When a loved one completes a portion of their education—whether it’s high school, college, or even medical school—it’s a moment worth celebrating. Planning catering for a graduation party should be as stress-free as possible, allowing you to focus on the joy and colossal achievement of the occasion.
Goode Co. Catering & Events specializes in creating memorable experiences. Our various Tex-Mex catering and barbeque options will undoubtedly add a festive and flavorful touch to your event.
So what are you waiting for? Let’s help you create a deliciously festive event your guests and, most importantly, your graduates will rave about. Read on to get started.
1. Get a Head Count
Our first graduation party planning tip is determining the number of guests attending, just like when planning a wedding. Start by creating a detailed guest list that includes the graduate’s immediate family, friends, and potential plus ones. An accurate headcount will help you and your chosen caterer estimate the food and beverages needed to ensure the party runs smoothly.
2. Set a Date
Whether graduation is weeks or months away, planning well in advance is the key to organizing an enjoyable event.
Begin by confirming the graduation date, then select a date for the celebration that works for the graduate, their friends, and their loved ones.
3. Locate a Venue
When choosing a venue for a graduation party, consider the graduate. If they want a large backyard party and you have the space, host it at home. You might require rentals like tables, chairs, and photo booths, but the space is easy to maneuver because it’s your backyard.
But if the graduate envisions a large Houston party that requires a separate venue, it’s crucial to research and book the space well in advance. Whether you search online or ask friends, identifying the most popular venues in Houston for hosting parties is a great starting point.
We recommend reserving a venue at least six months in advance, though the lead time you need will vary depending on your location and time of year. Additionally, if you know of other families who recently hosted a graduation party, ask them who they’d recommend for catering services in Houston and other trusted vendors to help make your event a resounding success.
4. Choose Your Catering Option
Once you’ve set your date and have some venues in mind, consider whether on-site or off-site catering is best for your event. Then, start looking for a Houston catering service with experience hosting graduation parties.
While you could prepare the food yourself, hiring a caterer is wiser if you’re inviting a large group and want to enjoy the festivities stress-free. Without catering services, you will be responsible for every aspect of food, beverage, bar, and service throughout the party.
You don’t want to miss a minute when an occasion is as vital as a life achievement like graduation. For instance, if your graduate has requested a Texas backyard BBQ, Goode Co. Catering & Events offers a full-service catering menu. This food service will alleviate the stress of food preparation so you can focus on celebrating with your guests.
5. Select the Menu
Graduation party food planning doesn’t have to be complicated. However, it is essential to consider your guests’ tastes and any specific dietary needs. Choose a Houston area caterer specializing in the food the graduate has requested.
For example, if your graduate has asked for an authentic Texas backyard BBQ and you’ve hired a caterer specializing in sushi, this may pose a problem. Instead, choose a Houston area caterer such as Goode Co. Catering & Events, renowned for their mesquite-smoked meats and Texas BBQ expertise.
If some of your guests have indicated they’re vegetarian, our live-action guacamole made-to-order station will ensure they have a delicious and inclusive dining experience. It’s essential to choose a caterer who offers a variety of dishes to meet your guests’ needs.
Additionally, consider the time of day and if your party has a theme. If you’re hosting a graduation brunch instead of a dinner, consider serving lighter foods, such as a la carte breakfast tacos, which we offer as part of our catering delivery menu at Goode Co. Catering & Events. Thoughtful menu planning ensures a memorable dining experience for everyone at your celebration.
6. Consider Additional Catering Services
While the food is undoubtedly the main focus of a graduation party, other catering services can enhance the event. If this is a college graduation or the guest of honor is over the legal drinking age, consider hiring a bartender to serve drinks. At Goode Co. Catering & Events, our Yonderlust, an Airstream trailer converted into a bar, can serve customizable bar packages.
Or consider having an extensive dessert bar that serves pecan pie, chocolate cream pie, chocolate chip cookies, pralines, and tres leches, all of which we serve at Goode Co. Catering and Events.
For a truly unforgettable party, you may opt for one of the trendiest catering ideas for 2025: immersive catering. At Goode Co. Catering & Events, we specialize in creating unique experiences with live cooking and action stations, where the menu and food preparation become an interactive part of the celebration. It’s a fun and engaging way to elevate your event.
Remember The Graduate
Your graduate’s big day is a monumental milestone worth celebrating in style. From mesquite-smoked BBQ to customizable Tex-Mex menus and unique immersive catering experiences, Goode Co. Catering and Events can provide everything you need to make your son or daughter’s party a stress-free success. Our attention to detail, full-service, and catering delivery options will serve crowd-pleasing dishes that ensure a memorable event for you, your guests, and, most importantly, your graduate.
With graduation season around the corner, contact Goode Co. Catering & Events to handle all your graduation party planning, from the menu to the bar service.