{"id":17837,"date":"2017-04-22T08:00:09","date_gmt":"2017-04-22T13:00:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gigsalad.com\/blog\/?p=17837"},"modified":"2026-05-07T09:18:26","modified_gmt":"2026-05-07T14:18:26","slug":"graduation-party","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gigsalad.com\/blog\/graduation-party\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Plan a Graduation Party Your Grad Will Never Forget"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"last-updated entry-meta\">Last updated on May 7, 2026<\/p><br>\n<p>As a parent, you got them through the scary first days of kindergarten and the drama-filled weeks in middle school. They&#8217;ve finally made it into that graduation cap and gown, and it&#8217;s time to celebrate! We have some ideas to help you pull off the perfect grad party, plus a printable checklist to keep you on track.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<!--more-->\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Establish the base details <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It&#8217;s important to get the basics down before you get to the fun part of graduation party planning\u2014the theme and the menu! Knowing these details will help you send out the invitations so friends and family have time to plan. Since most graduation ceremonies have a limited number of attendees, this will be a nice way to invite others to join in the celebration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Build the guest list<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Before any party planning can begin, you&#8217;ll need to think about who to invite to the celebration. Make a list of family members and family friends who would enjoy attending the party. Your grad&#8217;s close friends may be at their own events, but be sure to let them have some input on the guest list, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Choose the date, time, and venue<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you have an idea of how many attendees are expected, you can determine the best venue, date, and time. Your backyard may be the perfect place for a barbecue and bonfire, or renting a local space may be a better option for big families and lots of friends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Send invitations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>There&#8217;s something fun about getting mail in our increasingly paperless world! Once your guest list and details are determined, pick the perfect invitation to notify friends and family. Even if you don&#8217;t know your theme yet, you can choose a neutral design to get the word out. Invitations are an excellent place to highlight those lovely senior photos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Create a Facebook event<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Not every family member can attend the party, but a Facebook event can spread the word about your student&#8217;s accomplishment! At the very least, it&#8217;ll notify family members of the big day so they can send a card, gift, or sweet message. Be sure to include all the details from your written invitation, as well as any gift ideas that may be helpful to family and friends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gigsalad.com\/quick-quote\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.gigsalad.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Book-something-awesome-Book-CTA-graduation-party-mobile.png\" media=\"(max-width: 600px)\"\/><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1170\" height=\"683\" data-attachment-id=\"45868\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.gigsalad.com\/blog\/graduation-party-games\/book-something-awesome-book-cta-graduation-party\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.gigsalad.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Book-something-awesome-Book-CTA-graduation-party-.png?fit=1200%2C700&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"1200,700\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Book something awesome &amp;#8211; Book CTA (graduation party)\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.gigsalad.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Book-something-awesome-Book-CTA-graduation-party-.png?fit=1200%2C700&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.gigsalad.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Book-something-awesome-Book-CTA-graduation-party-.png?resize=1170%2C683&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Get quick quotes and book something awesome on GigSalad!\" class=\"wp-image-45868\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.gigsalad.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Book-something-awesome-Book-CTA-graduation-party-.png?w=1200&amp;ssl=1 1200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.gigsalad.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Book-something-awesome-Book-CTA-graduation-party-.png?resize=768%2C448&amp;ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1170px) 100vw, 1170px\" \/><\/picture><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:60px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Plan around your party theme<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Now comes the fun part! Choosing a party theme should be all about your grad. Whether it&#8217;s a favorite color, a memorable talent, a school club, or simply something they love, try to center your theme on it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Decide on decorations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When planning your graduation party decorations, you can keep things pretty simple and still stay on theme. Hit your local party supply store for items like banner flags, pom-poms, balloons, tablecloths, and more. You can probably find some grad party favors to pass out to guests, too! <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Prepare the menu<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>One thing we know about teenagers \u2014 they&#8217;re always hungry! This will likely apply to the rest of your guests as well. Think about easy-to-serve food and drinks for your grad party. A local <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gigsalad.com\/Event-Services\/Caterer\">caterer<\/a> can help you plan the menu and take this party chore off your plate!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&#8217;d rather handle it yourself, simple offerings like finger sandwiches, tacos, kebabs, or even hot dogs and hamburgers are crowd pleasers. Iced tea, lemonade, or coolers of canned seltzers and soda make it easy for guests to grab refreshments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gigsalad.com\/blog\/graduation-party-games\/\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"950\" data-attachment-id=\"45915\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.gigsalad.com\/blog\/graduation-party\/graduation-party-games-gallery\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.gigsalad.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/Graduation-Party-Games-gallery.png?fit=800%2C950&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"800,950\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Graduation Party Games (gallery)\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.gigsalad.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/Graduation-Party-Games-gallery.png?fit=800%2C950&amp;ssl=1\" data-id=\"45915\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.gigsalad.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/Graduation-Party-Games-gallery.png?resize=800%2C950&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"GigSalad blog post: Graduation Party Games\" class=\"wp-image-45915\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.gigsalad.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/Graduation-Party-Games-gallery.png?w=800&amp;ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.gigsalad.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/Graduation-Party-Games-gallery.png?resize=768%2C912&amp;ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gigsalad.com\/blog\/graduation-party-entertainment-ideas\/\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"950\" data-attachment-id=\"45916\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.gigsalad.com\/blog\/graduation-party\/grad-party-entertainment-ideas-gallery\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.gigsalad.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/Grad-Party-Entertainment-Ideas-gallery.png?fit=800%2C950&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"800,950\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Grad Party Entertainment Ideas (gallery)\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.gigsalad.