Planning a grad party can be both exciting and overwhelming. With so much to consider—decorations, food, and entertainment—it's easy to get lost in the details. However, with a bit of creativity and resourcefulness, you can decorate the celebration like a pro to honor the graduate's achievements without exceeding your budget. Whether new to party planning or a seasoned expert, you will find practical tips, tricks, and reminders for decorating your graduation party here! 

#1. Use Fake Flowers

If flowers are essential to your graduation party's decorations, you may have considered using fresh ones. While fresh flowers can have a lovely scent, they come with many potential issues. They must be purchased close to the event date, require proper care, and be kept in water or soil to maintain their appearance. Alternatively, you can get artificial flowers well in advance and store them without any risk of wilting. They can also be easily incorporated into the party décor without needing a vase or pot.

Another major advantage of choosing artificial flowers over real ones is that you can keep them for future events, crafts, or home décor!

#2. Stock Up on Double Sided Adhesives

Double-sided tape and glue dots will quickly become your new best friends. These relatively inexpensive tools can be found at most major supermarkets and online. They make it easy to hang lightweight items such as balloons, streamers, and paper decorations. Although they may not adhere to every surface, double-sided tapes are very handy for sticking light items to walls, tents, and tables.

#3. Make DIY Centerpieces

No doubt, graduation party centerpieces are one of the most crucial aspects of your party decor. There are thousands of different ideas for centerpieces, which can be purchased, made, or a combination of the two. While buying pre-made centerpieces is a convenient option, it often means missing out on a chance to add a personal touch. Explore various options and select something simple yet impactful. In particular, photo centerpieces help create a warm and memorable atmosphere!

#4. Utilize Wooden Pallets

Wooden pallets have become popular for decorating various events, including graduation parties. Their versatility makes them ideal for creating displays like photo boards and donut walls or for making structures. You can find pallets at local industrial sites or online sites like Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist, often for free. With a touch of creativity, pallets can be transformed with paint and embellishments, serving as eye-catching focal points that enhance the overall décor of your event!

#5. See What Decorations You Already Have

Chances are, you have a box of party supplies and/or old housewares stashed away somewhere. Before buying anything, take some time to sift through your old party and household decorations to see what you can repurpose for your upcoming event. Items like balloons, streamers, vases, picture frames, and baskets can be very useful. Reusing these decorations can save you money, time, and the hassle of searching for new party supplies you may already have!

#6. Stock Up on Tablecloths

Other than protecting and covering tables, tablecloths can be hung to make awesome backdrops and can add some needed color to otherwise mundane areas of the party. They can also be used to create makeshift walls and hide areas (like that corner of your garage you didn't have time to clean).

Tablecloths can be found anywhere, but we recommend starting at the dollar store and getting many different colors. Any extras you pick up can always be returned or saved for future events!

#7. Decorate with Balloons

What's a party without balloons? They are perfect for filling large spaces, allowing you to create an impressive atmosphere with minimal effort. Balloons should be distributed throughout the party to enhance cohesion and should complement the party's theme, such as school colors, sports, or travel. With balloon kits, creating wreaths, arches, and other types of balloon art is easy and affordable. Just be sure to get an air pump to inflate all those balloons!

#8. Save Your Jars and Containers

You can reuse jars and various containers to create beautiful decorations and serve as holders for a wide range of party supplies. Start by cleaning the containers, jars, and small boxes, and remove any labels. Once they are ready, you can use them to make DIY decorations, such as centerpieces for graduation parties, vases, or decorative lights. Additionally, these containers can be excellent organizers for party essentials like cutlery, straws, and sparklers!

To help remove the labels, fill the jar with hot water. Let sit for a couple of minutes, after which the label and glue should be a breeze to remove. If some residue is still left, hit it with some Goo Gone!

#9. Add Boxes and Books Under Tablecloths

A great way to give your party a professionally decorated look is to use smaller boxes and books on tables to create varying heights. Cover these with a tablecloth to create elegant pedestals for your items. This technique adds sophistication to the graduate's table, food tables, and dessert bars. Just ensure that the stacks are sturdy enough- especially on food tables!

#10. Keep Heavy Duty Twine, Rope, or Fishing Line On Hand

You will probably need to hang some decorations. Things like backdrops, lights, and those pretty paper lanterns will all need to go up. These can be difficult to hang if you do not get the right supplies. We recommend finding a twine or rope in a color that goes with the party's theme or using fishing line for a floating effect. Whatever you choose to use, be sure it is heavy-duty. That way, things can be hung well in advance without worry.

Bonus Tip: Yarn is a very good option for hanging and tying decorations, as it is inexpensive and durable. It can be found in the craft section at most supermarkets or dollar stores and comes in so many different colors.

