30+ Best College Graduation Party Ideas To Recreate (2024) (2024)

It’s almost graduation season!

Whether you’re graduating high school or college, it’s worth celebrating this BIG milestone in your life.

While I didn’t get to celebrate my graduation due to the pandemic, I hope you’ll get to have your own graduation party for 2024!

If I could have decorated and created my own party, I would have used these amazing graduation party ideas for my own.

I guarantee that these epic graduation party ideas will help you throw a party you’ll never forget!

30+ Best College Graduation Party Ideas To Recreate (2024) (1)
This post is all about best college graduation party ideas for 2024.

1. A Beautiful Balloon Arch

Recreate this graduation party idea:

If you’re looking for a gold and black graduation party theme, this balloon arch is an essential!

It’s also a perfect backdrop if you want to take photos with your friends to celebrate the special occasion.

2. Cute Charcuterie Boards

30+ Best College Graduation Party Ideas To Recreate (2024) (3)
Recreate this graduation party idea:

Who doesn’t love charcuterie boards at parties?!

This is a subtle, yet cute addition as one of many college graduation party ideas.

Charcuterie boards make a great addition for food appetizers or desserts.

A small snack for your guests would definitely be something to consider before hosting your graduation party.

3. Yummy Champagne Pops

Recreate this graduation party idea:

How cute is this idea?!

Champagne popsicles are a great way to kick off celebrating your huge milestone as adults.

They’re super yummy and refreshing!

4. A Polaroid Wall

Recreate this graduation party idea:

I feel like a polaroid wall is a must when it comes to graduation parties.

Using a polaroid camera to capture these special memories is an awesome way to remember and hang them and look back on one day.

5. Wrap Pictures Around Trees

Although a polaroid wall would be super cute, another creative way to hang up your memories is by wrapping your pictures around trees.

Even better, you could use fairy lights to add a little sparkle to make them light up at night.

6. Have A Mini Candy Bar

Recreate this graduation party idea:

What’s a party without some sweets and yummy treats!

A cute candy bar like this would be a great way for your guests to enjoy a small treat, especially if they have a sweet tooth!

And you could be creative with the labels as well for each candy jar!

7. Outdoor Backyard Party

Recreate this graduation party idea:

A backyard set up with lanterns and lights would make for a beautiful party.

It’ll definitely create a dreamy, softer vibe for your party, which could be a vibe you’d want to consider.

8. Patio String Lights

You honestly can’t go wrong with patio string lights.

They just add a warmer, happier ambiance to the environment. Especially for an outdoors grad party, I’d highly recommend putting patio string lights somewhere in your backyard if you can.

9. Graduation Diploma Cookies

How cute and yummy do these graduation cookies look!

Want to make your own?

Get these cute graduation cookie cutters and make your own!

If you’re looking for dessert recipes or treats, a creative way is to customize your own cookies for your party.

10. Cute Sparklers

30+ Best College Graduation Party Ideas To Recreate (2024) (16)

This is a creative idea if you want to celebrate your graduation by having a sparkler send-off.

You can buy sparklers at Party City or Walmart!

Just make sure that sparklers are legal in your state since each state may have different laws.

11. Confetti Balloons

Recreate this graduation party idea:

I love confetti balloons because they just add so much detail to decorations.

Also, these heart-shaped rose colored balloons are so cute to put around your house or backyard as a backdrop for guests to take pictures.

12. Pin The Tassel On The Grad

Recreate this graduation party idea:

Graduation games are super fun to keep you and your guests entertained at your party.

This ‘Pin The Tassel On The Grad’ game will make for some good laughs and memories to remember.

13. Graduation Polaroid Guest Book

Recreate this graduation party idea:

A graduation guest book is a great way for your guests to take photos and write down special memories they have had with you.

Trust me, you’ll be so grateful that you can look back on this guestbook in the future.

14. A Beautiful Graduation Backdrop

A photo wall backdrop is super cute for you and your friends to take photos.

I’d recommend putting this backdrop on your front yard or backyard since the lighting will be the best!

This would be a really creative idea for a graduation party.

15. Set Up A Yummy Taco Station

Recreate this graduation party idea:

Did someone say tacos?!

A taco station bar is literally the best way to serve food at a graduation party.

You don’t have to think so hard about what main entrees to get.

And if you want to make tacos for your guests to eat already, these taco holders are perfect.

16. Create DIY Graduation Wine Bottles

Recreate this graduation party idea:

If you’re looking for table centerpieces or adding details to your decor, spray painting plastic wine bottles is a great DIY idea.

You can save money and make your party look fancy on a budget!

17. Set Up A Mimosa Bar

Recreate this graduation party idea:

I seriously think a drink station is a must for your grad party.

It’s such a cute idea and your guests will appreciate having multiple choices to choose from in terms of drinks/refreshers.

18. Create Memory-Filled Mason Jars

Recreate this graduation party idea:

I love this graduation party idea because you’ll get to remember and look back on memories your guests wrote about you.

This is a great way for your loved ones to share a special memory of you on your big day.

19. Have A Graduation Themed Candy Station

Recreate this graduation party idea:

Why not have a graduation-themed candy bar station?

It’s a creative way to treat your guests to their favorite candies!

20. Hand Out Graduation Advice Cards

30+ Best College Graduation Party Ideas To Recreate (2024) (30)
Recreate this graduation party idea:

Assuming that some of your guests may be older than you and your peers, this is a great way to get some words of wisdom from them.

This is a perfect opportunity for people to share their knowledge and wisdom with you

This graduation party idea might also be really valuable advice to consider for your future.

21. Do A Graduation Sash Photoshoot

30+ Best College Graduation Party Ideas To Recreate (2024) (32)
Recreate this graduation party idea:

Want to end your graduation celebration with a shebang?