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/Grad-Party-Entertainment-Ideas-gallery.png?fit=800%2C950&amp;ssl=1\" data-id=\"45916\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.gigsalad.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/Grad-Party-Entertainment-Ideas-gallery.png?resize=800%2C950&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"GigSalad blog post: Grad Party Entertainment Ideas\" class=\"wp-image-45916\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.gigsalad.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/Grad-Party-Entertainment-Ideas-gallery.png?w=800&amp;ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.gigsalad.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/Grad-Party-Entertainment-Ideas-gallery.png?resize=768%2C912&amp;ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:70px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Make it memorable<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This milestone in your student&#8217;s life is a big one, so the party should be unforgettable! Booking live entertainment can really make it special for everyone involved. There are options for any budget and personality type, so don&#8217;t be afraid to explore the possibilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pick the perfect performer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Hire a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gigsalad.com\/Solo-Musicians\/Singing-Guitarist\">singing guitarist<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gigsalad.com\/Solo-Musicians\/Singing-Pianist\">pianist<\/a> to play your grad&#8217;s favorite songs. Or, take it up a notch with something more dynamic, like a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gigsalad.com\/Dance\/Fire-Dancer\">fire dancer<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gigsalad.com\/Dance\/Belly-Dancer\">belly dancer<\/a>, who can perform something simple and breathtaking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you prefer ambient entertainment, book an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gigsalad.com\/Circus-Entertainment\/aerialist-aerial-acrobat\">aerialist<\/a> to perform in a stationary hoop or a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gigsalad.com\/Circus-Entertainment\/Stilt-Walker\">stilt walker<\/a> to greet everyone at the entrance. A <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gigsalad.com\/Magic\/Strolling-Close-Up-Magician\">strolling magician<\/a> can engage with guests at tables rather than putting on a big stage show.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After the grandparents head home, your party may pick up a bit! Book a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gigsalad.com\/Disc-Jockeys-DJs\/Event-DJ\">local DJ<\/a> to play all the memorable hits from the year so your student can have one last &#8220;high school&#8221; dance with all their friends. For the class clown, try hiring a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gigsalad.com\/Comedians-Emcees\/Comedian\">comedian<\/a> for a light-hearted roast of the new grad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Capture the big moments<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You can&#8217;t have an Insta-worthy party if you don&#8217;t take a few amazing photos! Your iPhone is good for some simple snaps, but hiring a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gigsalad.com\/Event-Services\/Event-Photographer\">photographer<\/a> ensures you&#8217;ll have some beautiful pictures for years to come. For the selfie-obsessed students in attendance, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gigsalad.com\/Event-Services\/video-photo-booths\">book a photo booth<\/a> complete with silly props and let guests leave with an adorable party favor! <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>\ud83c\udf89 <strong>You might also like: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gigsalad.com\/blog\/graduation-party-entertainment-ideas\/\">Graduation Party Ideas for Every Grad<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Graduation party planning checklist<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>We&#8217;ve made things easy for you with this handy checklist! Print it and put it on the fridge to stay on track with your grad party planning. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gigsalad.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/Graduation-Party-Checklist-8.5-\u00d7-11-in-1.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.gigsalad.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/Graduation-party-planning-checklist-mobile-1.png\" media=\"(max-width: 600px)\"\/><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1170\" height=\"1514\" data-attachment-id=\"45928\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.gigsalad.com\/blog\/?attachment_id=45928\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.gigsalad.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/Graduation-Party-Checklist-8.5-%C3%97-11-in.png?fit=1545%2C1999&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"1545,1999\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Graduation Party Checklist (8.5 \u00d7 11 in)\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.gigsalad.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/Graduation-Party-Checklist-8.5-%C3%97-11-in.png?fit=1545%2C1999&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.gigsalad.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/Graduation-Party-Checklist-8.5-%C3%97-11-in.png?resize=1170%2C1514&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Graduation party checklist\" class=\"wp-image-45928\" style=\"width:773px;height:1000px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.gigsalad.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/Graduation-Party-Checklist-8.5-%C3%97-11-in.png?w=1545&amp;ssl=1 1545w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.gigsalad.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/Graduation-Party-Checklist-8.5-%C3%97-11-in.png?resize=768%2C994&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.gigsalad.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/Graduation-Party-Checklist-8.5-%C3%97-11-in.png?resize=1187%2C1536&amp;ssl=1 1187w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1170px) 100vw, 1170px\" \/><\/picture><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gigsalad.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/Graduation-Party-Checklist-8.5-\u00d7-11-in-1.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Click here<\/a> for this free printable graduation party checklist!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:60px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Celebrating with your graduate should be a memory that you&#8217;ll both always cherish! And a grad party is the perfect kick-off to the next chapter in life. Be proud of the wonderful person you&#8217;ve raised and send them off in style! \ud83e\uddd1\u200d\ud83c\udf93<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-left\" id=\"h-book-something-unforgettable-for-your-graduation-party-find-the-best-entertainment-and-services-on-gigsalad\">Book something unforgettable for your graduation party! Find the best entertainment and services on GigSalad.<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-16018d1d wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-white-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gigsalad.com\/quick-quote\" style=\"border-top-left-radius:100px;border-top-right-radius:100px;border-bottom-left-radius:100px;border-bottom-right-radius:100px;background-color:#4e027c;font-size:16px\"><strong>Get free quotes<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Last updated on May 7, 2026 As a parent, you got them through the scary first days of kindergarten and the drama-filled weeks in middle school. They&#8217;ve finally made it into that graduation cap and gown, and it&#8217;s time to celebrate! We have some ideas to help you pull off the perfect grad party, plus [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":48,"featured_media":17896,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[1447],"tags":[660,284,659],"class_list":["post-17837","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-party-ideas","tag-graduation-party","tag-party-planning","tag-school-events"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.3 (Yoast SEO v27.5) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How to Plan a Graduation Party Your Grad Will Never Forget<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Your student made it through and it&#039;s time to celebrate! 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