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Graduation party planner for an open house

A graduation party planner for an open house or a backyard party: food for a crowd, tent and table rentals, announcements, a photo board and a list of cards and gifts for the thank-you notes.

Open the Graduation demo Get the app for $6.99
  • Announcements and photo board on the checklist
  • Backyard floor plan with tent, food and games
  • Cards and gifts list
Event Planner App with the Graduation sample: floor plan, guest list by family and seating checks
The Graduation sample in the Event Planner App. The demo opens on it, with nothing to install.

A graduation budget split to start from

For a $2,500 budget and about 70 guests. It's the default split in the app; change any % to fit your family.

Food is the biggest cost of a grad party, especially an open house. Rentals (tent, tables) add up fast, so book them early.

  • Venue15%$375
  • Food & Drinks35%$875
  • Decorations & Balloons12%$300
  • Cake & Desserts6%$150
  • Photography & Photo booth8%$200
  • Music6%$150
  • Announcements & Invitations5%$125
  • Favors3%$75
  • Rentals (tent, tables)6%$150
  • Other & Buffer4%$100

Graduation checklist by deadline

In the app, each task gets a date counted back from your party.

  • 3 months

    • Set the budget
    • Pick the date (check other grads' parties)
    • Book the venue or plan it at home
    • Start the guest list

  • 2 months

    • Order graduation announcements
    • Book the caterer or a food truck
    • Book senior photos
    • Rent the tent, tables and chairs

  • 6 weeks

    • Send invitations and announcements
    • Order the cake
    • Order decorations in school colors

  • 1 month

    • Make a photo board (all the school years)
    • Plan the menu
    • Buy favors
    • Seating chart

  • 1 week

    • Final head count
    • Confirm every vendor
    • Pay final balances
    • Set up a card box

  • After the party

    • Log the cards and gifts
    • Send thank-you notes

Graduation planning tips

What makes the biggest difference, from parents and hosts who've done it.

  • Check the other grads' dates.Open houses overlap in June. Pick a date early and tell the class.
  • Plan food for drop-ins.Open houses mean people come and go: a taco bar or food truck works well.
  • Book rentals early.Tents and tables run out in graduation season.
  • Set up a card box.Log the cards and gifts and tick each thank-you note.

Everything in one app

Budget by category, vendors with deposits and due dates, guests and families, a floor plan with drag-and-drop seating and Auto-seat, a gift list and a countdown checklist. Light or dark, offline, no subscription.

Try the free demoGet the app for $6.99

Graduation planner questions

When should I send graduation announcements?

About six weeks before the party, with the party details inside.

How much does a graduation party cost?

Many families spend $1,000 to $3,000. Food is the biggest cost.

Can I plan a backyard party?

Yes. Draw the yard in feet and drag the tent, the food, the photo wall and lawn games into place.

Is there a subscription?

No. You pay once and keep the app. It's one file that opens in your browser on a computer, with no account.

Does it work on my phone?

It's made for computers right now.

Planning another party?

The same app has a template for each of these.