#11. Set Up a 'Graduate Table'

A Graduate Table highlights your teen's accomplishments, interests, and goals, so it should be decorated to reflect these elements. Traditionally, this is where guests leave gifts, sign the guestbook (or an equivalent), and share their wisdom or well wishes. Making this table the party's focal point allows you to keep the other decorations simple. Additionally, the graduate table can guide the color scheme and theme of all your party's decorations!

#12. Consider a Photo Area

A photo area is an excellent way for guests to snap some pics. They can be created in various ways, ranging from simple to elaborate. A simple way is to hang a few tablecloths and layering on some balloons and garland. Or, full 'booths' equipped with cut-outs and props can be set up, complete with pallet walls. To ensure you capture all the memories, display a sign with a social media hashtag for guests to use. You can also add your email address or phone number so partygoers can send their photos directly to you.

Here's a fun idea: have a Polaroid or other instant print camera by the booth. Set up a pallet with twine or rope and clothespins for guests to hang their snapshots!

#13. Have Fun with Signs

Along with being informative, signs can add another element to your grad party's decor! Stick to your theme by selecting colors and fonts that match. Signage is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your personality, so feel free to get creative with the phrases you use. To enhance the overall presentation, consider finding or making frames for each sign, giving your party a polished finish.

#14. Get the Graduate Involved

This party is hosted to celebrate the graduate(s), so it's important to involve them in the planning process. Encourage them to help with things like choosing pictures for a photo board and picking songs for the playlist. While you may need to make the final decisions, getting their input will help reduce some of your party planning stress. It also gives the graduate a sense of pride and ownership over the celebration!

Organizing an unforgettable graduation party doesn't have to be a daunting task. By embracing your creativity and utilizing practical and budget-friendly decorating ideas, you can create an atmosphere that celebrates the graduate's achievements in style. From choosing artificial flowers and crafting DIY centerpieces to repurposing everyday items and exploring local resources, every detail contributes to a memorable experience. Remember to have fun throughout the planning process and take inspiration from the graduate's personality and interests. With these tips, you'll be well on your way to hosting a fantastic celebration that honors this important milestone!

Food trucks are becoming more and more prevalent, not only in Southeast Michigan but throughout the whole country. If you're looking into renting a food truck to cater an upcoming event, chances are you've already found tons of potential trucks online. With all these choices, you must sort through these caterers to find the perfect fit for your party. Now, you may be wondering, "How do I choose the best food truck for my party?"

Well, you've started in the right place! In this article, we will be delving into the process of choosing a food truck caterer to hire. No matter the size or type of event, there are a few things you must look at before putting down any deposits. Here, we will touch on things like the menu, reputation, and cost to help you find the perfect truck for your party!

Don't have time to read all this? Check out the How to Choose a Food Truck Caterer Checklist!

#1. The Menu

It may seem obvious, but this is where you should start. First, determine what kind of food you want to offer at the party. Ask yourself things like: 'What type of cuisine do I want (Italian, Asian, Mexican, etc.)?' and 'Do they have something I (or the guest(s) of honor) enjoy?' You should be able to cross off quite a few food trucks from your list solely based on the type of food and menus offered. 

Next, start thinking about your guests' needs and dietary restrictions. This is the time to review what meal options the caterers can offer for Gluten-Free, Vegetarian, etc. Also, try to get example menus from the trucks to make sure there is enough variety for guests to choose from. Though it is hard to please everybody's palate, the right truck will have a good mix of options for most of your guests. At the end of the day, you know your guests and what they want. If you’re having trouble with this, just think back to all the compliments and complaints the spread has gotten at previous get-togethers!

This article does not cover how to choose a menu, as the menu should be determined based on your party's factors (time, headcount, budget, etc.). Our advice is to consult with your caterer! While you know your guests' tastes, the right caterer will know if a menu is doable (and practical). It is critical to discuss this to ensure the menu is set up for a successful service.

Don't be afraid to ask potential vendors questions about the menu. They should know what they can offer at your event and their options (if any) for special diets and allergies. Also, remember that each truck may have many different menu packages, so be sure you're getting the full scope of what individual trucks can offer.

Here are some examples of different Italian catering packages.

#2. The Reputation

You don't want to discover that you've hired the wrong truck too late. Doing a quick search for your prospective caterers lets you see what they claim about themselves and what others have said about them. To read what previous customers have shared about their experience and get a glimpse at the service you should expect, look through their reviews and social media.

Going through the company's website will give you a look into the truck's personality. Are they fun, professional, or both? How they present themselves is essential, as different events and crowds may warrant different atmospheres. For example, suppose you are looking for a dessert truck to add a fun, memorable atmosphere to your event. You may want to veer away from the mundane ice cream truck and opt for something more unique and exciting- like our Good Vibrations Gelato Truck!

