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How to Budget for a Backyard Graduation Party

How to · Event

How to Budget for a Backyard Graduation Party

A backyard bash is a great way to celebrate, but catering and tents add up fast. Here is how to keep your head above water while you host.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $950 before anything else
Across the 0% window $52.78/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $950 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.

You want the food hot and the tent set up before the first guest pulls into the driveway. Start by locking in your catering and rental vendors three months out so you are not scrambling for scraps when the graduation season hits.

A party like this usually runs about $950 for the essentials. If you spread that cost out, it is manageable without blowing your monthly cash flow.

The 0% intro window is a tool, not a gift. If you have a balance left over when the 18 months are up, the bank will start charging interest on whatever is still owed.

The steps

  1. 01

    Secure your vendors

    Call caterers and tent companies three months before the date. Put down your deposits early so you have a firm number to plan for.

  2. 02

    Set your budget

    Keep your target at $950. If the catering quote comes in higher, trim the guest list or swap the menu to something simpler to stay on track.

  3. 03

    Use your card for the total

    The Citi Simplicity® Credit Card offers 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. This keeps your cash in your account while you pay off the party expenses over that 18-month window.

  4. 04

    Automate the payments

    Divide your $950 total by your 18-month window. If you pay $52.78 every month, you will clear the balance exactly when the interest-free period ends.

  5. 05

    Keep the guest list tight

    More people means more food and a bigger tent. Stick to your original head count to avoid surprise costs that break your $950 budget.

  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

What happens if I go over the $950 budget?

You will need to increase your monthly payment to stay on track. If you do not, you might still have a balance when the 0% period ends.

Do I have to pay the full $950 at once?

No, you pay it as the vendors bill you. Just make sure you are tracking those charges so you know how much you owe in total.

Can I pay it off faster than 18 months?

Absolutely. Paying more than $52.78 a month just clears the debt sooner and leaves you with more breathing room in your budget.

What if it rains?

The tent rental is your insurance policy. If your budget is tight, ask the rental company about smaller setups or shared costs with neighbors.