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Graduation is almost here, which means it’s time to start planning the most memorable party with all your friends and family! To make sure you throw a bash that no one will ever forget, we’ve found the best graduation party ideas that will make this incredible occasion an epic time.
Graduation is such a huge accomplishment. You’ve spent hundreds of hours stressing and studying to reach this massive milestone. That’s why it’s seriously time to celebrate in style and really appreciate all your well earned achievements.
FREE GRADUATION PARTY CHECKLIST
To make the planning for your upcoming graduation party a breeze, download the free checklist. It includes:
- Step by step planning instructions
- A guest list organizer
- Tips and tricks for organizing the best party
- Special recipes your guests will love
Whether you’re graduating High school, College or University, this post will provide the best ideas to make sure that all your hard work is showcased. If you’re a parent or graduate, we’re sure you’re going to find some new and fresh ideas, to make your bash one everyone will be talking about.
The best Graduation party ideas for an epic party
1) Instagrammable Light Photo Backdrop
Image and design via @minteventdesign
These light up letters are so much fun, especially if you want a great instragammable backdrop that works during the day and night! You have to have a great place to take photos with family and friends and this type of design is so customizable and memorable.
2) Personalized Graduation Water Bottles
Having water available to your guests is a must during a party, especially if you’re throwing it outside. If you’re going to be providing water bottles, this is a great opportunity to make them on theme!
This design can be customized to whatever color theme you’re party has, along with the year and the graduate’s name! It’s the perfect addition to any grad party you’re throwing to keep your guests happy and hydrated all day long.
3) Tasty Cookie Bar
Cookie bar created by Mint Event Design
Let your guests take cookies to go
Nothings sweeter than a cookie bar! If you want some tasty treats at your party that everyone will love, do cookies! You can have a ton of different kinds available, and your guests can even take some home (see the bags linked above).
If you’re in the Austin, Texas area, check out Mint Event Design for your next party.
4) Create unique Centrepieces
Image and centrepieces via @mikayla_shiann
If you’re going to be serving food at your party, it’s a good idea to have some tables set up. Whether these are seated or high tops, it gives you an amazing opportunity to add some unique and fun decor. Centrepieces can easily be personalized to both your theme and your grad!
5) Photographs throughout the years
Graduation is a time to celebrate how far you or your grad has come. What better way to do that than a photo progression! This is made for high school grads, and shows pictures from kindergarten all the way up to grade 12.
If you want to make this match your decor, it not only comes in black it also comes in rose gold and gold!
6) Special Themed Graduation Cookies
Cookies are a great treat to snack on all afternoon long! There are so many fun sugar cookie designs out there that can match your color theme and be on brand for a graduation. Check out cookie shops near you, or make your own with graduation cookie cutters.
Other Graduation Cookie Designs
7) Display Your Accomplishments
Photo via @jordanmollevents
Graduation is the best time to celebrate all of your many accomplishments! Throughout school, you have likely accumulated some sports achievements, academic wins, and recognition, so it’s important to honour these moments, because they’ve gotten you to where you are today!
A great way to do this is with a display that guests can visit during the party. Take a moment at your bash to look at all your momentous achievements to see how far you’ve come.
If you’re in the Washington area, get Jordan Moll Events for your next party!
8) Stay Hydrated with a Drink Station
Image and grad decor via @jodicarless
Graduation parties typically happen in the heat, therefore its super important to have a drink station! This is also a fun way to ask your grad what they love to sip on best. Whether you decide to serve alcohol or not, having drinks available is so important!
9) Have a cold treat station
Image and events via @minteventdesign
Graduation parties usually happen during June, which can get hot. A sweet way to cool down your guests is with a snow cone station. This is such a fun idea, to make your party really unique. You can also do this with popsicles, cold drinks or ice cream!
We’re loving this design by Carolina via Mint Event Design, if you’re in Austin Texas, hire her for your next Graduation Party!
10) Create an interactive donut wall
Who doesn’t love a good frosted donut! It’s such a fun treat to have especially at a graduation party. Your guests can graze when they’re ready for something sweet.
