35 Genius DIY Ideas for Your Graduation Party (2024)

35 Genius DIY Ideas for Your Graduation Party (1)

Whether it’s for high school or college, graduation is one of the biggest milestones you will ever experience. It marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of a very exciting new one. You deserve all the fanfare to celebrate your achievements — especially after the past two years, when most of the world shut down for months at a time and classes and graduations moved online due to the

COVID-19 pandemic. Now most ceremonies are back in-person, and families and friends are able to safely gather together to celebrate life’s big moments. So, what better way to commemorate your success than with an unforgettable graduation party?

Decor is one of the most important details when planning a party, whether it’s setting up cute photo backdrops or filling your house with super festive balloons. Some of these ideas can be a fun and easy DIY projects, while others just require a trip to the grocery store or a scroll through Etsy. To make sure you celebrate in style, here are 35 graduation party ideas that will make your day feel extra special.

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1

Heart Drop Text Book

35 Genius DIY Ideas for Your Graduation Party (2)

Instead of a normal guest book, do a heart drop. Have your guests sign little wooden hearts and drop them into this frame. You'll be able to hang up the frame and remember everyone who celebrated your graduation with you.

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2

Trophy Wall

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Having a grad party is all about celebrating your accomplishments. Bask in your greatness with a trophy wall right in your living room or backyard.

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3

Hang Up Your Accomplishment

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Let your whole neighborhood know that you're moving on up to college with a flag outside your house or a sign on your lawn. You deserve to be recognized for all your hard work.

Get One Now

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4

Photo Wall

35 Genius DIY Ideas for Your Graduation Party (5)

Create the perfect place to document your success by building a DIY photo wall.

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6

Photo Highlights

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Reminisce on the good old days by decorating your house or backyard with 18 years of photos.

You'll Need This

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7

An Adorable Sentimental Box

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Let the older and wiser people you love give you some tips on how to face college. They've made it this far, they probably know a thing or two.

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8

Confetti Balloons

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Welcoming your guests with ~giant~ balloons is probably the best way to celebrate graduation, don't you think? And you might as well add some confetti in there too because... confetti.

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9

Chalkboard Speech Bubble

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This craft turns any celebration into a 'gram-worthy photoshoot. Write "I'm done!" or scrawl your own brilliant phrase for you and your guests to pose with.

You'll Need This

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10

Card Collection Box

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You may drop all your loving words (and checks from grandparents) here...

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11

Tassel Garland

35 Genius DIY Ideas for Your Graduation Party (16)

This colorful tassel garland is surprisingly easy to make and has a big impact on any room or space.

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12

Memory Jar

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Have your guests take a trip down memory lane and write down all of the amazing times you've had together. At the end of the night, you can read about the impact that each person who attended had on your high school experience. All you need for this super easy decoration is a clear, labeled jar and colorful card stock!

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13

The Best Ever Ice Cream Sundae Bar

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Because who the heck doesn't like ice cream? And let's be real... you'd so go wild with all these toppings.

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14

Graduation Cap Straw Toppers

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Think of straw toppers like a statement accessory for your drink. To make them, cut a square out of construction paper and punch a hole through the center. Then cut a long rectangular strip out of the paper, form it into the shape of a cylinder, and glue it to your first piece to make a hat. Slip a straw through it and top it off with a tassel made out of embroidery string.

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15

Drink Stand

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Instead of stashing drinks in a cooler, make a drink stand. Repurpose an old end table and paint it with the colors of your high school's or future college's mascot. Stack water, straws, and mason jars on the shelves.

You'll Need This

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16

Keys To Success Board

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Add a classy touch to your grad party by letting your guests offer their "keys" to success.

Cut out a large piece of foam core and decorate it with craft paper. Place the foam core into a pretty frame and cover it with push pins. Place keys on a table underneath the frame and attach a piece of string to them. Keep a pile of hole punched notecards next to the keys. As your guests arrive, they can write any advice that they have on the paper, attach it to the key and hang it on the board.

You'll Need These

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17

Candy Buffet

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Are you a nerd? A book worm? A kool kat? Take your pick with this adorable candy bar set up.

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18

Cocoa Krispies Treat Graduation Caps

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Chocolate-lovers need this grad-inspired dessert. And if baking was one of those skills you planned to learn after you graduated, no sweat — the recipe is pretty easy to follow.

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19

Lightbulb Souvenir

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Show your guests how important their attendance at your party is by giving them a lightbulb souvenir. You can purchase jars shaped like lightbulbs and unscrew the cap to fill them with yellow-colored candy like gumballs or M&Ms.

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20

Graduation Cap Souvenir

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Use gumballs to create graduation cap souvenirs! Cut a cap out of cardstock and fill a plastic tube with the colors of your choice.

35 Genius DIY Ideas for Your Graduation Party (2024)

FAQs

What do you all need for a graduation party? ›

Graduation party budget line items include:
  • food & beverages (catering)
  • venue rental fee.
  • other rental fees (tables, chairs, linens)
  • entertainment (DJ, photo booth, yard games, etc.)
  • videography and/or photography (if you plan to hire a professional)
  • decorations (balloons, streamers, banners, centerpieces)

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 to do instead of a graduation party? ›

Here are 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.

What is the difference between a graduation open house and party? ›

A graduation open house is still a party but it's designed to allow guests to come and go as they please. This style event has become more popular for both convenience and cost efficiency. An Open House format also allows a more flexible, free-flowing event.

What colors do you use for a graduation party? ›

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.

How to plan an open house graduation party? ›

How to arrange your graduation party space
  1. Welcoming.
  2. Guest book.
  3. Memorabilia.
  4. Gifts and cards.
  5. Food.
  6. Drinks (keep drinks separate from food to keep guests moving)
  7. Eating and visiting.
  8. Party Favors.
May 16, 2023

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 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.

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 much money is appropriate for high school graduation gift? ›

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.

Do you play games at a graduation party? ›

Hosting a graduation party is the perfect way to gather family and friends to share food, music, and fun on this occasion. No party is complete without some games that engage and entertain your guests.

How to organize a graduation party? ›

How To Throw A Graduation Party Guidelines
  1. Pick a theme. ...
  2. Make a guest list. ...
  3. Choose party invitations. ...
  4. Mail out your invitations. ...
  5. Collect party supplies. ...
  6. Set Up. ...
  7. Greet your guests and enjoy!
Apr 18, 2023

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