Graduation Party Ideas That Everyone Will Love - Simply Allison (2024)

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This post is all about graduation party ideas.

Graduation Party Ideas That Everyone Will Love - Simply Allison (1)

It's finally time to gather some graduation party ideas.

This was the most exciting part for me graduating in high school. Whether you are graduating or your the parent of graduate I found awesome graduation party ideas to wow your guests.

This post shows you how to throw the ultimate graduation party that everyone will be talking about with these graduation party ideas.

Quick Navigation

High School Graduation Party Ideas:

Graduation Party Ideas for Guys:

Graduation Party Ideas for Daughter:

College Graduation Party Ideas:

Graduation Party Ideas for 2020:

Outdoor Graduation Party Ideas:

Graduation Party Ideas

High School Graduation Party Ideas:

1. Photo Centerpieces

Pictures are an absolute must to have at your graduation party. This is a fun and unique way to show off your pictures.

You can show your pictures off at everyone's table by having them on the centerpieces. One cool idea is showing off a younger picture and your senior picture to show how you've grown throughout the years.

I love the one that I chose. All you need to do is add your pictures and your good to go.

2. Photo Wall

I LOVE this photo wall. I wish I used pallet boards at my graduation to take some bomb-a$$ photos. This is an easy way to create a Photo Booth that is cute and creative.

Graduation Party Ideas That Everyone Will Love - Simply Allison (3)

Graduation Party Ideas That Everyone Will Love - Simply Allison (4)

Graduation Party Ideas That Everyone Will Love - Simply Allison (5)

Graduation Party Ideas That Everyone Will Love - Simply Allison (6)

3. College Theme

This is such an easy and cool idea.

Celebrate by incorporating the school colors into the decor.

4. Donut Table

Um excuse me a donut table?! Yes,please.

This is a perfect way to present your desserets to your guests.

5. Year Balloons

You seriously can not throw a graduation party without large number balloons.

These are extremely cheap and the trendiest graduation party ideas. You can do anything with these balloons. You can put them as background decorations or add them to your photo wall.

Click here for 2020 balloons that has numerous colors for you to chose from.

Graduation Party Ideas That Everyone Will Love - Simply Allison (8)

Graduation Party Ideas That Everyone Will Love - Simply Allison (9)

6. Outdoor Theme

I have a full list of outdoor graduation party ideas. But seriously how cute is this outdoor graduation party idea? This is a perfect idea because it's spacious and different.

7. Friends Inspired

Any Friends fans? I wish I would have done this for my graduation party. This is probably my favorite graduation party ideas.

8. Walk Down Memory Lane

You can line up your driveway with pictures of you growing up. This is one of the most unique graduation party ideas. I

t is a great way to show the guests where your house is. Also your guests will love seeing all of the cute photos of the graduate growing up.

9. Graduation Inspired Quotes

If you are looking for a way to inspire your graduate you can print off inspirational quotes and frame them for decoration. This is an inexpensive way to transform your graduation party. You can find hundreds of graduation prints on Etsy or Amazon.

10.Party Sign

This is a cute and perfect way to show the entrance to the graduation party.

Graduation Party Ideas That Everyone Will Love - Simply Allison (10)

Graduation Party Ideas That Everyone Will Love - Simply Allison (11)

11. Tassels

This would be a great addition to a high school graduation party. I love how they used tassels in this picture to add some pop of color in the decoration.

12.Words of Wisdom

When I graduated high school, I wish I had this.

It is a fun way to learn some advice from your guests and how to conquer your first steps into adulthood like finding a job that works for your schedule or how to make the most of your college experience.

Graduation Party Ideas That Everyone Will Love - Simply Allison (16)

Graduation Party Ideas That Everyone Will Love - Simply Allison (17)

Graduation Party Ideas That Everyone Will Love - Simply Allison (18)

Graduation Party Ideas That Everyone Will Love - Simply Allison (19)

13. Card Holder

Let's be real most guests have no idea what to bring the graduate. They end up bringing a card with cash because it's the easiest thing.

If your looking for great high school graduation party idea this is a must.

There will be lots of cards and this is a great way to make a spot for them. I had this at my party and it worked out perfectly.

Graduation Party Ideas That Everyone Will Love - Simply Allison (20)

Graduation Party Ideas That Everyone Will Love - Simply Allison (21)

14.Snapchat Filter/Instagram Hashtag

If you want to share with everyone all the fun you had at you or your graduate party this is a perfect and unique graduation party idea.

Create an Instagram hashtag and have people post their photos with this hashtag to have all of your photos in one place at the end of the night.