Fun Idea: If you’re throwing a graduation party in the morning, consider a bagel wall! You can offer your guests an assortment of toppings like cream cheese, smoked salmon, jams etc, so everyone can get some breakfast during the bash.
11) Rustic Custom Graduation Sign
Image and grad party via @jodicarless
A fun way to make your grad party unique is with a grad sign! They are so easy to customize and can be used over and over again. These signs are also great if you want to direct your guests where to go or to highlight some fun things happening at the party.
Pro Tip: To get your sign looking perfect, opt for chalk markers not actual chalk. They’re so much easier to use.
12) Graduation Polaroid Photo Opportunity
Image and design via @onesocialdesign
These polaroid photo opportunity walls are getting so popular! They’re such a fun idea and take a balloon arch up a level. The great part about these designs is that they can be customized any way you want, to fit your theme and color scheme.
13) Hilarious Grad Confetti
This is such a funny element to add to your graduation party. If you want something that will get both the grad and your guests laughing it’s this. These small confetti images can be placed on all your tables so everyone can see the grads face everywhere they turn.
SIMILAR FUNNY PRODUCTS
There are some similar products to face confetti that are funny editions to a graduation party. Including tattoos, large face signs and straws.
14) Graduate Photo Collage
Photography: @abbot | Day of Paper: @urbancoast | Party Planning: @partiesalacarte
A graduate photo collage is a must have at a graduation party! There are so many cherished memories that you’ve made throughout your school years with friends and family and they should be on display for everyone to see.
Pro tip: Get a professional photographer like Photography by Avery to capture your special Graduation party moments. Life goes by fast and it’s nice to have these keepsakes to look back on in the future.
15) Offer Party Favours to your Guests
A fun and cute idea is to give your guests small party favours as a thank you for attending your graduation bash! These don’t have to be expensive and can be something like personalized mints or small candles.
Other Party Favour Ideas
16) Present a unique Graduation Cake Everyone Can Enjoy
Having a graduation cake is the perfect sweet treat to give guests at your party! There’s so many fun designs out there, like this cake by Jenny. Check out bakers in your area, and make sure you put a request in a couple months before the day of your party.
Image and cake via @jennycookies
17) Cute Graduation Cupcake Toppers
How funny are these cupcake toppers! Toppers are great because they can go on any sort of cupcakes, whether you make them or purchase from a local bakery. They make these sweet treats extra special and can be personalized however you like.
MORE OPTIONS
Cupcakes are such a popular sweet treat to have at a graduation party, so we wanted to share more cupcake toppers that might work for your theme.
18) Serve a popcorn Bar
Image and decor via @minteventdesign
This is such a fun idea for extra snacks at your bash! Popcorn is mess free and really easy to snack on, especially if you serve them in bags. This lets guests walk, talk and eat all at the same time!
DIY Your Own Popcorn Bar
19) Friends Graduation Photo Backdrop
Image and graduation decor via @cheyennepohl
This is such a fun backdrop for photos! It’s perfect for all your friends to get some memorable shots before you start on the next chapter. I love this design because you can easily DIY it.
DIY Your Own Friends Graduation
20) Graduation Charcuterie Board Everyone Can Snack On
A charcuterie board is the perfect food choice to have at a grad party. It combines so many different items, from sweet to savoury so everyone can get something that they enjoy.
Pro Tip: If you’re planning on having a lot of guests, consider a charcuterie table that everyone can graze on throughout the day.
Image and charcuterie board via @grazefulwv
21) Graduation Takeaway/Treat Boxes
If you’re serving food, having takeaway boxes is always a good idea. That way you won’t be left with a lot of food and everyone can enjoy the leftovers.
22) Graduation Dessert Board Friends can Graze
Image and charcuterie board via @partypinching
Just like a charcuterie board, a desert board is the perfect sweet treat for any grad party. There’s a lot of themed desserts you can make that will make the grad feel extra special, check out Party Pinching to recreate the ones above.
