $900 | Good food, requires pickup/heating. |
| DIY Taco Bar | $4 - $7 | $200 - $350 | Fun, customizable, cheapest option. |
| Pizza Delivery | $5 - $8 | $250 - $400 | Easy, but feels less special. |
Catering can cost $15-$25 per person. For a 50-person open house, that's over $1,000 just on food! The budget-friendly solution? A Taco Bar.
It's cheap (ground beef and tortillas are affordable), easy to prep in bulk (slow cookers are your friend), and everyone loves tacos. Plus, it's gluten-free friendly if you use corn tortillas.
How much meat do you need?
Don't guess and run out of guacamole. Use our specialized calculator to know exactly how many pounds of meat, cheese, and salsa to buy.
Calculate Taco Bar QuantitiesCommon Budget Questions
How much cash should I gift?
For 2026, standard gifts are $25-$50 for friends/distant relatives, and $50-$100+ for close family.
Do I need to feed adults?
Yes! Open houses are for everyone. Plan for about 60-70% of invited adults to attend and eat.
What's the cheapest time?
Host your party between 2pm-5pm. Guests won't expect a full meal, just snacks and cake!
Paper invites vs Digital?
Digital is free! But for graduation, older relatives love a physical photo card to keep on the fridge.
The Decor: DIY Balloon Arch
Professional balloon arches cost $300+. You can make one yourself for about $50. The key is matching your high school's colors perfectly.
We built a tool that lets you pick your School Colors and tells you exactly how many balloons of each color you need for any size arch.
Design Your School Spirit Arch
Select up to 4 colors and your desired length. We'll generate a shopping list for you.
Open Balloon CalculatorReady to Start Planning?
You don't need a professional planner to throw an amazing party. With the right tools, you can save money and look like a pro.