Also, it's actually inexpensive to create your own Snapchat filter. I would suggest making your filter on photoshop to make it professional looking.

15. Create a Theme

There are thousands of themes that you can find over the internet while you are looking for unique high school graduation party ideas.

The theme I did for my graduation was the classic black and gold theme and it was a total hit. You can go off the you or your graduate's school colors or just colors that pair off well together.

Graduation Party Ideas for Guys:

16. 2020 Photo Display

One of my favorite graduation party ideas is a photo display.

I wish I had photo display at my grad party because they are so cute and easy to make. This is a win-win situation.

17. Pin the Tassel on the Grad

If your looking for a fun graduation party game this is a great way to entertain your guests. I always have games when I'm throwing a party for easy entertainment.

18. Diploma Cookies

Make the snacks look like diplomas by wrapping a ribbon around them.

Graduation Party Ideas That Everyone Will Love - Simply Allison (22)

Graduation Party Ideas That Everyone Will Love - Simply Allison (23)

19. Taco Bout A Future

I know it's hard to find graduation party ideas for guys but this is a great theme for you or your graduate's party. This idea is for anybody. You can go all out and have a taco bar and have a fiesta.

Graduation Party Ideas That Everyone Will Love - Simply Allison (24)

21. Sports Themed

If your looking for a unique way to display you or your graduate's sports memorabilia or trophies this is a great way to showcase. Or you can have a Nike themed graduation party.

22.Jenga Block Memories

Who would have thought that jenga blocks could be used like this? This is a great way to entertain your guests and for them to write down their favorite memories with you or your graduates party.

Graduation Party Ideas That Everyone Will Love - Simply Allison (25)

Graduation Party Ideas That Everyone Will Love - Simply Allison (26)

23."sh*t" Got Real Cupcakes

This is absolutely hilarious and looks so good.

24. Balloon Pictures

Graduation Party Ideas That Everyone Will Love - Simply Allison (27)

Graduation Party Ideas That Everyone Will Love - Simply Allison (28)

Graduation Party Ideas That Everyone Will Love - Simply Allison (29)

Graduation Party Ideas That Everyone Will Love - Simply Allison (30)

25. S'mores Bar

A s'more bar! I came across this and thought it would be a great idea for a graduation party. I mean who doesn't love smores?!

Graduation Party Ideas for Daughter:

26.One Smart Cookie Bar

Treat your guests to a cookie bar they will think that your one smart cookie with this idea.

27.Rose Gold ANYTHING

If your looking for graduation party ideas for your daughter you can never go wrong with rose gold. Every girl I know loves the color rose gold.

It's just a classic color that literally could transform anything.

Graduation Party Ideas That Everyone Will Love - Simply Allison (33)

Graduation Party Ideas That Everyone Will Love - Simply Allison (34)

Graduation Party Ideas That Everyone Will Love - Simply Allison (35)

Graduation Party Ideas That Everyone Will Love - Simply Allison (36)

28. Polaroid Guestbooks

How cool is this graduation party idea?

You can set up your polaroid guestbook near your photo wall and allow your guests to take a super cute pic to create a lasting memory.

Don't forget to have plenty of film and some pens to sign the polaroid.

Graduation Party Ideas That Everyone Will Love - Simply Allison (37)

Graduation Party Ideas That Everyone Will Love - Simply Allison (38)

29. Polaroid Photobooth

This is my favorite graduation party ideas for daughter. It is a chance for your daughter to take photos with her guests.

30. Dessert Table

Desserts are probably my favorite things about any grad party. You can't any dessert that you desire.

31. Heart Drop Guest Book

Graduation Party Ideas That Everyone Will Love - Simply Allison (39)

Graduation Party Ideas That Everyone Will Love - Simply Allison (40)

I saw this and thought this was a unique way for the graduate to have a reminder of everyone who came and celebrated their milestone.

32.Large Ballons

Graduation Party Ideas That Everyone Will Love - Simply Allison (41)

Graduation Party Ideas That Everyone Will Love - Simply Allison (42)

Large balloons have been the trendiest graduation party idea this year and the best part of it is...it won't break the bank.

33. Ice Cream Sundae bar

I scream for ice cream. Like seriously who doesn't like ice cream. You can add all of your favorite toppings and your guests will be floored from your efforts.

Graduation Party Ideas That Everyone Will Love - Simply Allison (43)

Graduation Party Ideas That Everyone Will Love - Simply Allison (44)

Graduation Party Ideas That Everyone Will Love - Simply Allison (45)

Graduation Party Ideas That Everyone Will Love - Simply Allison (46)

College Graduation Party Ideas:

34. Globe with Inspired Quotes

Isn't this so cute? If your feeling crafty add this inspiring globe to graduation party ideas. All you need is an inexpensive globe that you can find at a local thrift store, paint it with chalk paint, and write out your favorite quote.

