Whether it’s for high school or college, graduation is one of the biggest milestones you will ever experience. It marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of a very exciting new one. You deserve all the fanfare to celebrate your achievements — especially after the past two years, when most of the world shut down for months at a time and classes and graduations moved online due to the
COVID-19 pandemic. Now most ceremonies are back in-person, and families and friends are able to safely gather together to celebrate life’s big moments. So, what better way to commemorate your success than with an unforgettable graduation party?
Decor is one of the most important details when planning a party, whether it’s setting up cute photo backdrops or filling your house with super festive balloons. Some of these ideas can be a fun and easy DIY projects, while others just require a trip to the grocery store or a scroll through Etsy. To make sure you celebrate in style, here are 35 graduation party ideas that will make your day feel extra special.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
1
Heart Drop Text Book
Instead of a normal guest book, do a heart drop. Have your guests sign little wooden hearts and drop them into this frame. You'll be able to hang up the frame and remember everyone who celebrated your graduation with you.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
2
Trophy Wall
Having a grad party is all about celebrating your accomplishments. Bask in your greatness with a trophy wall right in your living room or backyard.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
3
Hang Up Your Accomplishment
Let your whole neighborhood know that you're moving on up to college with a flag outside your house or a sign on your lawn. You deserve to be recognized for all your hard work.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
5
DIY Backdrop
...Or go for something a little more graphic and make a photo wall out of cute paper plates. It literally doesn't get easier than that.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
6
Photo Highlights
Reminisce on the good old days by decorating your house or backyard with 18 years of photos.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
7
An Adorable Sentimental Box
Let the older and wiser people you love give you some tips on how to face college. They've made it this far, they probably know a thing or two.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
8
Confetti Balloons
Welcoming your guests with ~giant~ balloons is probably the best way to celebrate graduation, don't you think? And you might as well add some confetti in there too because... confetti.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
9
Chalkboard Speech Bubble
This craft turns any celebration into a 'gram-worthy photoshoot. Write "I'm done!" or scrawl your own brilliant phrase for you and your guests to pose with.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
11
Tassel Garland
This colorful tassel garland is surprisingly easy to make and has a big impact on any room or space.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
12
Memory Jar
Have your guests take a trip down memory lane and write down all of the amazing times you've had together. At the end of the night, you can read about the impact that each person who attended had on your high school experience. All you need for this super easy decoration is a clear, labeled jar and colorful card stock!
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
13
The Best Ever Ice Cream Sundae Bar
Because who the heck doesn't like ice cream? And let's be real... you'd so go wild with all these toppings.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
14
Graduation Cap Straw Toppers
Think of straw toppers like a statement accessory for your drink. To make them, cut a square out of construction paper and punch a hole through the center. Then cut a long rectangular strip out of the paper, form it into the shape of a cylinder, and glue it to your first piece to make a hat. Slip a straw through it and top it off with a tassel made out of embroidery string.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
15
Drink Stand
Instead of stashing drinks in a cooler, make a drink stand. Repurpose an old end table and paint it with the colors of your high school's or future college's mascot. Stack water, straws, and mason jars on the shelves.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
16
Keys To Success Board
Add a classy touch to your grad party by letting your guests offer their "keys" to success.
Cut out a large piece of foam core and decorate it with craft paper. Place the foam core into a pretty frame and cover it with push pins. Place keys on a table underneath the frame and attach a piece of string to them. Keep a pile of hole punched notecards next to the keys. As your guests arrive, they can write any advice that they have on the paper, attach it to the key and hang it on the board.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
17
Candy Buffet
Are you a nerd? A book worm? A kool kat? Take your pick with this adorable candy bar set up.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
18
Cocoa Krispies Treat Graduation Caps
Chocolate-lovers need this grad-inspired dessert. And if baking was one of those skills you planned to learn after you graduated, no sweat — the recipe is pretty easy to follow.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
19
Lightbulb Souvenir
Show your guests how important their attendance at your party is by giving them a lightbulb souvenir. You can purchase jars shaped like lightbulbs and unscrew the cap to fill them with yellow-colored candy like gumballs or M&Ms.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
20
Graduation Cap Souvenir
Use gumballs to create graduation cap souvenirs! Cut a cap out of cardstock and fill a plastic tube with the colors of your choice.
