25 Awesome Graduation Party Ideas You'll Want To Try - The Unlikely Hostess (2024)

Looking for the perfect graduation party ideas and decorations?

Great! I’m thrilled you’re here.

Nothing is better than having a reason to gather and celebrate.

You’re going to find a ton of awesome ideas that will help you throw the perfect graduation party!

I have had a blast putting together this extensive list!

You will find a ton of pictures and inspo on this page alone.

But beyond these pictures, you’ll find many links to posts I’ve also written that will help you out as well, like: food bars for a party, backyard entertaining ideas, and more!

Let’s get to it!

This post may contain Amazon Affiliate Links (Paid Links)

Graduation Party Ideas – Food & Drinks

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These cap top water bottles from How Does She are so festive and fun!

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Speaking of drinks, how about this awesome backyard wheel barrow drink station?

You’ll find this idea, along with many others at fun Entertaining Ideas Using Ice.

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Homemade Recipes highlighted these awesome neatly packaged veggie cups and dip.

They are so pretty displayed on the teared tray.

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Mint Event Designs is responsible for this show stopper.

I LOVE the cookie bar idea. So much simpler than serving a full meal and something that every graduation party guest will enjoy!

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And the most creative graduate party award goes to… Turner Family x4!

These Reeces cup choclate hats are absolutely adorable!

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This is just one of many impressive party food ideas you can browse on this post 35 Impressive Housewarming Party Ideas.

So many delicious party appetizers and decor ideas that would be great for a graduation party as well.

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How about this awesome no back graduation party food idea from Karin’s Cottage?

Customize your graduate’s school colors to the ribbon and you’re done!

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I loved this pasta bar idea from Bite Sized Kitchen.

Completely customizable for guests to make and also inexepensive!

One hosting tip though, you will need to think about how to keep your food warm on the buffet table.

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What graduate would not enjoy a smores station?

You’ll find this idea and many more on the post 7 Go-To Backyard Entertaining Ideas.

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Feeding a crowd does not have to be fussy, or expensive!

This DIY sandwich station looks great and is full of goodies.

Check it out and many other budget friendly party food ideas at 10 Crowd Pleasing Food Bars For A Party

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I love the idea of a candy station at a graduation party!

You can find these Candy Bar Printable’s on ETSY.

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No tiered cupcake trays? No worries!

This awesome graduation party ideas from Blissfully Domestic is perfect!

Graduation Party Ideas – Decorations

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First things first, you’ll want to signal to your guests that they are in the right location!

I love these graduation party signs from Amazon.

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This touching graduation party idea was posted by Our Humble Hive.

What a great way to send your graduate off with personal notes from family and friends.

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How fun is this idea from Cassidy Lucille?

Seeing your graduate grow through the years would be enough to make any parent get sentimental!

Just sayin! 😉

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This photo collage is featured on the party website, which has no rival, Catch My Party.

Such a beautiful design, and something that you could mimic in a variety of fashions!

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Huge balloon numbers are the perfect graduation party idea!

You can snag these on Amazon for less than $15!

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This cute DIY sign was created By Sophia Lee!

A chalkboard sign would be really cute too, and a great way to signal guests in from the street.

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By Sophia Lee also showcases this lovely photo backdrop!

The graduate and their guests are going to want to snap pics and save memories of this important day.

Consider making a designated photo op space, you’ll be so glad you did!

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Oh My Creative showcases these adorable and simple graduation party centerpieces.

They are easy to make and completely customizable!

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Domestic Fashionista posted a photo of this lovely graduation party setting.

I love that she considered places for her guests to sit, as well as mingle.

The combination of the white table cloth and stripped runner is just fab!

…Not to mention the lights. <3

Graduation Party Checklist

Is your head reeling with ideas?

I hope so!

I wanted to list this helpful checklist below help you get started and get organized!

There is no right or wrong to host a graduation party.

Make it unique to you and your graduate and it’s sure to be a success!

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If you find yourself still stressing about the upcoming event, you might want to check out this post below.

Hostess With The Mostest How To

It will help you ease the tensions, plan ahead, and know when to quit stressing. 😉

It’s going to be great.

High School Graduation Party Games

Let’s end this post on a fun note, shall we?!

I love having a few un orchestrated backyard games set up at any outdoor gathering!

Below are some tried and true outdoor party games that would be perfect for your graduation party.

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Snag your Cornhole game here!

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Don’t forget about the tunes!