23) Graduation Banner That Will Wow
Creating a graduation banner with a fun photo opportunity is a great way to capture the day. Whether this is a favourite quote, your graduation year or photo collage, a banner is sure to grab everyones attention at the party.
Image and decor via @camerynwheeeler
Recreate this fun photo back drop!
24) Interactive Transportable Bar
Image and decor via @bubblesandbrewsphilly + @charminggarlands
Treat your guests to a fun and interactive transportable bar. These are great if you’re throwing your graduation party outside and want to take your party up a notch. It’s also a really nice surprise gift for a grad if you’re planning the party for them.
Check out if there’s any bars on wheels in your area. If you’re located in Philly, check out Bubbles and Brews Philly to rent out this cart.
25) Memorable World Globe Guest Book
Image and grad decor via @mysweetsavannah
This is such a unique idea that leaves the grad with a really memorable momento. You can easily DIY this project with black chalk paint, a globe and white chalk markers. Have each guest write best wishes to the grad.
DIY Your Own Guestbook Globe
26) Graduation Party Games Everyone Will Love
Having party games to keep your guests entertained is the perfect way to keep them at the party longer! This works great if you have tables. Offer prizes to the highest scorers.
27) Have a Polaroid Guest Book to Capture Memories
Image and decor via @minteventdesign
Having a guest book at your party is a really nice touch. You can look back at all the nice wishes and photographs after the party is over. An easy way to do this is with a Polaroid camera. Make sure to set this up at the entrance of the party so everyone sees it when walking in!
Set up your own guestbook
28) Have Your Own Red Carpet Entrance
Every grad deserves a red carpet entrance into their graduation party! It’s really easy to DIY and makes the guest of honour feel incredibly special.
29) Share Keys to Success for the Grad
Image and decor idea via @pattybartellstyle
This is one of my favourite ideas for a graduation party. Having all your guests fill out keys to success for the graduate is such a fun and interactive idea that you will cherish for a lifetime.
Pro Tip: Ask each guest to bring their own key, this makes it easier for you to plan and turns this into a more unique gift
Create Your Own Keys to Success
30) Hang a fun and festive graduation wreath
A great way to celebrate your graduation all month long is with a wreath. There’s so many designs out there, including personalized one with the grads name on it.
SHOP OTHER OPTIONS
31) Cute Graduation Napkins Everyone Will Love
You’re going to need napkins at your party, especially if you’re serving food. This is a great opportunity to include some festive decor, especially if they have a witty quote on them.
32) Share a picnic with your closest friends
Image and grad decor via @upcountrycamp
If you and a bunch of your friends are graduating together, this is a fun and intimate way to celebrate. The picnic can be any theme you like and really gives you the chance to spend quality time with those closest to you.
Create your own colorful fiesta
33) Floating Grad Pool Signs
Image and decor via @pinksugarshoppe
If you’re throwing your graduation party by a pool, this is a great opportunity to add in some unique decor! These floating signs can say whatever you want and look amazing from above!
34) Classy Champagne/ Mimosa Wall
Image and decor via @dena_habboush
Having a champagne/mimosa wall, makes the day feel extra special! Mimosa are great because they can be customized with a lot of different juice flavours. They’re refreshing and work perfectly for a morning or early afternoon party.
Make your Own Mimosa Bar!
35) Build your own bouquet bar
Image and decor via @partyhausrentals
Build your own bouquets are becoming really popular. Typically, a florist will come in with a variety of flowers and your guests can make and take home their own bouquet. These have been popping up a ton in my city and are such a nice addition to a party. Research if any florists offer this service in your area.
36) Offer cute paper straws
If you’re serving drinks, this is a great opportunity to add in some extra graduation decor! Get these really cute grad hat straws, everyone will love them.
37) Graduation Balloon Box
38) Impress Your Guests With Floral Ice Cubes
Image and ice cubes via @perfectlytimedevents
Floral ice cubes are such a stunning decor detail to add to your graduation party. They can be done in so many different colors (pink is my personal favourite) and can be made ahead of time. Check out this recipe for the best floral cubes!
