0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and b… Discover it® Cash Back Calculators How we make money
VOATLAS
How to Budget for a Going Away Party

How to · Event

How to Budget for a Going Away Party

Plan a catered barbecue farewell without the stress by pacing your orders and lining up your timeline.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $500 before anything else
Across the 0% window $27.78/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $500 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 have about a week before the weekend date to lock down your catering, which means the timeline is tight. A good going away party needs enough lead-time so you aren't scrambling for plates, drinks, and smoked meats at the last minute.

We can spread out the typical $500 cost over time to keep things manageable. Let's look at how to map out the barbecue and handle the bills without a sweat.

That 0% window is a deadline, not free money. If you still have a balance left when those 18 months are up, the standard interest rate kicks in on what is left over.

The steps

  1. 01

    Lock in your head count

    Nail down the guest list first. You cannot order barbecue by the pound without knowing who is actually showing up. Give people a firm RSVP date two weeks before the party so you have exact numbers for the caterer.

  2. 02

    Order the catering early

    Order catering one week before the weekend date. Good pitmasters book up fast, and you want to make sure your delivery or pickup slot is secured before the weekend rush hits.

  3. 03

    Map out drinks and supplies

    Caterers usually handle the mains and sides, but you still need ice, coolers, cups, and napkins. Pick these up a few days before the event so you are not running around on the morning of the party.

  4. 04

    Use your card window

    The Citi Simplicity® Credit Card gives you 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. If you spread the $500 cost across that intro window on purchases, you are looking at about $27.78 per month.

  5. 05

    Host and say goodbye

    Keep the day simple. Let the food do the talking and spend your time actually talking to the guest of honor instead of hovering by the grill.

  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 barbecue catering usually cost?

A typical US cost for a casual party is about $500 for a decent spread of meat and sides. That usually feeds around fifteen to twenty people depending on the package.

When should I order the food?

Order catering one week before the weekend date. This gives the restaurant enough prep time and guarantees you get your preferred pickup or delivery slot.

What happens after the 18 months?

The 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening ends, and any remaining balance starts accruing interest at the standard rate.

Should I buy drinks through the caterer?

Usually no. Buying bulk soda, water, and beer at a grocery store is much cheaper than paying restaurant markup for canned drinks.