DIY Graduation Party Ideas

If you need graduation party ideas, look no further. I’m sharing planning tips, ideas for themes, food, and DIY’s. Here’s everything you need to celebrate the graduate whether it’s high school or college.

It’s time to round up some of my favorite tips and suggestions for hosting a graduation party at home. Around here most people celebrate graduation in one of three ways:

  1. They go to a restaurant for a small intimate gathering with family.
  2. They host a small family dinner party.
  3. Or they create a fun and festive mid-size party for family and friends.

How to Plan

You can apply the ideas here to options two and three. There are food suggestions that can feed a small crowd, and graduation themes that are perfect for girls or boys looking ahead to the future.

Most of these ideas can be applied to high school or college graduation. You can always tweak something to suit your needs, and you can always customize the party with school colors and personal photos.

Where to Host

Depending on where you live there are a variety of option for you as a host.

  • Check your neighborhood community center if you have one. Of course a rental fee will likely apply.
  • Some churches may offer space to hold your graduation party.
  • You can set up a party in your own backyard. This is usually the most desirable choice since it’s free and you can set up at a leisurely pace. Of course this also brings on the need for folding tables and chairs, and a party tent so guests can get out of the sun.
  • I’ve also been to graduation parties that are set up in the garage. This is usually due to rain when the party was planned for the back yard.
  • If you’re lucky enough to have the space, you can host the party in your home. A clean basement is also a great option if you have it.
Ideas for graduation parties

Tips to Keep in Mind

  • You can host a graduation party in a similar way that you would host a birthday party. Make the graduate the central focus and you can include some of their favorite things like food, music, a photo collage, etc.
  • Most graduation ceremonies take place in the middle of the day. They start in late morning and last a couple of hours. Guests will be famished by the time it’s over so schedule the party soon after.
  • The party will likely last about two hours. This gives everyone ample time to eat, drink, chat, and offer congratulations.
  • Host the party ‘open-house” style. There may be other parties that guests need to attend. And don’t forget, the graduate will probably want to hang out with their friends later on to celebrate together.

Themes

Host a party for the graduate and celebrate their accomplishment using a fun theme. Let that be your guide for food, DIY projects, and decorations.

white frame with DIY key decoration with words of inspiration attached.

Keys To Success Theme

This is my most popular graduation party theme, and it’s really well suited for college graduates. Create my keys to success decoration for this original key design that’s easy to DIY. It includes a welcome table and party favors too.

tablescape set up outdoors with brown and gold decor, including flower centerpiece inside a birdcage, and graduation pennants.

Create a Keys to Success themed tablescape with a fabulous Anthropologie look. You’ll get budget-friendly ideas you can do yourself, and it’s a beautiful look for an intimate dinner party.

dessert table set up outdoors with gold and cream decorations and desserts.

Set up a coordinating key themed dessert table with cute and tasty key details added to the treats.

puff pastry roll ups tied with ribbon to look like diplomas.

Add these delicious and whimsical Nutella puff pastry rolls to the dessert table. They’re easy to make and they look like diplomas when tied with ribbon.

white table with keys scattered about and black balloons floating above.

This Keys to Success balloon display is a great addition to the Keys to Success graduation theme.

Personalized Cookies

Set your party apart by serving these custom cookie designs in the graduate’s likeness. These whimsical cookies can be served as dessert or handed out as party favors.

outdoor party table with boxed lunch, and flower centerpiece.

Backyard Picnic Theme

This shabby chic backyard graduation party with boxed lunches is perfect for a family and friends soiree. You can pre-fill the boxes with sandwiches, salads, fruit, and chips.

photo collage of party foods for a graduation.

Whether your hosting a small or large crowd you’re going to need recipes that can go the distance. Here’s what to serve at a graduation party with a focus on backyard gatherings.

tablescape with black and gold decorations for graduation.

Classic Black and Gold Theme

If you love hosting with a traditional style then you’ll love this black and gold graduation party. This celebration compliments any theme or school, and it’s ideal for middle school graduation or high school graduation.

Create a themed tablescape, a festive dessert table, and more!

small milk bottles topped with DIY graduation caps.

Everyone will adore these cute DIY graduation caps. Use them as bottle toppers to make the party more festive, and you can make them in any color to match your schools colors.

three glasses and a pitcher filled with golden colored punch, on tray.

A graduation party serves guests of all ages. Make sure you have a family friendly punch that does the same. This golden colored punch is a winning combination of flavors.

girl in cap and gown in front of gold balloon backdrop.

Create a focal point with a balloon backdrop where everyone can take a selfie.

balloons lining outdoor sidewalk to house.
front door to home with party sign and balloons decorations.

Give your guests a festive first impression with this outdoor balloon decor. These ideas welcomes guests from the walkway all the way to the front door.

graduation party A Bright Future theme

A Bright Future Theme

Look ahead to the possibilities with this Bright Future themed graduation party. The focus is a creative dessert table with great ideas to incorporate. This is really cute for a younger kids celebration.

black and white themed tablescape with cake centerpiece, topped with flowers.

Black and White Theme

A classic black and white party is made for any celebration. It’s perfect for the college graduate who wants an intimate gathering with refined details.

black and white dessert parfaits in tall jars.

Serve black and white mini desserts for a lovely touch. Everyone gets their own single serving cup.

Whomever you’re celebrating, I hope you’ll incorporate some of these graduation party ideas into the festivities. Whether it’s a grade school graduation or a college graduation, there’s sure to be something for everyone!

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11 Comments

  1. Love the idea of “keys to success” advice from loved ones. I’m getting it together now-thanks-I think it will be interesting to see what people write down.

    1. I’m so glad to hear that, Pamela. Best of luck. I’m sure it will be fantastic!

    1. Hi,
      I love this idea … trying to follow this theme for my daughter’s graduation party. I am having a heck of a time finding a white 2-tier cake stand for the dessert table. Can you tell me where you got yours?
      Thanks!

      1. Kelly, that is 2 cake stands – the smaller one sitting on top of the larger one. I think Target has them in 2 sizes you could use. Also, World Market, or other stores with a housewares department should have them.
        Good luck!

        1. We had the grad party this past weekend and everything was such a hit!! Everyone LOVED the theme and decorations. I had a blast making everything and putting it all together. All of our guests went on and on about it and I was happy to give you all the credit. I told everyone, I am definitely not very creative but I am a pretty good copy-cat. 🙂 You made this very special occasion work so perfectly. Thank you so much! I have some pictures of the party I would love to share with you…can I tag you on FB or email them to you? 🙂

          Kelly

  2. What a great theme idea for a more “grown-up” grad party! I also have to agree with many of the commenters here – love the chocolate diploma rolls!

  3. The keys to success idea is perfect, and different from anything I’ve seen. Love the chocolate rolled diplomas too!

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