This blog post is about college graduation party ideas!
If you know me, you know I’ll take any excuse to throw a party… and graduation is a pretty dang good excuse for a party!!
If you’re graduating soon and know you want (need!) to celebrate, then this post is for you.
I searched the internet for the BEST college graduation party ideas, and I’m putting them all here for you!
Let’s jump in and get your grad party planned.
Note: This site contains affiliate links, view our disclaimer for more information.
COLLEGE GRADUATION PARTY IDEAS
Table of Contents
How do you host a college graduation party?
Planning a party can sometimes be overwhelming, but the good news is that graduation parties are actually really easy to plan.
- Choose a location (backyard, party room, pool, or house party?)
- Pick a vibe for your decor (you can choose a theme or just choose what colors you want to stick to)
- Come up with a sentimental element (like a memory wall or ‘advice’ jar) and some fun elements (like a DIY photo booth or a food cart!)
- Send out your invites, get your favorite food, and have a good time!
Lucky for you, we’re going to dive into some ideas in this post that will make the process of planning sooo much easier.
College Graduation Party Ideas
1. Decorate with marquee lights
If you want your graduation party to feel extravagant and celebratory, get these marquee lights and a balloon backdrop!
You can get lights that spell ‘GRAD’ or even your graduation year (ie ’25’), which will feel like such a unique celebration.
2. Set up a drinks wall
A drinks wall like this is actually fairly easy to recreate with these champagne cups, and it makes your party feel 10x more elegant.
You can have this at the entrance of your party to welcome guests with a drink.
3. Serve charcuterie cups
Charcuterie cups are such a cute and easy idea! If you love the idea of a charcuterie board but don’t want to put together a huge board for your guests, just make these individual cups.
4. Host an outdoor party
Outdoor parties are always so fun; especially in the spring and summer!
Get these LED cafe lights so you can keep partying into the evening 🙂
5. Create a balloon pathway
This balloon pathway is such a fun way to welcome guests into your party!
Grab a bunch of balloons along with these balloon stands, and you can set this up at the entrance of your grad party, whether you’re doing it indoors or outdoors.
6. Host a sunset dinner party
A susnset dinner party is such a vibe! This is perfect if you’re looking to do a more chill graduation party with your closest friends and family.
Get some candles to scatter throughout your table for added ambience!
7. Get a tent for an outdoor party
Whether it’s rain or shine, it’s nice to have a tent so guests can get a break in the shade. Plus, tents are easy to decorate and make the party feel more official.
8. Throw a pool party
If you have a pool, definitely throw a pool party!!
Everyone loves pool parties, and you can decorate your pool with balloons letters like this. Plus, a pool party is the perfect way to take advantage of good weather.
9. Rent a food cart
Want college graduation party ideas that your guests will LOVE but won’t expect? Rent a food cart!
10. Decorate drinks with drink tags
These graduation year tags are an easy way to make your party feel more graduation-themed.
They’re such a cute little detail that adds to your celebration!
Follow us on TikTok @homestylingbymaya for more home decor ideas, first apartment finds & moving tips, shopping recommendations, and more!
11. Decorate drinks with custom drink stirrers
Another option is to get these drink stirrers with your graduation year! These are a cute little detail and they’re perfect if you’re hoping to serve punch or cocktails.
12. Decorate wine bottles
Decorating wine bottles with your school colors is a really easy way to make your graduation party feel more tailored to you.
You can do this with any type of wine you love!
13. Get custom wine stoppers
These custom wine stoppers double as a cute decor piece AND a great take-home memento for your guests!
14. Advice & wishes for the graduate jar
I love the idea of having an advice jar! It’s such an easy way to get your guests involved in celebrating your accomplishments.
You can grab this mason jar and these advice cards, and your guests can each write a piece of life advice or career advice for your next chapter.
15. Photo guestbook
A photo guestbook is another sweet way to remember the people who were there to celebrate your accomplishments.
You can pair it with this scrapbook so guests can also write pieces of advice or thoughtful messages.
16. Cover cups with graduation caps
Aren’t these graduation cap cup covers so cute?!
These would be the perfect addition to your drink table!
17. Set up a pasta bar station
Pasta is an AMAZING party food because it’s easy to make and almost everyone loves it.
Plus, if you prepare a couple different types of pasta and a few different sauces, then people can choose exactly what they want!
18. College fund QR code print
This QR code college fund is so cute! Since you’re graduating college, you could take this same concept but change it to ‘first apartment fund’ or ‘first home fund’ or something similar.
19. "For a bright future" sunglasses basket
This little decor detail is so thoughtful for a grad party! Plus, this way, your guests can take their sunglasses home as a party favor.
20. Set up a cute desserts table
EVERYONE loves a cute dessert table! It’s surprisingly easy to make a donut wall.
And, you can grab these mini chalkboard labels for other types of desserts.
21. Set up a cute graduation table
This table is a great way to welcome guests into your party and give them ways to celebrate you.
You can add a photo of yourself, a welcome sign, guestbook, advice jar, and any other little activities you want on display.
22. Get a mirror welcome sign
A mirror is such an elegant way to display a welcome sign.
You can grab a cute mirror like this and some custom text to place on top. Your guests will love taking mirror selfies with your welcome sign!
23. Or get a regular welcome sign
A regular welcome sign always works too! Grab a stand and put together a sign with your photo, and you’ve already got the perfect college graduation party decor that’s tailored to you.
24. Achievements wall
This achievements wall is a great idea! Use a wood palette to display your grad cap, degree, photos, and any awards or trophies you’ve received throughout college.
25. Set up a memory lane corner
A memory lane corner is one of the easiest but sweetest college graduation party ideas. Print out a bunch of photos from your college years and display them in a corner or on a wall so that your guests can admire where life has taken you.
26. Fruit table
These number trays and fruit forks are perfect for a summery fruit table!
27. Decorate champagne glasses with pink bows
Adding bows to champagne glasses is one of the easiest way to dress up your college graduation party and make it feel more elegant!
I love these pink bows, but you could buy whatever color of ribbon you like.
And that’s it for today! I hope you found the perfect college graduation party ideas 🙂
This blog post was about college graduation party ideas!
OTHER POST'S YOU MAY LIKE...
