Five Easy Ways to Save Money on Your OC Graduation Catering
It’s easy to overspend on a once-in-a-lifetime celebration like planning a graduation party. Then again, even if your offspring is an only child you could be hosting multiple graduation catering events. Graduation festivities were once reserved for high school and college seniors. Now you could be footing the bill for parties that run from elementary through graduate school. With the average graduation party costing over $1,200, you need surefire ways to save. Your neighbors in San Clemente, Newport Beach, Laguna Beach and across Orange County have already discovered how hiring a professional for your graduation catering can cut your costs. For more ways to trim your budget, here are five easy ways to save money on your Orange County graduation catering.
Set a Realistic Budget
A quick trip to a party store or your local grocer can confirm what you’ve already suspected. Pretty much everything is more expensive. Party planners have to factor in inflation for the first time in decades and so should you. Why? Because setting an unrealistically low budget will not only doom you to failure it could even encourage reckless spending. So do your research. Use a simple worksheet. Remember, cutting costs doesn’t mean cutting corners. If you’re hosting, there are supplies you can buy in bulk from a warehouse store like Costco or for a lower cost at a dollar store.
However, before embarking on Do It Yourself graduation catering, talk to some party pros. Set up a face-to-face. A graduation party catering company can often provide supplies at a lower cost than you’d pay at a store. Plus, you’ll save on a very valuable commodity –– time!
Cut Costs By Co-Hosting
Chances are your son or daughter’s bestie is also graduating. Combining their parties doesn’t just combine the cost. It also doubles the fun. Plus, many attendees would otherwise be going to two parties. First get together with your potential co-host and see if your visions align. They may want a more formal affair, you might prefer graduation action stations to sit down dinners. No matter what you decide, you’ll want a graduation catering menu that’s unique and tasty. That’s where Taylor Made Cuisine graduation catering comes in. They are geared to custom orders, making every graduation party a singular event.
No Frills Doesn’t Mean No Fun
Even co-hosting can get expensive. So relocate the party. Look for less pricey public spaces. This takes planning. Still, SoCal is loaded with scenic landscapes. Evites are an obvious cost saver, but check with your grad. Many in Gen Z take an old school approach to paper and hand delivering invitations is much more personal. It’s tempting to try to save money with a no-frills graduation catering menu. Unfortunately, that could be memorable for all the wrong reasons. Instead, take a look at Taylor Made Cuisine. They have already catered events across Orange County in communities like San Clemente, Newport Beach, and Laguna Beach. Their years of experience means they can deliver tasty selections that won’t blow your budget.
Consider a Meat Free Celebration
A growing number of people under 30 consider themselves vegetarian. That means planning a grad party that’s meatless could be a real crowd pleaser. Plus, not only are plant-based meals healthier, they cost less as well. Taylor Made Cuisine knows how to make meat-free meals than never sacrifice quality or flavor. Unlike the vegetarian options you might find at a grocery store, this graduation catering company never uses soy or processed ingredients but instead relies on wholesome ingredients like legumes, nuts, and eggs. Taylor Made Cuisine can even set up graduation action stations featuring potatoes, polenta, or tacos.
Don’t Get Licked by Liquor
For small events, alcohol can be a major expense. Using a simple cost estimator, you’ll soon see how much to budget for booze. If you are planning a grad party for the teen or tween set, the guest of honor may not be imbibing. That doesn’t mean parents and older loved ones won’t appreciate graduation bar service. There are ways to be cost conscious. If your grad can legally drink, a signature cocktail is a stellar choice. Or you can serve a selection of mocktails which will be appreciated by younger teens who want to feel older.
The secret to saving money on your OC graduation catering lies with selecting an experienced, local caterer comfortable with customization. So get in touch with Taylor Made Cuisine today and they’ll show you how to host a grad party that won’t break the bank.