Most graduates listen to music continuously! Why not set the tone for a fun and festive gathering with this Wireless Blue Tooth Speaker.

Picking the playlist…I’ll leave that wrestling match up to you and your grad! 😉

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I couldn’t wrap up this post without showcasing this Life Sized Jenga game!

This is SO. MUCH. FUN.

One of families favorites for sure!

Happy Graduation Party Planning!

I hope you found some ideas and resources that will help you plan the perfect graduation party.

For more inspiring ideas for your life and home, consider this…

25 Awesome Graduation Party Ideas You'll Want To Try - The Unlikely Hostess (2024)

FAQs

How do you throw an awesome grad party? ›

How to Throw the Best Graduation Party
  1. Choose a Fun Venue. ...
  2. Give Your Graduation Party a Theme. ...
  3. Send Personalized Graduation Party Invitations. ...
  4. Decorate Your Venue in Style. ...
  5. Plan a Delicious Menu. ...
  6. Capture the Graduation Celebration in Photos. ...
  7. Celebrate Your Grad's Achievements. ...
  8. Make a Toast to the New Grad.
Aug 7, 2023

Do you bring a hostess gift to a graduation party? ›

You should actually bring a hostess gift when you go to the party something like a bottle of wine. Then give a card with money or a gift for the graduate," Symington said. And make sure to RSVP. Let the host know within a week whether you will attend or not.

What is the best theme for a graduation party? ›

Some popular choices include School Spirit, Beach Party, Black, Silver, and Gold Backyard BBQ, and "Oh, The Places You Will Go". The theme sets the tone for the decorations, activities, and dress code.

How do you make a graduation party stand out? ›

To make your graduation party truly special, consider personalizing your decorations. For example, you could create a photo wall with pictures of the new grad throughout their life or academic career. You could also use the grad's favorite colors or incorporate their hobbies and interests into the decor.

How do you throw an amazing event? ›

How to Organize a Successful Event – 10 Top Tips for Perfect...
  1. Begin Your Event Planning Early. ...
  2. Identify Your Event's Goals and KPIs. ...
  3. Optimize Your Event Budget to Maximize ROI. ...
  4. Define Your Target Audience. ...
  5. Choose the Right Event Management Software. ...
  6. Pay Attention to the Event Planning Details.
Sep 29, 2023

How do you throw an inexpensive graduation party? ›

Smart ways to save on a graduation party
  1. Set a realistic budget. ...
  2. Co-host the event. ...
  3. Choose a theme that gives you room to get creative. ...
  4. Limit your guest list to close family and friends. ...
  5. Choose a low-cost venue like someone's home or backyard. ...
  6. Send e-vites instead of paper invitations. ...
  7. Keep decorations to a minimum.

When not to bring a hostess gift? ›

‍Likewise, if you and your host often go to gatherings at each other's homes (such as a casual dinner or poker night), a hostess gift isn't necessary, though a bottle of wine or an offer to bring a dish for a dinner is a nice gesture.

How much money should you give at a graduation party? ›

Distant relatives or friends usually send around $15 - $20, while close friends and relatives more commonly send around the $20 - $50 mark. Some families and family friends may choose to spend closer to $100 - $500, depending on their finances and the needs of the graduate.

Is it rude not to bring a hostess gift? ›

In some parts of the country, a hostess gift is considered obligatory, while in other places a gift is brought only on special occasions. If it's the first time you're visiting someone's home, then it's a very nice gesture to bring a small gift.

How many hours should a graduation party be? ›

It can be planned for directly after the graduation or held a few days (even weeks) afterward. Typically you do not host this party prior to graduation. This party can be structured as a typical party (about 2-4 hours) with a start time or as an open house where guests can come and go as they please.

What food to serve for graduation party? ›

Your kids will love the classic party food ideas, like pepperoni pizza rolls, pigs in a blanket, cheeseburger sliders, and buffalo chicken dip. But whichever dishes you choose to serve at your grad's party, don't forget a celebratory dessert!

What is the best time of day for a graduation party? ›

Many graduation parties are presented in a “open house” format. If your graduation ceremony is at 2 p.m., a 10 a.m. to noon or a 4-7 p.m. open house may work best. The time of day you select will also help determine the type of food and beverage you serve.

What is a short quote for graduation day? ›

“Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.”

How long should graduation party be? ›

It can be planned for directly after the graduation or held a few days (even weeks) afterward. Typically you do not host this party prior to graduation. This party can be structured as a typical party (about 2-4 hours) with a start time or as an open house where guests can come and go as they please.

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