13 Best Graduation Party Themes For An Unforgettable Party (2024)

Throwing a graduation party this year? Here are the most creative graduation party themes that will make your party unforgettable.

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If you’re looking for a way to take your graduation party to the next level, you definitely need to have a party theme!

Not only are graduation party themes SO fun, but they actually make the party planning process so much easier.

When you have a theme, it’s a lot easier to decide what food to serve, how to decorate, and what party favors to give out.

When it comes to picking out a theme for your grad party, you want to make sure you pick something that’s fun without being too cheesy.

To make things easier for you, I’ve put together this list of 23 creative graduation party themes that you need to copy this year.

The Best Graduation Party Themes

1. College Themed Grad Party

13 Best Graduation Party Themes For An Unforgettable Party (1)
13 Best Graduation Party Themes For An Unforgettable Party (2)

This is probably one of the most popular graduation party themes for high school graduates.

If you’re throwing a high school graduation party, decorate with their future college’s colors.

Some decoration ideas are a flag of their college, tassel banners in their school colors, balloons or paper pompoms in their school colors, etc.

2. Travel Graduation Party Theme

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I’m obsessed with travel so this is definitely one of my favorite graduation party themes!

There are so many ways to decorate for a travel themed graduation party.

Hang map posters, display pictures on vintage luggage, bake cookies in travel shapes (planes, luggage, globes, etc.).

One cute idea is to have everyone take a polaroid “passport” picture and stick it into a guest book!

Here are some cute travel themed graduation party decorations:

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3. Tropical Themed Grad Party

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13 Best Graduation Party Themes For An Unforgettable Party (7)

Who wouldn’t want to graduate in the tropics? I love all of the bright colors and tropical elements in this graduation party theme idea.

This would be a great party theme for an outdoor graduation party.

Cute decorations for a tropical grad party:

[RELATED: 40 Insanely Fun High School Graduation Party Ideas]

4. Blush and Gold Graduation Party

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How glamorous does this blush and gold outdoor graduation party look?

It looks insanely expensive, but you could actually recreate this party theme pretty affordably.

Get a cheap pack of pink and gold balloons from Amazon, spray paint a set of frames gold, and make some flower arrangements with Trader Joe’s flowers.

You can see more pictures of this stunning graduation party set up at Simply Charming Socials.

Here are some cute decorations for a blush and gold graduation party:

13 Best Graduation Party Themes For An Unforgettable Party (12)

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5. Friends Themed Grad Party

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This is one of the cutest graduation party themes that I’ve seen.

Pretty much everyone knows and loves the show Friends so this party theme will be a huge hit.

Here are some perfect Friends themed graduation party decorations:

[RELATED: 45 Clever Graduation Cap Ideas You’ll Obsess Over]

6. Fiesta Themed Graduation Party

Taco ’bout a fun graduation party theme! I love all of the bright colors and fun decorations that you can use with this theme idea.

Make a giant taco bar, hang a piñata, serve margaritas for the parents, and blast some mariachi music.

7. Nursing Themed Party

If you’re graduating nursing school or about to start it, you definitely need to have a nursing themed graduation party.

There are SO many fun things to do with this theme idea.

Here are some cute decorations for a nurse graduation party:

13 Best Graduation Party Themes For An Unforgettable Party (17)

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13 Best Graduation Party Themes For An Unforgettable Party (18)

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8. Book Themed Graduation Party

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If you’re a big reader, there’s no better way to celebrate than with a book themed graduation party.

I am absolutely obsessed with that tablecloth made from recycled book pages.

This is also a super affordable graduation party theme because you can just use thrifted books to make the decor!

9. One Smart Cookie Grad Party

It’s never a bad idea to incorporate food into your party theme. And this ‘one smart cookie’ theme is definitely a *sweet* option!

For this party theme, just set out a bunch of different types of cookies. Add a sign that says “He/she is one smart cookie”.

[RELATED: 50+ Hilarious Graduation Puns For Instagram Captions]

10. Walk Through The Years

13 Best Graduation Party Themes For An Unforgettable Party (20)

How cute is this graduation party theme idea? They added a ton of pictures from every year of the graduate’s life so that guests could take a walk down memory lane.

I love this idea because it’s a theme, decor element, AND something for your guests to do during the party!

This would be super easy to DIY with some wooden posts, buckets of sand, and tons of pictures.