As with everything on the web, we must take things with a grain of salt. People make mistakes, and issues do arise- especially in the customer service industry. If a company has 1000 people saying they're the best, don't let a bad review or unflattering photo be the reason not to book them. 

Another factor to aid in your search is the food truck's experience. Has the business been around for a while? Are they more of a public vendor, or can they handle private catering services? Are they capable of handling large crowds? Are they licensed/insured? Are they easy to talk to and helpful? These are the kinds of questions you should keep in mind when comparing companies.

#3. What's Included?

All food trucks have one thing in common- they serve food (we know, 'duh'). While they share this similarity, most trucks do things differently in how they book, serve, price, and what they include. Because of these differences, an important step in comparing caterers is finding out what they will include with service besides the food.

For example, Saucy Joe's Italian Food Truck includes all serveware- plates/containers, forks, knives, spoons, and napkins. We run a self-contained operation providing our own electrical and water sources. We also include 2 hours of service and free mini-DJ service with every booking!

#4. What's not included?

Just the opposite of what each truck includes, you must find out what you'd be required to provide. After all, you don't want to discover that you were supposed to supply an electrical hook-up or the plates once the food truck shows up at the party. Save the headache and ask ahead of time what you will need to supply for your food truck service.

Again, each company is different and will require different things from you. For example, using our truck again, Saucy Joe's Italian Food Truck does not include trash cans for guests' use.

#5. The Cost

By now, you should have narrowed your food truck choices down to the 'good ones' and now it's time to find out what each food truck will cost to rent! Remember- not all trucks price their services in the same way. Some may charge a high per-person price with little to no fees; some may have a low per-person charge along with travel, hourly, or rental amounts.

Now's the time to make sure you have a full quote from each caterer. Compare each truck's total price and consider the type of food, what you get, and the truck's atmosphere when deciding who to hire. Doing so ensures you are not comparing apples to oranges, or in this case, hamburgers to paninis!

For more info on food truck costs, check out 'How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Food Truck?' If you want to know how we charge, visit our Pricing Page for general costs or contact us today for more info or a full quote.

Here's the full checklist with everything you should find out from each potential food truck!

As summer comes to a close and we begin our descent into winter, the most wonderful (and hectic) time of the year arrives—the holiday season. For many, it's a time of joy and excitement as they look forward to the good times and festivities ahead. However, for some, the responsibility of planning holiday events falls on their shoulders. If you are reading this, there is a good chance you have been tasked with organizing an upcoming hoopla or two. If not, lucky you (but thanks for reading)! For those arranging for these celebrations, it's only natural to want it to be unforgettable. Rest assured, you're not alone in your wanting to create the ultimate party—one that will be cherished and reminisced about for years to come!

Well, we can't guarantee that your bash will be perfect or that everything will go according to plan. However, we can offer our two cents on how to make your planning experience smooth and ensure everyone has a fun time. Here are five tips to help as you prepare for your event!

The five most critical tips for planning your holiday party are:

• Choose the right food and drink jump to it
• Figure the budget ahead of time and stick to it jump to it
• Remember the music jump to it
• Stick to a theme for decorations and supplies jump to it
• Plan some activities jump to it

Choose the right food and drink

Though not the first step, food and drink remain the most important factors in event planning. We hate to say it, but you will be judged on what you decide to feed your guests. Because of our nature, the fare and refreshments are what people truly care about. This means good food can turn a dreary affair around, just as lousy food will ruin any good get-together. Before you go for the cheapest options, there are a few things to bear in mind:

• THE FOOD: To cater or not to cater, that should be your question. If you can't decide, here is a biased chart to help you decide. If you decide to cook- you're on your own, sorry! We're only partially kidding. Be sure you try out recipes before cooking them for a group, and make more than enough to go around. You may have leftovers, but it is better than running out of a favorite dish. For large parties, consider asking for help or turning it into a potluck!

If you make the right choice and get it catered, our number one tip is to DO YOUR RESEARCH. Decide the style of catering you'd like (food truck, buffet style, etc) and the kind of food you'd like. We have a couple articles to aid in this (see Food Truck Catering vs Drop Off Catering & How to Choose a Food Truck Caterer). Essentially, you want to look for a caterer with a good reputation, who is clear about what they offer, and who has the best menu that fits your budget.

Whether you cook or get it catered, there are some important things to keep in mind about the menu. Think about your guests and their dietary needs. Will there be a need for vegetarian/vegan, gluten-free, or nut-free meals? Along with this, recognize that everyone has different tastes. That's why offering the most variety possible should be something to focus on. Also, the weather will play a role in what you should offer. Holiday parties in October, November, and December usually call for heartier meals (like pasta), whereas summer events may have you look toward lighter food options. 