39) Decorate with clear light up LED balloons
40) Decorate Your Front Porch to Welcome Guests
Image and balloons via @balloonsbyisabella
Don’t forget to add some fun decor to your front porch to celebrate your grad! This is a spot a lot of people forget about, but its usually the first area your guests see. You can match the balloons to your theme, or to your school colors.
Get this Decor
41) Say Aloha to School with Tropical Themed Decorations
Image and decor via @poppinpartiesarizona
What’s better than a tropical theme for your graduation. There’s so many decorations you could add to this party to make it extra special. You can even get your guests to dress up in tropical prints.
DIY this Tropical Theme
41) Color Themed Dessert Table
Image and decor via @elegantballoons
Show your school pride with a color themed dessert bar! Everyone loves to snack on something sweet at a party and getting color themed candy looks amazing!
42) DIY GRAD Balloon Letters
Image and decor via @thetrendygal_
How fun are these balloon letters! You can do them in the grads name, a fun slogan, or the graduation year! They’re incredible easy to do at home with cardboard letter outlines, mini balloons and a balloon pump.
Make Your Own
43) Western Themed Graduation Party
Image and decor via @unique_eventsbyem
Choose a unique theme for your party, like this western grad! With a distinct theme, you’ll find party planning is a lot easier. Make it one of the first things you decide on so the rest of the planning runs smoothly.
Recreate this western theme
44) Adorable Balloon Bouquet Decorations
Image and balloon bouqet via @balloonstudioedm
A balloon bouquet is such a statement piece for your graduation party! To make these you’ll need helium filled balloons, therefore I recommend checking out ballon shops in your area to see if they can make you a one of a kind bouquet.
45) Use a wooden backdrop for photos
Image and decor via @kl.events_
A wooden backdrop is perfect for your graduation photos. It looks so classy and clean and can be decorated any way you want.
Check out this related decor
RELATED: Download the FREE Graduation Party Checklist here
46) Wear a Graduate Sash
47) Serve Graduation Charcuterie Cups
Image and charcuterie cups via @carvingandcraving
Make Your Own
48) Have a fun dessert cart
Image and image via @partyhausrentals
Get the decor here
49) Share your favourite graduation quote
Image and decor via @minteventdesign
Once you graduate, you’re starting on a new chapter. Share a quote that you connect with at your graduation party that represents either how far you’ve come or what lies ahead.
Recreate this at your party
50) Make a DIY Streamer backdrop
Image and decor via @minteventdesign
These streamer backdrops are so popular right now. They can be made with so many different color streamers, or if you’re looking for a more heavy duty design, rip table clothes into strips and hang them along a rope.
Create your own backdrop
51) Have a drink station with home made punch
Image and decor via @minteventdesign
DIY Your Own Drink Station
52) Have a Fancy Buffet Setup
Imagea and decor via @minteventdesign
Set up your own buffet
53) Decorate with large white tassel balloons
54) Serve themed pretzel sticks
Image and pretzel sticks via @_sugar_fiend_
55) Wear a special Grad Headband
56) Decorate with rose gold decor
Additional Rose Gold Decor Options
57) Provide adorable goodie bags
Image and decor via @partyparadise.lb
Make your own takeaway bags
58) Serve fun graduation cake pops
Image and cakepopsicles via @samadi.sweets
59) Take photos with some greenery
Image and decor via @mklrworld
Create your own Backdrop
60) Have a designated spot for cards
Image and decor via @minteventdesign
Check out some card boxes
61) Capture memories with a fun Photo Booth
Image and design via @laughinggoatdesign
62) Custom Painted Photo Backdrop
Image and backdrop via @fresh_prints_of_belaire
63) Have a Rad Grad Theme with Retro Decor
Image and decor via @oritentaltrading
Create your own RAD GRAD decor
64) Graduation front yard signs
To finish off all of these amazing graduation party ideas, we wanted to share front yard signs. Get everyone in the neighbourhood congratulating you on your graduation with these. They come in a wide range of colors so you can match your school.
We hope you loved all of fun these graduation party ideas! There are so many ways you can make your graduation party unique.
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