Create a big backdrop in your frontyard for you and your graduating peers to take photos in front of.

You could also ask your peers to bring their caps and gowns as props for your mini photoshoot!

22. Create A Disposable Camera Area

Film cameras are super trendy right now.

This is a great way for your guests to individually capture memories from your graduation party.

These disposable cameras are great, creative party favors that you can put out for your guests.

23. Hang Photos On Fairy Lights

If you plan to host a graduation party indoors, hanging photos on fairy lights would add some spice to your decor.

These inexpensive fairy lights are perfect to light up the room and have your guests walk through while looking at the photos you hung up.

24. Have A Karaoke Session

You could never go wrong with a fun karaoke session with friends to celebrate!

Whether you decide to do one indoors or outdoors, this is such an entertaining, fun way to get your guests grooving with you!

25. A DIY Photo Booth

Blue and gold details for your graduation party are beautiful colors to add.

This backyard setup is a lovely idea as a photoshoot backdrop and for guests to take pictures with you.

26. Graduation Tableware And Napkins

Recreate this graduation party idea:

If you’re into a long table party setup, you’ll need to prepare the centerpieces, tableware, and tablecloth.

A long table setup may take some time and effort, but it goes a long way. Your guests will definitely remember this night for a while.

27. A Graduation Cupcake Bar

Recreate this graduation party idea:

You could never go wrong with a cupcake station. And how cute are these cupcake toppings!

I’d recommend putting a variety of cupcake flavors such as chocolate, red velvet, and vanilla on the cupcake station for your guests to choose from.

28. Graduation CANDY Party Favors

30+ Best College Graduation Party Ideas To Recreate (2024) (39)

Party favors could be a great idea for your guests.

If you want to hand out party favors during or at the end of your party, feel free to get creative on what those party favors could be.

You could do an idea like the one above.

You could write a congratulation letter to your peers and hand out a tassel with their name labeled on it.

29. Chocolate Filled Diplomas

30+ Best College Graduation Party Ideas To Recreate (2024) (41)

Looking for more dessert ideas?

I just have a really big sweet tooth.

So I’d definitely want a dessert station at a graduation party (haha).

These ‘diploma’ rolls are sooo cute and they look delicious.

Check out the full recipe here.

30. Graduation Selfie Frames

Recreate this graduation party idea:

A photo backdrop would not be the same without photo selfie props.

You and your guests will definitely have some fun using a selfie frame and choosing different props to take photos with!

31. Play A ‘Guess Who’ Graduation Game

Recreate this graduation party idea:

This is a fun way to keep your guests entertained and have a good laugh.

Whoever is able to guess all the answers correctly or get the most points, he or she could get a fun prize!

32. Graduation Memory Blocks

30+ Best College Graduation Party Ideas To Recreate (2024) (45)
Recreate this graduation party idea:

This is so fun and an interactive way for your guests to write their special memories of you.

You could still play the game of Jenga with your friends.

At the same time, you’ll be able to look back on what your friends and family had to say about you!

This post was all about the best college graduation party ideas for 2024.

I hope this post inspired you with more ideas for your own graduation party!

If you know anyone that’s about to graduate this year, feel free to share this post with them so they can get inspired as well!

(Related post: 26 Perfect College Graduation Gifts For Her She’ll Absolutely Love)

30+ Best College Graduation Party Ideas To Recreate (2024) (2024)

FAQs

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.

How do you make a graduation party stand out? ›

To make your graduation party truly special, consider personalizing your decorations. For example, you could create a photo wall with pictures of the new grad throughout their life or academic career. You could also use the grad's favorite colors or incorporate their hobbies and interests into the decor.

How do you throw the best college party ever? ›

The key is to have fun with it and not be afraid to think outside the box. Make sure to include decorations, music, and food that fit with the theme, and don't forget to set the mood with lighting and maybe even costumes. With the perfect theme, your party will be unforgettable.

How do you throw an inexpensive college 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.

Do people do graduation parties for college? ›

Celebrating your friend or family member who is graduating from college is a special way to mark the occasion and recognize his or her accomplishments. It's also a great way for the graduate to spend time with friends who they may be parting ways with soon.

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 reasonable 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.

What food to serve at a graduation party? ›

Your kids will love the classic party food ideas, like pepperoni pizza rolls, pigs in a blanket, cheeseburger sliders, and buffalo chicken dip. But whichever dishes you choose to serve at your grad's party, don't forget a celebratory dessert!

What is the best time of day for a graduation 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.

Is it rude to go to a graduation party without a gift? ›

If it's someone who is graduating from high school, the minimum is $20-$25. If it's a college graduate it's around $50, Symington said. 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.

How do you celebrate a college graduate? ›

Graduation Party Decoration Ideas
  1. Polaroid Photo Booth. ...
  2. Set Up a Photo Booth. ...
  3. Decorate With Fun Balloons. ...
  4. Make Childhood Photos Centerpieces. ...
  5. Make a Balloon Garland. ...
  6. Have a Friends-Themed Photo Background. ...
  7. Create a Graduation Memory Board. ...
  8. Set Out a Wisdom Jar for the Graduate.
Feb 15, 2024

How much should you spend on a college 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 do you give at a college 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.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Errol Quitzon

Last Updated:

Views: 6082

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (59 voted)

Reviews: 82% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Errol Quitzon

Birthday: 1993-04-02

Address: 70604 Haley Lane, Port Weldonside, TN 99233-0942

Phone: +9665282866296

Job: Product Retail Agent

Hobby: Computer programming, Horseback riding, Hooping, Dance, Ice skating, Backpacking, Rafting

Introduction: My name is Errol Quitzon, I am a fair, cute, fancy, clean, attractive, sparkling, kind person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.