• THE DRINK: Too many hosts let the drink station fall short, but it plays as big of a role as the food. The drink station is a great opportunity to get creative while adding another themed element! Choose a seasonal favorite (like Cider for Halloween) and find another festive drink recipe that can be made both alcoholic and non-alcoholic (like Recipe Diaries' Witches Brew). Decide in advance whether alcohol will be provided and make it clear on the invites if it is not allowed or if they will need to BYOB. If you provide drinks, keep things simple with beer and wine, or get it catered. For the soft drinks, get a variety of cool flavors, and don't forget to have plenty of water. 

If providing your own drinks, arrange how you will keep them cold (or hot) in advance and have plenty of ice!

Figure out your budget

Just about everything comes down to the budget. This is why determining how much you can spend on what will be your first step in the planning process. The budget is easy to find for company, group, or organization functions- just ask what it is! Then, figure out your approximate headcount and begin pricing things out. Find out how much food and beverages would be from different vendors, and look into the price of activities, supplies, décor, and the venue (if celebrating off-site). After comparing, prioritize the most important things and create reasonable budgets for each category. After this, stick with it. Sure, fire twirlers would be cool, but how much will that take away from other things like your food truck and decorations?

For those with personal parties, budgeting can be tricky. Still, determining your budget ahead of time is imperative. Not only will it save you time and stress, but budgeting ensures you will get the best possible options for your party! After deciding on the headcount, put together a 'rough' idea of the budget (this is the amount you want to spend). Then, it is wise to start looking into the prices of everything you'll need- food, drinks, décor, entertainment, venue, etc. Now, look back at that original number. Does it seem high, too low, or just right? If that budget is too low, ask yourself what you are willing to and can reasonably spend on this event. If the amount has changed, carefully review the factors again to determine what is necessary and how much to allot for what.

Also, no matter if this is a corporate, group, or private event, prioritize your party's elements. Ranking categories by priority guarantees you spend more time and money on the more vital aspects rather than blowing it on things your guests will care less about. See more helpful budgeting tidbits here!

Remember the music

Often overlooked, music will bring an otherwise dull event to life! No, most gatherings do not need a full-fledged DJ and dancefloor, but find a speaker and play something. Better yet, if you want to avoid being in charge of the tunes, give the task to someone else- somebody will gladly take on the challenge. If this will be in honor of someone else- like a retirement or birthday, have them put together the list. Just be sure they know to keep the music safe by playing songs most people can enjoy while keeping it clean- especially for company celebrations. Nothing vulgar or weird should be played unless you know your group enjoys a certain song/style of music.

For holiday events, the playlist is considerably easier to put together- simply play tunes that fit the theme!

Stick to a theme for décor

After your budget is set, you can get into the fun parts of party planning. Choosing a theme, looking at decorations, and gathering supplies can be extremely delightful, but many find it stressful. Keep things easy for yourself by choosing a specific theme to go off of. This can be a quick task for holiday parties, as your theme should accompany that occasion. Before purchasing anything, shop around to find décor and supplies at places like Walmart, Target, Amazon, and Dollar Tree. Compare prices and decide what you'd like to splurge on (like a centerpiece) and what you can be stingy on (like napkins). If you have a very small budget, you'll likely realize the budget for the decorations will be the first to get cut. No worries if this is the case. With a little time and creativity, you can replicate some of the most darling items with a few things from the dollar store (hoard up on popsicle sticks and glitter). Another idea is to find decor you already have and bring it back to life. And ask around; chances are someone has a turkey basket they can bring!

Sticking with the holiday's theme helps with your event's whole aesthetic and atmosphere, which will ultimately help people recollect your party fondly. So, put out all the snowmen you can for your annual winter wonderland celebration and give your guests something to remember!  

Looking for decoration ideas that won't break the bank? Check out these easy DIY holiday decoration ideas!

Plan some activities

Last but certainly not least, keep your guests entertained. No matter the age group(s) present, everyone likes activities. The best types to have out are non-regimented games, where everyone can play as they'd like. If outside, keep a football or some lawn games out. If inside, find or make some fun tabletop games to put up. Bonus for holiday-themed games, like reindeer ring toss!

If there will be kids present, find a couple of easy crafts for them to do, which will double as a souvenir! Also, things like raffles and gift bags never go out of style and will keep your guests hanging around a little longer. When in doubt, ask your invitees what they would like and figure out what you can feasibly do!

If you check off these five elements, you should have a great party! To recap, start by figuring out the budget. Then, the most important things to assemble are the food, drinks, and music ideas. The décor and activities come third but are still critical ingredients to an excellent party, so don't overlook them. And one last 'bonus tip': remember, this is a celebration, so have fun throughout the entire process, and your guests will, too!  

We hope everyone has a fabulous holiday season and that these tips ease your planning journey!

Looking for more inspiration?

• Food Truck Catering vs Drop-Off Catering: A Comparison
• How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Food Truck?
• 7 Helpful Office Catering Tips