You Need These Delicious Graduation Party Food Ideas

Planning the food for a party can be, without a doubt, one of the most stressful elements. At a graduation party, in particular, you have many guests coming and going for a long period of time, which means that you are most likely going to need food that lasts all day! We are going to help ease some of those worries and make your job of planning the menu easier.  Start out by considering some of the most frequently asked questions. Then, check out our lists for ideas that include buffets, barbecues, and everything in between!

Grad Grub Planning: What to Consider When Choosing Graduation Party Foods

Before solidifying a menu for your graduate’s big party you are going to want to consider some of these frequently asked questions.  The answers will get you headed in the right direction to choose food that all your guests will enjoy!

What is the Theme of the Graduation Party?

If your graduation party has a theme, that is often the best place to start when choosing the food.  Many themes can be paired with dishes that will make your event even better and create a cohesive feel for the whole day.  After all, it wouldn’t make sense to serve pasta at a luau party, right?

What Time of Day is Your Graduation Party?

The menu that you choose will largely depend on the time of day that you are hosting your party.  If you are hosting a late morning party, then breakfast makes sense. And, if you are hosting a late afternoon event, appetizers may be more of the way to go!

What is Your Budget?

Food is not the most budget-friendly item on the graduation party list.  Therefore, how much you have to spend determines what type of food you will offer.  If you will spare no expense, go for a big buffet. However, if funds are tight there is nothing wrong with a traditional cake and light refreshments!

How Many Guests Will Be in Attendance?

Throwing a party for 300? If so, a steak dinner might not be your best choice! Before you determine your menu, determine the number of guests that you need to feed.  Doing so will help you budget and choose the perfect options!

Where is Your Venue?

Many venues offer on-site catering, and if they do it may be required of you to use it.  So, before creating a menu or hiring an outside caterer to be sure to see what the policies are for bringing in your own food!

How Do You Want to Serve the Food?

The type of graduation party you are hosting depends on how the food will be served.  If you are hosting an open house event, most likely you will have a buffet.  However, if you are not then a plated dinner option or a passed appetizer might make perfect sense!

Have You Considered Catering?

Making your own food is a big job! So, if the thought of doing so seems overwhelming consider hiring an outside caterer to do the job for you!

Allergies, Vegetarians, and Other Food Considerations?

Always keep everyone in mind when planning your menu! Make sure there are options for common allergies and food preferences such as vegetarians and vegans.

OUR #1 PARTY FOOD TIP!  Don’t be Shy to Accept help! If anyone offers to bring food, DO NOT SAY NO!

Graduation Party Food Ideas

Once you have made all of the above considerations, it’s time to choose your menu! Take a look at these categorized lists of graduation party food ideas to help make your decision easier!

Graduation Party Food Ideas for a Brunch

Breakfast and brunch menu items are a great way to serve a crowd. However, there are so many options to choose from.  Go with the staples of bacon and eggs or venture out and do a build your own waffle bar! Sweet or savory your guests will love it!

Graduation Party Finger Food Ideas

If you are passing the appetizer plates at your party, then there are many different ways your menu can go! Stick with an appetizer theme or give your guests a wide variety! With small plates, everyone can be happy!

Luncheon Style Graduation Party Food Ideas

Hosting a luncheon is a great way to get everyone around a table (or a few).  However, if you are doing so it is important to make sure that you don’t limit your options to only satisfying a few guests.  Be sure to offer enough choices so everyone can have what they want!

Graduation Party Food Ideas for a BBQ

Although a barbecue is very casual, everyone loves it! Choose any or all of the items from this list and your guests will definitely be coming back for more!

Graduation Party Food Ideas for a Taco Bar

Your party doesn’t have to be on a Tuesday to offer tacos! Any day of the week, tacos are a great choice that everyone loves! Not to mention this option is also easy and affordable!

Mains

Toppings

Graduation Party Drink Ideas

If you are going to have food, you have to have beverages! Many guests will expect an alcoholic beverage option. However, be sure to choose the beverage option that is best for you, your graduate, and your budget!

Non-Alcoholic Beverages

Alcohol Beverage Options

JUST REMEMBER! Never serve alcohol to Minors.

Graduation Party Food Ideas for Dessert

Although a cake is the traditional option, any of these dessert items will satisfy the sweet tooths of your guests!

Graduation Candy Buffet Ideas

Candy buffets are colorful, fun and all the rage at any type of party…especially graduations! Choose candy by color theme or choose a variety of your grad’s favorites! Everyone will love being able to build their own candy box to take some for the road!

Easy Snacks to Have on Hand

Some of your guests might not want a big meal, even if you are offering one.  In order to appease everyone, offer a variety of snacks and other finger foods that can easily be grabbed and enjoyed by guests!

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