Planning questions · Sample menus · How it works
A graduation celebration may follow a ceremony, take place at home or bring people together over several hours. Include the ceremony timing if it affects when guests will arrive.
For an open-house gathering, describe the expected total attendance and how it may change through the day. For a seated dinner, give the best estimate of places needed. These are different service briefs even when the occasion is the same.
What to include in the inquiry
- Date and ceremony timing if relevant
- Venue or home address
- Expected attendance and arrival pattern
- Seated meal or reception preference
- Dietary needs, beverage plans and budget
The food and service
Choose the service formats you would like to discuss: passed appetizers, plated dinner, buffet or stations. Confirm the final menu, staffing and rental requirements with the team.
Menus to discuss
Sample menus are a starting point. Confirm dishes and availability with the catering team.
Planning the next step
Include your estimated guest count and budget band. The Company field is optional. If the location is still undecided, enter “Not booked yet.” Read how the inquiry works and the common questions.
Start an inquiry for this event
Graduations — planning questions
How should we estimate guests for an open-house graduation party?
Give both the estimated total attendance and the number you expect at the busiest point. Describe the arrival window and the planned end of service so the catering discussion reflects how the party will unfold.
Can catering be planned around the graduation ceremony?
Include the ceremony’s end time, travel time to the venue and any separate arrival plans for guests. Flag which timings are fixed and which are still estimates.
What menu should we start with?
The Jon & Vinny’s sample menu is one option to explore. Share the dishes you like, the age range of guests and whether you want a seated meal, buffet, stations or passed food.