How to Set Up a Backyard Graduation Party That's Both Fun and Safe

As the school year winds down, many families are starting to think about how to celebrate their graduate's big day. If you're planning a backyard graduation party, there are a few things you'll need to do to make sure it's a success.

Here are a few tips to help you get started:

Plan a Budget

The first step is to set a budget for your party. This will help you determine how much you can spend on food, drinks, decorations, and entertainment.

Budget Item	Average Cost	Tips for Saving Money
Food	$10-$20 per person	Cookout food is usually more affordable than catered food.
Drinks	$5-$10 per person	Buy in bulk and offer a variety of non-alcoholic options.
Decorations	$20-$50	Use DIY decorations or borrow from friends and family.
Entertainment	$50-$100	Hire a DJ or band, or set up a playlist and rent a sound system.

Choose a Date and Time

Once you have a budget, you need to choose a date and time for your party. The best time of year to have a backyard graduation party is during the spring or summer when the weather is mild. You'll also want to avoid scheduling your party on a holiday or weekend when your guests are likely to already have plans.

Month	Average Temperature	Pros and Cons
May	60-75°F	Typically good weather, but can be rainy.
June	70-85°F	Ideal weather, but can be hot and humid.
July	75-90°F	Hot and humid, but usually dry.
August	75-85°F	Similar to July, but can be more humid.

Send Out Invitations

Once you have a date and time for your party, you need to send out invitations to your guests. Be sure to include all the important details, such as the date, time, location, and RSVP information.

Invitation Type	Cost	Pros and Cons
Paper invitations	$1-$3 per invitation	More formal and personal, but can be more expensive.
Online invitations	Free to low cost	Easy to send and track RSVPs, but can be less personal.
Email invitations	Free	Quick and easy to send, but can be easily overlooked.

How to Set Up a Backyard Graduation Party That's Both Fun and Safe