How to Save Money on Graduation Expenses

Graduation is a huge milestone, but it comes with a cost. From caps and gowns to partying and travel expenses, it can add up. But you can celebrate your accomplishments without spending a fortune with proper planning and wise choices.

But celebrating your successes does not have to cost a fortune. From hunting for graduation outfit discounts to selecting affordable venues and creating DIY decorations, there are many ways to save money on graduation expenses. Being aware of your expenses and seeking affordable alternatives allows you to have the time of your life without financial struggles. 

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In this post, we’re going to share practical ways to cut graduation costs down while still making the day memorable.From a large celebration to a small gathering, these ideas will help you save money and enjoy your big day without worries!

Step 1 – How to Borrow or Rent Your Cap & Gown

Caps and gowns are worn for only a few hours. There’s no point in spending a lot. Many students don’t know about cheaper options. Renting or borrowing is a smart way to save money and still look good. Here’s how you can borrow or rent caps and gowns and cut graduation costs:

• Check with your school for free rentals: Many colleges offer free or low-cost cap and gown rentals. Contact student services to see if your school has a rental program. Some schools even have loaner programs where alumni donate gowns for future graduates, so ask around.
• Visit your campus bookstore: Some college bookstores offer them for rent at a lower price. Make sure you shop early for a better selection according to sizes. If they don’t rent equipment, ask them about student discounts or bundle deals.
• Look for school exchange programs: Certain colleges have gown exchange programs run by students where alumni offer their gowns for new graduates to use. Check with student groups and graduation committees to see if your school offers this.
• Ask your friend to lend: If you know someone who graduated recently, ask if you can borrow their gown. A majority of gowns are for single use and remain in good condition. This option is very convenient, but most people do not consider it.
• Check Facebook Marketplace and eBay: Many graduates sell their caps and gowns at a discount after graduation on various platforms. Check out platforms such as Facebook Marketplace and eBay to get secondhand options at a lower cost. Look for listings from students at your school to ensure the right color and style.
• Join student groups and forums: Many universities have groups on Facebook Threads on Reddit in which students let or give away their graduation dress clothes. Make a post on these pages and you might be able to find someone willing to share for little or no money at all.
• Rent from online platforms: Some websites like Rent the Runway or Poshmark sell caps and gowns for rent, offering them at a much lower price than the buying rate. Scout for the best deals, look at the reviews, and make sure they fit the dress code of your institution before purchasing.
• Split costs with a friend: If your friend also has ceremonies on separate days, then you can purchase one by splitting the cost. All you need to do is return it in good condition and avoid unnecessary issues.

Read Related Blog: How to Save Money on Dorm Utilities: Cut Costs & Stay Comfortable

Step 2 – Budget-Friendly Graduation Announcements & Invitations

Sharing your success with your friends and family through announcements may be costly, but there is a better alternative. Here’s how you can minimize your costs:

• Free digital invitations: Customizable graduation announcements are available on Evite, Canva, or Punchbowl for free. This eliminates the need to spend time and money, and they are shareable instantly.
• Custom design: With Canva, personalization is easy. Hundreds of free templates are available, and can may add your name, degree, and school colors. You can either print them at home or share them online to avoid incurring extra printing expenses.
• Email or social media: Instead of mailing cards, announcing them through emails or online platforms makes it free, environmentally friendly, and guaranteed that every person who has access to it will see it immediately.
• Print DIY announcements at home: If you want printed cards, design them yourself and use affordable cardstock. This is much cheaper than hiring a professional service.
• Use budget-friendly print services: For professional printing, check Walgreens, Costco, or Staples. They often offer discounts, and their prices are lower than those of custom announcement websites.
• Skip fancy envelopes and extras: While embossed or thick-paper invites look nice, they aren’t necessary. A simple design on regular cardstock looks great without extra costs.
• Print what you need and nothing more: There is no need to feel psychological pressure to print many announcement cards. Send out printed copies to close family and friends, while everyone else receives a soft copy.
• Personally deliver the invitation to locals: For friends and family who live close to your home, you should personally deliver them. It is more thoughtful and helps you save delivery charges.

With these hacks, you can send out beautifully crafted announcements without spending too much. Whether you choose digital options or print your own, these tips will help you celebrate affordably!