Graduation Party Ideas That Everyone Will Love - Simply Allison (47)

Graduation Party Ideas That Everyone Will Love - Simply Allison (48)

Graduation Party Ideas That Everyone Will Love - Simply Allison (49)

Graduation Party Ideas That Everyone Will Love - Simply Allison (50)

Graduation Party Ideas That Everyone Will Love - Simply Allison (51)

Graduation Party Ideas That Everyone Will Love - Simply Allison (52)

35.Backyard BBQ

Isn't this a cute idea?
Grab your friends and family and have a bbq to celebrate the longest 4+ years of your life.

36.Under and Over Drink Station

Get your drink on with an under and over drink station. You can have your favorite alcohol and non-alcohol drinks for your guests.

Graduation Party Ideas That Everyone Will Love - Simply Allison (53)

Graduation Party Ideas That Everyone Will Love - Simply Allison (54)

37. Graduation Shadow Box

This is the easiest graduation party idea I could think of. Put your cap and gown in a display case to show off your accomplishment.

Graduation Party Ideas That Everyone Will Love - Simply Allison (55)

Graduation Party Ideas That Everyone Will Love - Simply Allison (56)

38. Year Cupcake

Insert Custom HTML

This is the easiest way to tie in your graduation theme

39. Here's to a Bright Future

This lightbulb DIY idea is so easy.

Graduation Party Ideas That Everyone Will Love - Simply Allison (57)

Graduation Party Ideas That Everyone Will Love - Simply Allison (58)

40. Grad Quote Board

I love this key to success board and I wish I had it.

It's a different version of words of wisdom. You can collect old keys around your house or at a local thrift store for this DIY graduation party idea.

Graduation Party Ideas That Everyone Will Love - Simply Allison (59)

Graduation Party Ideas That Everyone Will Love - Simply Allison (60)

41. Graduation Themed Plates and Napkins

Pay attention to every detail into your graduation party you would be surprised how it impact your party.

Graduation Party Ideas That Everyone Will Love - Simply Allison (61)

Graduation Party Ideas That Everyone Will Love - Simply Allison (62)

Graduation Party Ideas That Everyone Will Love - Simply Allison (63)

Graduation Party Ideas That Everyone Will Love - Simply Allison (64)

42.Photo Letters

Here is another way to add you or your graduates photos in this unique design that is inexpensive and cute.

Graduation Party Ideas That Everyone Will Love - Simply Allison (65)

Graduation Party Ideas That Everyone Will Love - Simply Allison (66)

Graduation Party Ideas That Everyone Will Love - Simply Allison (67)

Graduation Party Ideas That Everyone Will Love - Simply Allison (68)

43. Graduation Wreaths

If you are looking for creative graduation party ideas I would definetly add this to your decor. It's a unique DIY project that everyone will love.

Graduation Party Ideas for 2020:

44. Fun 2020 Straws

Your guests will be floored with all of the unique details you put into your graduation party.

Graduation Party Ideas That Everyone Will Love - Simply Allison (69)

Graduation Party Ideas That Everyone Will Love - Simply Allison (70)

45. Memory Board

A memory board is filled with all of your experiences from over the four years. this is a way for your guests to see all of your major events and things you have accomplished.

46. Candy Bar

Would it even be a grad party without a candy bar? I love the cute little signs with each candy. Treat your guests with all of your favorite sweet snacks.

47.Display Every School Picture


48. Photo Book

Buy a guest book for all of your guests to sign. It would be a nice way to reminisce who came and celbrate your milestone.

Graduation Party Ideas That Everyone Will Love - Simply Allison (72)

Graduation Party Ideas That Everyone Will Love - Simply Allison (73)

Outdoor Graduation Party Ideas:

49.Hanging Lights

Isn't this gorgeous?! If you are planning on throwing a outdoor grad party. You have to have hanging lights. Adding lights to your party will transform the area.

Graduation Party Ideas That Everyone Will Love - Simply Allison (74)

Graduation Party Ideas That Everyone Will Love - Simply Allison (75)

50. Flower Center Pieces

Flowers are a must if your planning an outdoor grad party. This is one of the simplest graduation party ideas but it will be a perfect addition.

51. Outdoor Photobooth

Having a photobooth is an essential to any graduation party. Graduation parties is a way to reminisce over the years and to create new memories into adulthood.