[RELATED: 11 Best Graduation Party Photo Display Ideas For Your Party]

11. White and Gold Grad Party

White and gold is a classic color scheme that will make any graduation party look elevated.

Recreate this luxurious graduation party decor with white and gold balloon arches and grad themed marquee letters.

Here’s what you’ll need for this gorgeous party theme:

12. Party Games Theme

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This graduation party theme will definitely be a hit with all of your fellow graduates! For this one, you just need to set out a ton of party games around for your guests to play.

Some party games could be pong, corn hole/bean bag toss, flip cup, giant Jenga, etc.

13. Oh The Places She’ll Go

How gorgeous is this graduation party theme?

We all know the famous Dr. Seuss book ‘Oh The Places You’ll Go’. It’s a really cute grad party theme, but it can feel a bit childish.

Well, this is a great example of a grown-up version of this theme.

Decorate in your favorite colors, add some pretty butterflies (or anything else you like), and then add a little sign that says “oh the places she’ll go”. So cute!

This post was all about the best graduation party themes.

You may also like:

  • 45 Clever Graduation Cap Ideas You’ll Obsess Over
  • 40 Genius Nurse Graduation Party Ideas
  • 11 Best Graduation Party Photo Display Ideas For Your Party
  • 40 Insanely Fun High School Graduation Party Ideas
13 Best Graduation Party Themes For An Unforgettable Party (2024)

FAQs

What is the best theme for graduation parties? ›

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.

What can I do instead of a graduation party? ›

15 Alternative Ways to Celebrate Graduation with Friends and Family
  • Throw Them a Grad Party. ...
  • Take Them on a Trip. ...
  • Tickets to a Concert, Play, or Spa Day. ...
  • Give to a Cause that's Important to Them. ...
  • Get Them a Personalized Gift. ...
  • Give Them Cash and Let Them Decide. ...
  • Live-Streaming Graduation Ceremonies. ...
  • Social Media Celebrations.

What are some graduation ideas? ›

Graduation Party Decor Ideas
  • SET UP A PHOTOBOOTH. A photobooth or backdrop is a great DIY decor idea that your grad is sure to appreciate. ...
  • FRAMED CLASS PHOTO KEEPSAKE. ...
  • BESTIES ON FILM. ...
  • PERSONALIZED PARTY FAVOR STICKERS. ...
  • MOMENTO OR GUEST BOOK. ...
  • KEYS TO SUCCESS. ...
  • ADVICE TREE. ...
  • CREATE A CARD & GIFT TABLE.
Mar 18, 2024

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 is a good budget for a graduation party? ›

The cost of the average graduation party runs $1,128, but there's no reason to break the bank to throw a great party. Consider joining forces with another parent to throw a joint party for both of your kids. Opting to throw an afternoon party can save you money on food as well as alcoholic beverages.

What time should a graduation party start? ›

Consider the time frame for your 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.

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.

What food to serve at a graduation party? ›

A barbecue is a fantastic way to feed a crowd if your graduation party is outdoors. Grilled favorites like burgers, hot dogs, chicken, and vegetables are always popular. Add side dishes like potato salad, coleslaw, and corn on the cob for a classic BBQ feast.

Do graduation parties have themes? ›

What are some unique graduation party theme ideas? Discover creative themes like “Journey to the Future,” where you can celebrate the graduate's next chapter, or opt for a classic “Oh, The Places You'll Go” theme. Embracing the graduate's college colors and symbols also adds a personalized touch to the party.

How much money should parents give for high school graduation? ›

For high school grads, the average gift is around $50 to $200. To decide an amount, consider if this is a close friend or family member. You may also want to talk to other people who are giving gifts to decide how much you will give to the graduate.

Is $500 a good graduation gift? ›

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 $1 000 a good graduation gift? ›

According to this piece, financial planners say the gift should be equal to approximately one month's rent or mortgage payment, somewhere around $1,000. The article said parents should give their children between $1,000 and $5,000 when they graduate from college.

Why is theme important in graduation? ›

It is an opportunity to celebrate their achievements, reflect on their experiences, and bid farewell to their friends and teachers. Choosing the perfect graduation party theme is essential in setting the tone for the celebration and creating a memorable experience for everyone involved.

What color should 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 dress code for a graduation party? ›

Attire: You'll have your cap and gown on over your outfit, but it's customary to wear something nice underneath. For guys that means nice pants and a button down shirt (maybe even a tie). And for ladies, that means a casual dress/skirt or nice pants.

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