Graduation Party Catering in Seattle

Seattle's Top Choice for Graduation Party Catering

Graduation is one of the milestones worth doing right, and at Arista Catering, we make sure the food is the last thing you have to worry about. Whether you’re celebrating a high school or college graduation, our team brings the same award-winning food and full-service experience to your party that has made us the Seattle Times’ Best Caterer in the PNW three years running. From backyard open houses to venue events, we handle the setup, service, and cleanup so you can be present for the celebration. With flavorful meal packages spanning a variety of different styles, there’s something for every grad and every crowd.

How Our Graduation Catering Process Works

Planning any graduation catering in Seattle means navigating one of the busiest event weekends of the year. Local high schools, the University of Washington, Seattle University, and Seattle Colleges all hold ceremonies within the same two-week window in June. That means caterers, venues, and rentals book up fast. We recommend reaching out far in advance to lock in your date and preferred menu.

Once you’re booked, our event planning team works with you to finalize everything and map out the unique setup for your space. On the day of your party, our staff arrives early to set up the buffet, manage food stations throughout the event, and handle the breakdown and cleanup when the event concludes. We use fresh, locally sourced ingredients and prepare everything to be served at its best, so your guests are getting a real meal, not a reheated afterthought.

Contact us today, and let our team help you build a menu and service plan that aligns with your vision. You can also browse our menu to explore everything we offer.

Graduation Party Catering Packages

20 person minimum order for all of these packages.

Taco Bar Graduation

Arista Street Tacos

Select two:

Carne Asada
Al Pastor Pork
Chorizo
Carnitas

Served With:

Street Flour Tortillas
Street Corn Tortillas
Mexican Rice
Black Beans w/ Melted Cheese
Chopped Cilantro
Sliced Cucumbers
Sliced Radishes
Limes
Spicy Salsa Roja
Mild Salsa Verde
Tortilla Chips

Add-on:

Guacamole
Churros

Arista Classic Taco Bar

Served with:

Taco Seasoned Ground Beef
Mild Red Chile Shredded Chicken
Vegan Jackfruit Taco ‘Meat”
Black Beans w/ Melted Cheese
Mexican Rice
Mexican Caesar Salad
Corn Tortillas
Flour Tortillas
Tortilla Chips

Sides:

Pico de Gallo
Fresh Salsa Roja
Fresh Salsa Verde
Shredded Lettuce
Shredded Cheddar

Add-on:

Guacamole
Churros

American Classics BBQ

Select Two:

Southern Fried Chicken
BBQ Chicken Leg Quarters
Grilled Bratwurst w/ Sauerkraut & Grilled Onions
Grilled Kielbasa Polish Sausage
1/4 Lb. All Beef Cheeseburgers
Barbecued Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Grilled All Beef Hot Dogs

Select Four:

Baked Beans
Caesar Salad
Cole Slaw
Corn on the Cob
Fresh Fruit Salad
Garden Tossed Salad
German-Style Potato Salad
Country-Style Potato Salad
Gouda Mac & Cheese w/ Bacon
Greek Pasta Salad w/ Feta
Potato Chips
Watermelon Slices
Grilled Pineapple Slices
Veggie Burgers
Spring Orzo Salad
Roasted Fingerling Potatoes

Italian Graduation

All of the Following Included:

Chicken Parmesan – Bread chicken cutlets with marinara, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses.