52.Bean Bag Toss

Graduation Party Ideas That Everyone Will Love - Simply Allison (76)

Graduation Party Ideas That Everyone Will Love - Simply Allison (77)

This is fun activity that your guest will love and it will be a perfect addition to your outdoor graduation party ideas.

53. Sunspray

This is a sweet idea that's very thoughtful to keep everyone safe.

Graduation Party Ideas That Everyone Will Love - Simply Allison (78)

Graduation Party Ideas That Everyone Will Love - Simply Allison (79)

This post was all about the best graduation party ideas.

Allison

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Don’t Forget to Pin!

Graduation Party Ideas That Everyone Will Love - Simply Allison (80)

Graduation Party Ideas That Everyone Will Love - Simply Allison (2024)

FAQs

How to do a simple graduation 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

What is the best theme for a graduation party? ›

Graduation Party Themes
  • NEW CITY THEME. The perfect sendoff for a grad moving to a new place is to make your graduation party theme centered on their new home. ...
  • GRADUATION FIESTA. ...
  • MAJOR THEME. ...
  • CAREER THEME. ...
  • OH, THE PLACES YOU'LL GO. ...
  • MOVIE NIGHT. ...
  • SCHOOL COLORS. ...
  • POTLUCK.
Mar 18, 2024

What are the dry grad ideas? ›

Some popular dry grad entertainment ideas include live music, photo booths, inflatable games (such as Obstacle Course, Gladiator Joust and Sumo Wrestling), swimming and other sports, magicians, fortune tellers or hypnotists.

How do you budget for a graduation party? ›

Graduation Party Budget Example

If you are not sure what to budget for your party then start with $30/person as an estimate. This would cover the cost of food and drinks, any rentals needed to host at your home or to rent out a space for the party and fun decorations for the celebration.

How do you keep people entertained at a graduation party? ›

A graduation party should be vibrant and full of life. Consider hiring a live band or DJ to set the tone with music that resonates with the graduate's journey. A photo booth equipped with fun props and a backdrop reflecting the graduate's interests encourages guests to capture memorable moments.

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.

How do you honor a loved one at a graduation party? ›

On Graduation Day
  1. Button pin with the name of the loved one or their favorite saying.
  2. A piece of jewelry (necklace or bracelet) with the person's engraved name.
  3. The parent or sibling's shirt worn under their gown, if allowed.
  4. Pin their loved one's favorite flower on their outer garment or hair.
Apr 30, 2024

What color should your graduation party be? ›

Most parents and grads choose the school colors of the high school or future college. If you are not interested in the high school/college theme, a black/white/gold palette is traditional and you will be able to find ample decorations in classic color palettes.

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

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. If your party begins at 10 a.m. you may want to serve breakfast or brunch items.

What to serve for drinks at a graduation party? ›

Make your graduation party stand out with these five creative drink ideas that are perfect for toasting to your achievements.
  • Scholar's Sangria.
  • Cap & Gown Margarita.
  • Summa Cum Laude Punch.
  • Valedictorian's Velvet co*cktail.

What can I give instead of flowers at graduation? ›

Here are three yummy alternatives to traditional graduation gifts for the star student in your life!
  • Traditional graduation gift: A bouquet of flowers. Alternative graduation gift: Cookie-Flower Cut-Out Cookie Box. ...
  • Traditional graduation gift: A greeting card. ...
  • Traditional graduation gift: Pop a bottle of Champagne.

What is typical graduation gift? ›

High School Student(s): The majority of individuals will give cash as a high school graduation present with a range from $20 -$150. Use the following breakdown as a guide for your gift amount. Close friend or sibling: $20-$50. Niece, nephew, grandkid: $50-$100.

How do you throw a good graduation party? ›

Graduation Party Ideas and Organizing Tips
  1. Set a date, time, and location for the party. Graduation for us was on a Monday night. ...
  2. Set a budget. Decide how much you want to spend. ...
  3. Make a guest list and order announcements. ...
  4. Plan the food. ...
  5. Decide on Decorations. ...
  6. Plan your help. ...
  7. Plan fun. ...
  8. Finally, enjoy every moment.

How much money is appropriate for 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.

How much do parents spend on a graduation party? ›

First and foremost, how much should an average graduation party cost? Financial service site FinancialBuzz.com said in 2022 the average American spent around $1,100 on a party for 60 people. That number includes food, drinks, decorations, tables and settings.

How do you throw an inexpensive college graduation party? ›

One of the most cost-effective ways to have a graduation party is to host it at home. You can use your backyard or living room, and decorate it with balloons, streamers, and other grad party decorations. It's an intimate setting where you can easily provide for your guests' needs while staying within your budget.

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