The Best Graduation Party Ideas to Celebrate Grads of Any Age

Two Parties in One

two smiling graduates in white graduation gowns outside house — Melanie Acevedo / Getty Images

Guests might need to split time between multiple parties on a single day. A convenient and economical graduation party idea is to plan a joint event with close friends so partygoers can stay and mingle instead of just dropping by for a few minutes.

Editor's Tip

This works well if you have two grads in the family at the same time, too.

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Outdoor Food Stations

Family enjoying a meal outside — Con Poulos

A simple buffet (with dishes prepared the night before) will satisfy hungry partygoers after a long graduation ceremony. Set out dishes like pulled pork sandwiches, sloppy joes, taco-in-a-bag, and buffalo chicken sliders. Hosting an outdoor party can mean inviting more guests, and it's great to be outside in the late spring.

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Drinks on Ice

Sturdy metal buckets and window planters stand up to the task of keeping party drinks cold when filled with ice. Provide various drink options for party guests, such as soda, water, and lemonade.

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Simple Snacks

Spend more time focusing on your grad's big day than fussing with the food—graduation party food doesn't have to be complicated or homemade. Assemble a pretty cheese plate with fruit, nuts, and crackers, or serve up trays of fresh fruit and cut veggies—no cooking needed. If your grad wants something more unconventional, have a full bagel spread, a dessert bar (instead of food), or carnival-themed snacks.

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Memory Display

A visual of a photo banner for a graduation party. — Courtesy of Etsy

Share fond memories and celebrate your grad's achievements from kindergarten through graduation with a memory timeline. You can buy a banner, like this black and gold one ($12, Etsy), or DIY. Attach important photos to construction paper and hang them from string or a clothesline using clothespins (if your party is indoors, attach them to twine or ribbon and hang from a mantel or across a wall).

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Front Walk Welcome

congrats spelled on paper plates on lawn — Colleen Duffley

Let party guests know they have the right house by adding a sign to your front walkway with this graduation party idea. Cut out letters to spell "congrats" from paper and glue them to paper plates. Attach wooden dowels to the backs of the plates and stick them into the lawn for simple, low-cost graduation party decor.

Editor's Tip

Use your grad's school colors for an extra touch of school spirit.

07 of 19

Grab-and-Go Party Snacks

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Minimize dirty dishes and maximize guest mingling with grab-and-go graduation party snacks. Our spicy cinnamon sugar snack mix fits perfectly in sturdy, bright paper cones.

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Gift Table

To keep the party organized, set up a single place for guests to drop off gifts for your grad. Encourage partygoers to sign a guest book so your grad knows who attended the party and—more importantly— who to send a thank-you note.

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Graduation-Themed Cupcakes

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Graduation party guests will look forward to celebrating with these hat-topped cupcakes. Roll the edges of each frosted cupcake in nonpareils to make a colored rim, then finish the batch by adding hats and tassels made from chocolate-covered cherries, chocolate-covered crackers, small candies, and fruit leather.

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Creative Dessert Bar

The classic sheet cake is good, but a DIY snow cone station is a delicious and memorable graduation party dessert. Set out purchased or homemade syrups in fun bottles with a bucket of shaved ice. Then, let guests craft their own sweet dessert.

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School Spirit Decor

For a rah-rah graduation party idea, show off your grad's school spirit with homemade pennants crafted from felt. These festive DIY party decorations can be assembled ahead of time and make a sweet keepsake for the grad. Use them to decorate their bedroom or dorm room. To make your own, glue felt letters to a felt flag.

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Photos are a Must

three graduates smiling and posing for camera while holding their diplomas in the air — PeopleImages / Getty Images

After the ceremony and before the party, set up a time for your grad to take the requisite pictures with immediate family and close relatives. Ask a guest to handle the photography responsibilities during the party or hire a professional photographer.

Editor's Tip

To encourage impromptu pictures, scatter disposable cameras around the party, or ask guests to text the photos they take with their smartphones to you so you can create an online scrapbook.

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Sweet Note Sharing

good luck notes for graduate — Burcu Avsar

Have party guests leave notes of good luck and best wishes for the grad. Set up a station with scraps of paper, ribbon, and pens. Have each guest write a note and roll up their sweet sentiment. After the party, have the grad open them.

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DIY Photo Booth

A visual of a graduation party photo prop. — Courtesy of Etsy

Capture fun memories and festive party moments with a DIY photo backdrop or photo frame, above ($8, Etsy). Create a simple one by stringing cut squares of metallic paper on a plain wall. Have guests strike a pose and compile the pictures into a sweet gift for the grad. For an extra fun graduation party idea, buy some photo booth props or make a small sign people can hold up that congratulates the graduate.

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Words of Wisdom

graduation quote michael dell green motivational

Share meaningful words of wisdom and advice with the grad. Use inspirational quotes as part of your party decor. Print them on oversize paper and hang them around your party space.

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Greeting Card Box

A visual of a graduation card box. — Courtesy of Amazon

Most partygoers will bring a congratulations card, so having a card box ($10, Amazon) is essential! Wrap a shoe box in paper, find a basket, or use a decorative organization bin the graduate can take to college. Label it or put a little sign near it to make it easier to find.

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Achievement Table Display

happy kid standing in front of trophies and awards at home — MoMo Productions / Getty Images

Recognize all of your grad's accomplishments. Place things like trophies, letterman's jackets, letters of recognition, and their college acceptance letter for all to see. Guests will love seeing how they've succeeded from kindergarten through senior year.

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Heartfelt Table Toppers

A visual of graduation table toppers. — Courtesy of Amazon

Find some place card holders ($16, Amazon), add pictures of the graduate onto each, and add them to tables. Use their senior pictures or photos throughout senior year. This will give guests something fun to discuss while eating your yummy food.

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Pick a Theme

decorated cake on table with brown and blue pennants in background — portishead1 / Getty Images

Stand out and decorate with the graduate's favorite colors, school colors, or future college's colors. Add balloons, banners, flowers, and streamers in the same colors.

Updated by

Savanna Bous