Planning a Graduation Party in Vandergrift?

Graduation season is a time of celebration, milestones, and gathering with friends and family. Whether you’re hosting a backyard party or booking a pavilion in Vandergrift, planning ahead can make the difference between a chaotic day and a smooth, memorable event.

At Tommy’s Catering, we’ve served hundreds of graduation celebrations across western Pennsylvania. In this post, we’ll walk through some of the most important steps to planning your next graduation party — with tips from the catering side that can help you avoid last-minute surprises.

graduation party breaded chicken, burgers, and hotdogs

Why Early Planning Matters Each year, we see the same pattern: venues and caterers get booked fast. Graduation weekends in May and June are especially competitive, and families that reach out in March or April may already find limited availability.

To make your planning easier, we recommend booking your caterer at least 60–90 days in advance. This ensures you get your preferred menu, date, and service style.

Choosing the Right Menu Graduation parties are typically casual, flexible, and guest-driven. Buffet-style setups are ideal for groups with mixed age ranges and open-house formats. Some popular menu options we’ve seen at recent events include:

• Pulled pork or chicken sliders

• Mac and cheese

• Fresh or Frozen Hamburgers with Kaiser Rolls

• Grilled Sausage - Hot and Sweet

• Hotdogs

  
  

We also help you accommodate dietary needs with gluten-free, vegetarian, or allergen-aware sides.

Drop-Off vs. Full Service Many of our clients opt for drop-off catering — we deliver your hot food, set up the buffet, and return later for pickup. This option works well for smaller gatherings or venues where staffing isn't necessary. For larger or more formal events, our full-service team handles everything from setup to cleanup so you can focus on celebrating.

Our Graduation Day Services Include:

• Hot food delivered in chafing setups

• Beverage stations with cups, ice, and drink tubs

• Disposable plateware and utensils

• Drop Off - Setup - Pickup

• Optional grill-on-site services for open-air events

  
  

Let’s Celebrate Together We believe graduation should be stress-free and full of great food. For any graduation party in Vandergrift. Whether you’re expecting 25 guests or 125, our catering services are built around your needs, your schedule, and your event space.

To get started, visit our website or contact us directly. Let’s make this graduation unforgettable — for all the right reasons.