Pasta Bar Choice of Two:

Fettuccini
Bowtie
Penne
Spaghetti
Rigatoni
Fusilli

Choice of Two Sauces:

Sundried Tomato Pesto Cream
Bolognese
Classic Marinara
Basil Tomato Cream Sauce
Alfredo w/ Garlic

Choice of Two Salads:

Chilled Mediterranean Roasted Vegetable Platter
Classic Caesar Salad
Caprese Salad
Antipasto Salad

Also Includes:

Garlic Bread

Dessert:

Brownies or Chocolate Chip Cookies

Luau Graduation

Select Two:

Kalua Pork
Huli Huli BBQ Chicken
Shoyu Chicken
Lomi Lomi Salmon

Served With:

Hawaiian Rice
Tangy Coleslaw Salad
Hawaiian Mac Salad
Hawaiian Rolls

Dessert Choice of:

Ambrosia Salad
Grilled Pineapple Slices
Haupia

Vegan Graduation

Choose Three Appetizers

Aloo Tikki – potatoes, onions, and various curry spices
Onion Pakoras w/ Avocado Dipping Sauce
Sesame Ginger Tofu Skewers w/ Peanut Dipping Sauce

All of the following are included:

Black Bean and Corn Salsa
Pad Thai Salad w/ Peanuts
Avocado, Mango, and Jicama Salad w/ Cuervo Orange Vinaigrette

Served Hot Choose Two:

Vegan Pesto Penne
Baked Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers w/ Chipotle Pineapple Sauce
Beet Sliders
Vegan Cheesesteak Sliders
Mac ‘n Cheeseless Baked Pasta

Seattle Graduation Party Catering FAQs

How far in advance should I book graduation party catering in Seattle?

At least 6 to 8 weeks before your event, and earlier if your party falls in June. The graduation season is compressed in Seattle, with most ceremonies landing in the same two-week window, so catering availability fills up quickly. If your event is coming up sooner, it’s still worth reaching out—our team can often find ways to accommodate shorter timelines depending on availability.

How much food should I order for a graduation open house?

Open-house parties aren’t like sit-down dinners. Guests arrive in waves; many have visited other parties that day, and the event spans several hours. Plan for roughly 30-50% less food per person than at a traditional dinner, and pad your headcount by 10-15% for walk-ins. Our team will help you dial in the right quantities based on your timing and guest flow.

What's the best catering format for a graduation party?

Buffets and build-your-own stations are the right call for most graduation parties. They work naturally with the open-house flow, accommodate guests arriving at different times, and handle dietary needs without extra effort. Taco bars, BBQ spreads, and pasta stations are crowd favorites because they’re easy to eat while mingling and appeal to guests of all ages.

Should I do drop-off catering or full-service for my graduation party?

Drop-off catering shifts the bulk of the work onto you. Someone still has to manage setup, monitor food, and handle cleanup while trying to enjoy the party. With full-service, our team handles it all so you can spend the day with your graduate instead of running the kitchen. For most families, it’s well worth it.

How do I accommodate guests with different dietary restrictions?

Choose a menu format where guests build their own plates. Many of our options naturally accommodate vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free guests without a separate special meal. Just flag any specific restrictions during the planning process, and we’ll make sure everyone is taken care of.

Can you cater a graduation party at my home or backyard?

Yes, and it’s one of the most popular formats we work with in Seattle. Our team operates without needing access to your kitchen and handles setup and breakdown. If you require tables, chairs, or a tent, we can coordinate rentals through our preferred vendors.

What should I plan for if my party is outdoors in June in Seattle?

Seattle’s June weather is usually mild and pleasant, but rain is always possible. Have a backup plan ready, whether that’s a tent, canopy, or the option to move food stations under cover. We’re experienced with PNW outdoor events and can help you think through setup so food stays safe and guests stay comfortable.

What can I do ahead of time to make my graduation party run smoothly?

Confirm your headcount, even as an estimate, and decide on your party format before finalizing a menu. You should also walk through your space and determine various preparation details, such as where the buffet will go and whether there’s shade or shelter. Then schedule a check-in the week before to nail down RSVPs, dietary needs, arrival times, and who is responsible for what. Getting those details sorted early means you spend the day celebrating, not problem-solving.

What's the minimum order size for graduation party catering?

Our graduation party packages have a minimum of 20 guests. Get in touch, and we’ll help you find the right fit for your headcount and budget.