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How to Budget for a Backyard Graduation Party

How to · Event

How to Budget for a Backyard Graduation Party

Plan your grad party taco bar without the stress by locking in your timeline and spreading out the $900 cost.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $900 before anything else
Across the 0% window $50.00/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $900 spread evenly across the 18-month introductory window on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

June gets booked up fast, so the real trick to a backyard graduation party is getting your catering locked down at least two months in advance. Once you secure the date with the taco spot, the rest of the backyard setup and grocery runs fall neatly into place around that deadline.

A catered taco bowl bar for a crowd usually runs right around $900. Breaking that up over time makes it much easier to handle while you are buying invites, drinks, and decorations.

That 18-month intro window is a hard deadline, not free money, so make sure the balance is gone before time runs out or standard interest kicks in on what is left.

The steps

  1. 01

    Book the caterer early

    Reach out to your taco spot at least two months before June to lock in your date. June is peak graduation season, and local caterers fill their weekend schedules fast.

  2. 02

    Nail down your head count

    Get your RSVPs back a month before the party so you know exactly how much food to order. Caterers usually need your final number a week or two ahead of time anyway.

  3. 03

    Map out the backyard setup

    Figure out where the food table, trash cans, and seating will go so guests are not bottlenecked. Borrow folding tables and chairs now instead of renting them at the last minute.

  4. 04

    Use your card window

    If you want to spread out the $900 cost, the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card gives you 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. That breaks down to about $50.00 per month if you pay it off evenly across the 18-month window.

  5. 05

    Buy drinks and paper goods

    Pick up bulk soda, ice, plates, and napkins the week of the party. Keep it simple with self-serve coolers so you are not stuck playing bartender during the celebration.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card carries the date a person verified it against Citi and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Citi Simplicity® Credit Card terms →

Common questions

How much does catering a graduation party cost?

A catered taco bowl bar for a standard backyard gathering typically runs around $900, depending on your head count and local food prices.

When should I book a graduation party caterer?

You should book your catering services at least two months before June. Early spring is when most weekend dates get claimed.

How does 0% interest work on the Citi Simplicity card?

The Citi Simplicity® Credit Card offers 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening, giving you time to pay off eligible charges without adding interest if you finish before the window closes.

How many taco bowls should I plan for?

Most caterers help you estimate based on your guest list, but plan on most people eating a full bowl plus extra chips and salsa.