Whether you’re graduating from college or high school, it’s a big deal! You’ve accomplished so much in four short (?) years, and it’s time to honor that. Forget about tests, books, and the teacher’s dirty looks, because school is over! We’ve got lots of graduation party ideas to help you celebrate this big milestone.
Ace the theme
The theme you choose will set the tone for the whole party, including the party decoration ideas. You can keep it simple and use your school for inspiration, or get personal and pick something you love.
Embrace your school spirit
The easy route is sticking with your school colors when planning your graduation party decor! This idea works especially well if you are active in school clubs, sororities, fraternities, student councils, bands, or other groups.
If you have school spirit but don’t love your school’s colors, tweak them a bit by moving up or down different tints in the same family. This can help blend your personal style with traditional school colors.
Spell it out
Everyone loves a good pun or super cute phrase, and this strategy is an easy way to pick your high school or college graduation party theme. We have a few ideas you could try, but really, the possibilities are endless!
😎 “A Bright Future Ahead” – A summer theme or just bright neon colors.
🎬 “That’s a Wrap” – A movie or Hollywood theme.
🗺️ “Look Out World, Here I Come” – A travel theme with globes, plane ticket invitations, and maps.
📼 “Rad Grad” – A retro 80s theme.
🦪 “The World is Your Oyster” – A nautical, beach, or ocean theme.
Revenge of the nerds
If you don’t have the fondest memories of the last few years, focus on something you do love. Maybe you’re a bookworm, a Game of Thrones fan, or can’t get enough of your favorite bakery’s cookies.
Perhaps you’re known for your love of tacos or have always wanted to go to Hawaii. Make it your theme! After all, this party is celebrating your next chapter, and school doesn’t have to be a part of it.
Build the menu
Planning the meal for a big crowd means keeping things super simple. Aim for foods that are easy for guests to grab on their own and can be made in bulk with low effort.
Cooking for a crowd
Turkey and Swiss cheese sliders are a great neutral crowd-pleaser and can be assembled quickly without a lot of effort. They can also be toasted in the oven and kept warm in foil pans until ready to serve. Chicken pesto kabobs are simple to put together and can be cooked in the oven or on the grill. Add a fresh cucumber salad to balance the savory choices!
Time for dessert
Desserts are easy to turn into graduation party fare! Just add little tassels or diplomas to any and everything, and you’re set! Dessert toppers can be found in almost any party supply store to add a little pizzazz to cakes or cupcakes.
👨🍳 Pro tip: If you’d rather let a professional handle the details, there are always caterers or food trucks to the rescue!
Create the decorations
If you have a certain theme in mind, it makes it a little easier to choose decor since you have a way to tie it all together. Doing a quick search on Pinterest for your specific theme can help you generate more graduation party ideas for your decor!
No-fail decor
No matter what your theme is, some pieces of decor work for every graduation party! Pick a couple of colors that go along with your theme and use those for napkins, plates, and tablecloths. Add balloon garlands or arches to the entryway and dessert table to set the tone for fun.
🎓 You might also like: How to Plan a Graduation Party Your Grad Will Never Forget
School picture day
A photo display is a fun way to take a trip down memory lane and remember how far you’ve come. Pictures of the graduate from kindergarten to the cap and gown are sure to make everyone smile.
Be sure to set up a backdrop for all those “formal” grad photos you know you’ll be taking with family and friends. You can even hire a local photographer to capture all the memories from your celebration!
Photo booths are always a popular activity at parties, and this is no exception! One of our favorite graduation party ideas is creating cutouts with “Most Likely To…” phrases. Then let friends and family frame themselves for the photos like a life-sized yearbook!
📸 Pro tip: Book a photo booth to provide props and print photos on the spot for guests to take home!
Gather cards and well wishes
Every grad party needs a card box! All of your friends and family will likely have cards to offer their congrats, so give them a secure place to keep track of them all. You can also create a space for guests to offer words of wisdom as you start a new chapter in your life.
Take the party outside
Since most graduations happen in May or June, why not spend it outside? We have some additional backyard graduation party ideas to help move things outdoors.
🥤 Set up cool refreshments
Offer a premixed drink station for your outdoor grad party guests! Fill up a portable tub with ice and add sodas, bottled water, and premixed mocktails in mason jars. Carafes with tea and lemonade are also great ideas for older guests. Add string lights to the table for a cute touch!
🌭 Fire up the grill
Simplify your grad party menu with grilled items like hamburgers and hot dogs. Set up a toppings station and super easy sides, and let your guests take care of themselves. If the party goes into the evening, don’t be afraid to light the fire pit and break out the s’mores!
🤸 Act like a kid again
Your outdoor graduation party ideas should definitely include yard games! Kan Jam, horseshoes, or a bean bag toss are classic choices that everyone can participate in. If you’re crafty, spray paint a Twister board onto the grass or build a giant game of Jenga.
🎸 Share your playlist
Music plays a huge part in our lives as we grow up, so it deserves a place in your graduation party. Book a DJ to spin nostalgic tunes from the patio or a singing guitarist to lead a singalong of your graduation song! If you and your friends are really feeling festive, a karaoke DJ can set the stage for a night of throwback harmonies. Don’t be surprised if your parents hop in for a round of singing, too!
Remember, your graduation party is all about you and what you have accomplished. Enjoy this moment, because soon, real life kicks in! 🤗
Megan is the Director of Customer Experience at GigSalad and has gained 9+ years of insight on what makes a great event on both sides of the booking process. Her favorite things include books, true crime podcasts, coffee, hiking, puns, and making people laugh.