Read: Money Management Tips for College Students

Step 3 — Host a Budget-Friendly Graduation Party

A graduation celebration can be done affordably while still being fun. Here are ways to enhance the celebration while keeping costs down:

• Try a potluck: Instead of hiring a caterer, let your guests bring a dish they enjoy. You will save a lot and have more options to choose from.
• Host at home or outdoors: Skip pricey venues by using your backyard, a park, or your living room. Free spaces make for great, stress-free celebrations.
• DIY decorations: Avoid expensive decorations; make your own. You must be creative with dollar store supplies, balloons, and DIY banners. Look on Pinterest for inexpensive décor ideas.
• Skip the DJ: A great playlist is all you need. Create one on Spotify, Apple Music, or YouTube, and play it through a speaker for free fun.
• Make your desserts: Instead of buying an expensive graduation cake, bake cupcakes or a sheet cake at home. Personalize it with school colors and fun decorations.
• Use digital invites: Skip printing and postage altogether by using free digital invitation platforms like Evite or Canva. Also, it saves time and boosts efficiency.
• Keep the guest list small: A smaller party makes it easier to manage costs for food, drinks, and seating. Budgeting for family and friends would help manage costs effectively.

Step 4 – Save on Graduation Photos & Gifts

Graduation is a once-in-a-lifetime moment, and preserving the memories is crucial. You don’t need to spend much. Professional photo packages and pricey gifts can add up quickly. Luckily, affordable alternatives allow you to celebrate in style.

With creativity and smart planning, you’ll have gorgeous photos and thoughtful presents without breaking the bank. Here’s how to save money and make your grad day:

• Have a friend take photos: Instead of hiring a professional photographer, use a friend with a camera. Just make sure that there is natural light in the area you go.
• Use free editing apps: Apps like Snapseed, Lightroom Mobile, and VSCO can make your photos look polished without the cost of editing services.
• Skip expensive frames: Don’t buy costly frames with school logos. Buy an inexpensive one from a craft store, then decorate it with your school colors.
• Request practical gifts: Instead of items you may not use, ask for luggage, professional clothes, kitchen essentials, or subscriptions to aid your post-grad life.
• DIY thank-you cards: Create thank-you cards using Canva or simple cardstock. A handwritten note feels personal and is cheaper than store-bought cards.
• Print your photos: Instead of ordering from photographers, print your pictures at Walgreens, Costco, or an online service for much less.
• Share photos digitally: Rather than printing many pictures, share your best shots on social media or through a digital album to save on costs.

Read: Best 4 Budgeting Apps for Students

Step 5 – Find Affordable Graduation Attire

Finding graduation attire that fits your budget is easy. You don’t always need a new outfit for graduation. Many students prefer a piece they can wear again. With smart choices, you can look great and save money. Here are some tips to save on graduation outfits.

• Repurpose a dress or suit you already have: Before buying new clothes, check your wardrobe to find the dress that fits well. Even classic dresses can be refreshed with new accessories.
• Shop from thrift stores: By shopping from these stores, you will get the clothes at an affordable price. Thrift stores, consignment shops, and second-hand boutiques usually have formal clothes for inexpensive prices. You can find stylish clothes with a bit of digging.
• Check online resale platforms: Websites like Poshmark, Depop, and even Facebook have pages that sell used clothing and grad pieces for excellent prices.
• Opt for neutral and timeless: If you do buy something, go for a simple, classic outfit that would be appropriate for future events such as job interviews or formal gatherings.
• Update an old outfit with accessories: A new pair of shoes, an eye-catching necklace, or a new tie can give an outfit a fresh vibe without requiring a whole new closet full of purchases.
• Look for store sales and student discounts: Many retail stores offer discounts on graduations. Graduation season brings its sales, so if you must buy something new, be on the lookout for homeware “deals” and student discounts before buying anything.
• Rent instead of buying: A few online sites offer rentals of formal clothes, and these services come at a very affordable price. This allows one to maintain a good appearance without paying a super expensive fee.

These tips will help anyone look great on graduation day without breaking the bank. It’s all about smart planning and using available resources to boost confidence while keeping costs down.

Conclusion: Celebrate Without Overspending

Graduation is an exciting time, but that doesn’t mean it has to cost a lot. By making strategic decisions and using affordable alternatives, you can party without breaking the bank. All it takes are a few simple changes, like borrowing a cap and gown, selecting reasonably priced dress wear, and getting creative about photos and gifts, to make a significant impact.

If you’d like more money-saving tips, check out Blitz. Blitz is an app for students that helps them manage their money. Features like instant cash and AI-powered budgeting tools help you avoid extra costs and be financially savvy, even after graduation.

With these money-saving tips, you can enjoy a fun and memorable graduation without breaking the bank. Enjoy this moment, create amazing memories, and turn the page to the next chapter of your journey with certainty!