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

What is the best theme for a graduation party? ›

The Top 10 Graduation Party Theme Ideas for 2024
  • Tropical Luau. ...
  • Old-Time Carnival. ...
  • Disco Dance-Off. ...
  • Wild West. ...
  • High Tea. ...
  • Y2K Millennium Party. ...
  • European Summer. ...
  • Bring Your Party to Life. The Thrasher-Horne Center offers stunning, adaptable spaces for bringing your unique graduation party vision to life.
Jan 22, 2024

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

If you receive an invitation to a graduation party, you are obligated to send a gift. "If you're going to go to a party, you really should give a gift. You should actually bring a hostess gift when you go to the party something like a bottle of wine.

How do you keep guests 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.

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.

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.

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 should a hostess gift cost? ›

How Much Should You Spend on a Host Gift? This depends on the host and party! As a general rule of thumb, Trent recommends spending $20 to $30 for a simple get-together like a dinner party, housewarming, or wine night.

Do graduation parties have party favors? ›

Whether it's a high school graduation party or the closing of a collegiate chapter, including a party favor for the guests is a thoughtful gesture that serves as a tangible memory of the special occasion.

What is a dry grad party? ›

A dry grad is an all-night supervised party for graduating students and their guest. Absolutely no alcohol or other drugs, including tobacco, are allowed. A dry grad party immediately follows the formal convocation, banquet or dance, and typically ends at 5 am or 6 am the following morning.

What is grad party attire? ›

Opt for a knee-length or midi dress in breathable fabrics like cotton or linen for a classic and comfortable option. A tunic top with a flattering silhouette paired with a fit-and-flare skirt adds a touch of femininity to your look. Pair it with wedge sandals or ballet flats for a chic yet comfortable ensemble.

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

How long should a grad party last? ›

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.

Do people usually bring gifts to grad parties? ›

When deciding whether to bring a present, you should factor in how close you are to the graduate, how large the party will be and how many parties you'll be attending. Thoughtful gifts are a way to recognize their hard work, however etiquette says it's not necessary to bring a gift, but you can still consider it.

How do you throw an amazing event? ›

Follow these steps to host a successful event:
  1. Decide the audience for your event.
  2. Consider the location and venue.
  3. Choose speakers and guests that suit your event.
  4. Create a strategy to sell out tickets early.
  5. Use event planning software to advertise your event.
  6. Engage your audience with interactive strategies.
Mar 16, 2024

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