Last Updated on February 22, 2024 by Jessica Reid
If you’re looking for the best graduation party ideas, then you’ve come to the right post!
I’ve celebrated 3 of my own graduations (high school, college, then law school) as well as attended the virtual graduation party of my cousin’s high school graduation, so I know what goes into planning a really great graduation party!
In this post, I’ll be giving you the best graduation party ideas for three ESSENTIAL parts that make up a great graduation party:
- Decor
- Games
- Food
Let’s jump in!
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you.Read full disclosure here.
The Decor:
1. “Welcome To My Graduation” Party Sign
The first graduation party idea you should consider incorporating into your party is a great graduation welcome sign.
This welcome sign should stand outside your party venue that sends a CLEAR message to your incoming guests that your party is HERE!
If you’re at home and on a tight budget, tying a few balloons to your mailbox is an effective way to do this.
But if you want to take your graduation party to the NEXT LEVEL, then I highly recommend that you place a welcome sign like this out front:
This sign also works perfectly if you’re hosting your party at another venue like a banquet hall.
With this sign, everybody will know that they are walking into the right party – which is very important if it’s away from your house! – and will get them excited for what’s to come.
Read Next: 121+ Beautiful Graduation Cap Ideas To Stand Out At Graduation
2. Balloons
The next graduation party idea that I would add to your space is BALLOONS.
Nothing gives off more party vibes then balloons and its a great way to fill up your party space.
At my last graduation party, I had one big, GIANT graduation party balloon, a few medium-sized balloons, and several regular-sized balloons.Then, I had several more regular-sized balloons scattered in the different parts of my graduation party room, in the graduation party theme colors of my choice.
Just make sure your balloons match the color scheme you’re going for, for your party.
3. Graduation Photobooth
The next best high graduation party idea is having a photo booth!
Not only does this give your friends and family something fun to do, but it’s an excellent way to make your space feel even more like a graduation party.
Your graduation photo booth can be as big or small as you want it to be.
4. Funny Props
Then get some funny props like these ones so you’re friends and family can enjoy the photo booth to the fullest.
Read Next: 121+ Beautiful Graduation Cap Ideas To Stand Out At Graduation
5. Graduation Buffet Food Labels
Graduation-inspired food labels are also another great graduation party idea and a party decor must-have! They add that extra level of flair and organization to your spread, making it super easy for everyone to know what’s on the menu.
You can find this food label and more on Etsy.
6. Graduation Polaroid Banner
The next graduation party idea you should include at your party is a polaroid photo banner of your school photos from Kindergarten to 12th Grade. This idea will transform your graduation party into an unforgettable, and truly unique space!
You can print several copies of this Polaroid graduation photo banner and place them in several spots of your venue to make your graduation party space feel like a party about you.
More importantly, they’ll attract a lot of foot traffic from friends and family who will appreciate seeing how you’ve grown and matured over the years. You can find this banner and others like it on Etsy.
Read Next: 121+ Beautiful Graduation Cap Ideas To Stand Out At Graduation
7. Graduation Tattoos
Okay, so I didn’t even know this was a thing but this has to be the most unique and genius graduation party idea I’ve ever come across!
Tattoos of your (or your graduate’s) face! How cool is this?!?!You can hand them out at the beginning of your party to give your guest something fun to do when they arrive. You can find this tattoo on Etsy as well.
8. Graduation Wishes Cards
Another awesome graduation party idea and activity is graduation wishes cards.Have your friends and family share their best advice and memories with you by filling out this card.
You’ll have it to look back at for years and years to come.
9. Slideshow
Another great graduation party idea is a slideshow of you (or your grad).
While your family and friends are stuffing their faces with delicious food, you can play a slideshow of you during your greatest moments in school as well as some memorable pictures of you and them.
10. “Guess How Many…” Game
The “Guess How Many…” game is a total classic and it’s one that keeps on showing up at every party I attend.And I totally get why haha.
Who wouldn’t want to win 200 peanut M&Ms or 400 yummy skittles??… It is a fun challenging activity that anyone, no matter how big or small your party is. Just choose a candy one that most people enjoy eating so everyone is equally motivated to get it right.
You can pass out these cards to your guests when they arrive to get the game going or at some point during the party.
11. Graduation Party Game Printables
The next best graduation party idea is graduation party games. They are a great way to break the ice and keep the energy high. Plus, they add a fun, interactive element to the celebration, giving everyone a chance to make memories and bond while celebrating your big day!
You can find these games on Etsy.
Graduation Party Ideas: Food
12. A custom graduation cake
A custom graduation-themed cake is the ultimate centerpiece for your party, adding that extra touch of personalization and celebration to your special day. Plus, a cake that’s totally unique to your journey and achievements will make your party much more sentimental and meaningful.
13. Graduation Cupcakes
These graduation cupcakes will be a great hit at your graduation party. Your guests will eagerly want to take pictures with them and eat them.
14. Graduation Cupcake Toppers
If you’d rather serve traditional cupcakes, you can still make it festive by adding these customizable graduation cake toppers on top!
15. Cookie Bar
Cookies are the ultimate vibe for a graduation party because you can customize them with cute grad-themed decorations with all sorts of cool flavors and toppings. They’re perfect for Insta-worthy pics and will satisfy everyone’s cravings in the most delicious way possible!
16. Smart Cookie Bags
You can also send your guests home with your graduation cookies in a “smart cookie” bag as a party favor. You can get these awesome “smart cookie” bags below on Etsy to pack them in.
These bags, which you can find on Etsy, will take your dessert to another level of greatness and your guest will get a huge kick out of them.
17. Taco Cups
Another great graduation party idea is taco cups. They are super convenient to munch on while mingling with your friends. You can build your taco cups to include any topping you want. Plus, who doesn’t love a customizable snack that’s easy to grab and enjoy while celebrating your big day?
18. Graduation Certificate Pretzels
Another awesome graduation party idea is to offer these graduation certificate pretzels made out of white chocolate and pretzels. They are totally DIY-able and be another great hit at your party.
19. Candy Bar Station
If you love candy, another clever graduation party idea is to have a graduation-themed candy bar station. “Class Rings” “Smartie Pants” “Reach for the Stars” and “You Rock” are just some of the candy ideas you could include at your bar.
20. Charcuterie Board
Whether you have a small or large party full of catered food, having a charcuterie board at your graduation party is a great starter for guests just arriving at your party. It will give them something for them to nibble on while they wait for the main course and make an overall good party food option if you have a small food budget.
Additional Graduation Party Food Ideas (Entree)
Need graduation party food ideas too? Here are some excellent food ideas that are great foranycrowd:
- Pasta (macaroni, pasta salad, a mean lasagna)
- Tacos (you can do ground beef and veggie crumbles for your vegan and vegetarian friends)
- Fried Chicken
- Mozzarella Sticks
- Spring Rolls
- Assorted Cheeses and Fruits
- Pizza Bar Station
- Chicken and Waffles
*This post was about graduation party ideas*
Check out these other graduation posts you might be interested in:
121+ Beautiful Graduation Cap Ideas To Stand Out At Graduation
101 Most Wanted High School Graduation Gifts Ideas for Her
50+ Mind Blowing Graduation Gifts For Her That She’ll Love
Learn more aboutJessica, you’re go-to-girlfriend for college advice. Feel free toemail herif you have a question or just want to say hello.
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