Graduation is a momentous milestone—and families and friends want to celebrate this big day with you and your graduate.
So we’re sharing our best graduation party ideas, from decor to drinks. Get our budget-friendly tips for creating handmade graduation party decorations, including entertainment, food, and more.
Two Parties in One
Guests might need to split time between multiple parties on a single day. A convenient and economical graduation party idea is to plan a joint event with close friends so partygoers can stay and mingle instead of just dropping by for a few minutes.
This works well if you have two grads in the family at the same time, too.
Drinks on Ice
Sturdy metal buckets and window planters stand up to the task of keeping party drinks cold when filled with ice. Provide various drink options for party guests, such as soda, water, and lemonade.
Simple Snacks
Spend more time focusing on your grad’s big day than fussing with the food—graduation party food doesn’t have to be complicated or homemade. Assemble a pretty cheese plate with fruit, nuts, and crackers, or serve up trays of fresh fruit and cut veggies—no cooking needed. If your grad wants something more unconventional, have a full bagel spread, a dessert bar (instead of food), or carnival-themed snacks.
Choose hard cheeses like cheddar or gouda for your summer charcuterie board—they hold up better in the heat.
Memory Display
Share fond memories and celebrate your grad’s achievements from kindergarten through graduation with a memory timeline. You can buy a banner, like this black and gold one, or DIY. Attach important photos to construction paper and hang them from string or a clothesline using clothespins (if your party is indoors, attach them to twine or ribbon and hang from a mantel or across a wall).
Front Walk Welcome
Let party guests know they have the right house by adding a sign to your front walkway with this graduation party idea. Cut out letters to spell “congrats” from paper and glue them to paper plates. Attach wooden dowels to the backs of the plates and stick them into the lawn for simple, low-cost graduation party decor.
Use your grad’s school colors for an extra touch of school spirit.
Grab-and-Go Party Snacks
Minimize dirty dishes and maximize guest mingling with grab-and-go graduation party snacks. Our spicy cinnamon sugar snack mix fits perfectly in sturdy, bright paper cones.
Gift Table
To keep the party organized, set up a single place for guests to drop off gifts for your grad. Encourage partygoers to sign a guest book so your grad knows who attended the party and—more importantly— who to send a thank-you note.
Graduation-Themed Cupcakes
Graduation party ideas aren’t complete without these hat-topped cupcakes that guests will love celebrating with. Start with our recipe for a basic cupcake. Roll the edges of each frosted cupcake in nonpareils to make a colored rim, then finish the batch by adding hats and tassels made from chocolate-covered cherries, chocolate-covered crackers, small candies, and fruit leather.
For outdoor parties, consider using a buttercream with a higher ratio of powdered sugar to help it hold its shape better in the summer heat.
Photos are a Must
After the ceremony and before the party, set up a time for your grad to take the requisite pictures with immediate family and close relatives. Ask a guest to handle the photography responsibilities during the party or hire a professional photographer.
DIY Photo Booth
Capture fun memories and festive party moments with a DIY photo backdrop or photo frame. Create a simple one by stringing cut squares of metallic paper on a plain wall. Have guests strike a pose and compile the pictures into a sweet gift for the grad. For extra fun graduation party ideas, buy some photo booth props or make a small sign people can hold up that congratulates the graduate.
