The Best Graduation Party Ideas For High School Or College Graduates

This post is all about the best graduation party ideas for any high school or college graduate!

It’s GRADUATION time & that means planning a whole party to celebrate the crazy milestone!

Sometimes that can be scary but after this post, hopefully, it will become exciting with all of the different graduation party ideas you can do. There are many details here to help decide on the theme, the food, the location, and more!

So let’s get into these super trendy graduation party ideas!

The Best Graduation Party Ideas For High School Or College Graduates

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1. Entry Sign

The very first thing any party needs is a sign letting the guests know they are in the right place!

Amazon and Etsy are the best places to find the perfect entry sign for you.

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2. balloons & more balloons

Balloons are the best (& cheapest) decoration to use for any party.

You can just get a tank of air and a set of balloons in the color you desire.

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3. balloon boxes

We recently found these on Amazon and these are PERFECT!

You can put it against the backdrop or right next to the front door if you are hosting the party at your house.

4. set up a drinks station

Having a drink stand is a party must-have for a college or high school graduation. You can have drinks that the grad wants but also what the guest will want.

You can also rent a full drink stand from companies like SweetSavageRentals and others online if you want certain things at the party.

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5. College fund Sign

Many people (including myself) often just give money as a graduation gift so make it easy on them with this college fund QR picture.

If they graduated college already, get them a life advice bucket where people can write their advice!

6. look into local vendors

Does anyone have a bus with super fun activities inside it?

I know I don’t and if you’re the same look into local and online vendors who specialize in parties then rent from them!

7. Use the food as decorations

Planning a graduation party can get expensive so turn the food into a whole decoration. Buy some cheap tables, table covers, and some food stands than a large part of the decor is done!

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8. think of different places to have the party

When we saw this photo, we knew we had to include it. It’s a good reminder that a graduation party does not have to be in your backyard just cause everyone else is.

You can have it by a pool, conference room, or anywhere else you can think of!

9. graduation card holder

We don’t expect gifts but they are always appreciated ;).

With these card holders, you can set them on the table where the gifts are and make sure to keep the cards all together.

10. customized cake

Depending on your budget, you may not want to go all out on a cake but if you do, think about adding a graduation cap with a diploma. Honestly, just show the cake designer this photo!

However, you can also buy a delicious cake from the grocery store that I’m sure your grad will love.

11. customized Schedule

If you decide to have a dinner for a graduation party think about adding a card for each person on the table.

You can fully customize it and print them off at OfficeSupply for pretty cheap too.

12. fruit assortment

One of the BEST graduation parties I’ve been to had a fruit assortment. It was a BIG hit with the adults and with these separate cups above, everyone can have their own.

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13. photo displays

This is probably my favorite graduation display I’ve seen online.

You can see the older version of the graduate to the left and the younger to the right. How beautiful is that?!

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14. Sweet Display

I am one for sweets like on my birthday I want a cake with rainbow sprinkles and buttercream frosting – the more sugar the better.

I know this party isn’t for me but if you’re graduate is the same, stock up on cupcakes and set up a huge stand for them!

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15. customized cookies

Does your graduate not like cake? Or want a unique approach to their graduation party?

How about some customized cookies for their graduation? You can call a local baker or find an assortment of them online!

16. put the food the graduates want to eat

I often see graduation parties with the same types of food and that’s great but…. it’s important to have the food the graduate wants. If they want pizza, have pizza. If they want something else, have the other thing.

Remember this party is to celebrate them so block out the haters (cringy ik) but still :).