This blog post is about college graduation party themes!

CONGRATS, GRAD!
So, you’re planning your college graduation party, or maybe planning it for someone you know and love! Either way, finding the perfect college graduation party themes is half the equation.
Once you have your perfect party theme, the rest is easy! And in this post I’ve rounded up all the BEST college party themes I could possibly find online.
Let’s get started!
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COLLEGE GRADUATION PARTY THEMES
Table of Contents
How do I choose a graduation theme?
Choosing a graduation party theme should be simple, but it can actually be a really difficult decision if there are multiple theme ideas you love!
If you’re struggling to choose a graduation party theme, here are some tips on where to start:
- Consider your guests. If you’re inviting lots of family members and even grandparents, an elegant backyard party might be a good option. But if your grad party will be only young adults, you might prefer something suited for night time like a glow in the dark party!
- Think about what makes the best memories. What kinds of photos do you want to look back on? Choose a theme that represents you and your friendships.
- Consider your budget. It’s a lot more cost effective to throw a simple potluck party in your backyard with some balloons as decor. But if you want to go all-out and plan something big, you may want to choose a party theme and then find all the best decor you can get. Knowing your budget will help you decide what kinds of college graduation party themes make sense for you!
Okay, now let’s get into the ACTUAL college graduation party themes!
College Graduation Party Themes
1. White & Gold party theme
This white and gold party theme is the PERFECT choice for throwing a simple, elegant party with friends!
Adding some marquee lights and gold balloons to your home will give it some ambience and level up the space.
2. One smart cookie
This “smart cookie” theme is so cute! All you need to do is bake a bunch of different types of cookies, or even ask each of your guests to bring a different type of cookie.
The result? A cute cookie bar that everyone can indulge in!
3. Passport to the future
These “baggage claim” party favors are the CUTEST! You can add some little chocolates or candles to these bags and have each of your guests take one on the way out.
4. Around the world in 80 days
This is the perfect theme for any college graduate who will be moving abroad or even to a different state to start a new adventure. A simple party banner and some on-theme drink tags go a long way!
5. Backyard party
An elegant backyard party is perfect for a family-friendly party and it’s super easy to put together!
Bring some tables outside and throw on some linens and fresh flowers, and you’ve got yourself a fun, elegant backyard party.
6. Pink & orange party
This pink and orange party theme is a great option for an early summer graduation party!
Summer is a great excuse to decorate with all the brightest colors. This color theme will give your party a girly vibe and a great place to take some photos.
7. One degree hotter
This one degree hotter cake is SO CUTE! You can DIY your own with this cake topper and this party banner.
8. Taco themed party
If you love tacos, this taco-themed college graduation party is SUCH a good idea!!
You can put out all the ingredients for guests to make their own tacos, complete with different topping options. Then, grab some balloons and cactus banners. Your guests will be so happy with this!!
9. Coachella party theme
This coachella theme would be such a fun one to do with your friends! Especially if you’re throwing a grad party with other friends who are graduating, this is such a unique way for you all to celebrate!
10. Memory theme
If you’re looking for a more sentimental college graduation party theme, print out a bunch of your favorite memories and set up this memory lane corner.
All you need are some fairy lights and polaroid photos to hang up. You can add this to any venue, whether you’re doing a backyard graduation party or indoor party!
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11. Shoot for the stars theme
This “shoot for the stars” theme is so fitting for any recent grad. You can easily recreate this with some letter balloons and star balloons.
It would also be so cute to get your guests to write letters to the grad encouraging them to shoot for the stars.
12. Elegant graduation party theme
All you need to recreate this elegant party theme are some gold frames and flower vases. You can decorate with flowers that match your school colors!
13. Tropical graduation party
This “aloha grad” tropical theme would be the BEST addition to a pool party!! Add some fruity drinks and snacks, and you’ve already got this party planned.
14. 80's party theme
This 80’s theme is so cute! Plus, everyone could wear 80’s-themed outfits. These props would make for the cutest photos.
15. School spirit
When in doubt, use your school spirit as a custom graduation party theme! You can use decor that’s the same color as your school colors and show off some school spirit.
16. Friends party theme
If Friends kind of got you through college (hello all-nighters and long study days), then a Friends them would be the best!!
If you can set up a comfy couch and a custom backdrop, then you’ve got a great photo booth for your party as well.
17. Floral party theme
A floral party theme is perfect for a spring or summer party! I love the thought of adding these drink tags to your guests’ drinks, either with the name of the graduate or with each guest’s name on it.
18. "Donut you forget about me" theme
If you love donuts (and who doesn’t?!) then this donut theme is perfect. It’s a great way to celebrate all your memories from the last 4 years while having a fun, sweet treat.
19. Candyland party theme
A candy bar sounds HEAVENLY!!
Get some cake stands and fill a table with all your favorite candy and sweets. Your guests will love snacking on sweets while celebrating you!
20. Pink girly theme
This girly pink theme is so fun! You can grab this balloon banner if you want to use it as a cute photo booth backdrop.
21. Ice cream party theme
You know what’s just as good as a candy bar?? An ICE CREAM BAR!
Buy some sprinkles, chocolate/caramel sauce, other toppings, and a few flavors of ice cream. This is one of the best college graduation party themes for summer.
22. Here's to a bright future party theme
This basket of sunglasses is a fun piece of decor and party favors to add to any graduation party! You can also put up a bigger sign with these balloon banners that says “Here’s to a bright future.”
23. Hawaiian luau party
These Hawaiian leis are an easy way to make your graduation party feel warm, inviting, and fun! This would be perfect for a pool party or any outdoor summer party.
24. Bonfire party essentials
Bonfire parties are so fun! This is the perfect graduation party theme if you’re looking for a party that has ambience and feels warm, casual, and relaxed.
25. Boho party theme
You can create a GORGEOUS boho backdrop with a balloon banner and some marquee lights! A boho theme is perfect for anyone who wants their grad party to feel casual and relaxed.
26. Glow in the dark
If you get some glow sticks and LED balloons, you can create a perfectly ambient, fun nighttime graduation party.
This glow in the dark theme would be a great way to level up a house party or joint party with your other friends who are also graduating.
And that’s it for today! I hope you found the college graduation party themes 🙂
This blog post was about college graduation party themes!
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