This blog post is about high school graduation party ideas.
You only graduate from high school once, so you deserve to have the party of your dreams!
Whether you’re a soon-to-be grad planning your own party, or you’re planning a surprise graduation party for someone you know, here are the BEST high school graduation party ideas.
In this post, we’ll go over everything from decorations to invitations to food, and more.
So buckle up and let’s get started!
Note: This site contains affiliate links, view our disclaimer for more information.
HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION PARTY IDEAS
Table of Contents
High School Graduation Party Decorations
1. Balloon path
A balloon path serves multiple functions. It’s a great way to direct guests to the party while also adding some celebratory decor!
2. Balloon arch
A party is never really complete without a balloon arch. This balloon arch would go perfectly with the “congrats grad” sign!
3. Decorate with marquee lights
You can buy these marquee lights to represent their graduation year!
It’s a perfect way to make their party feel more luxurious while instilling pride about the year they graduated.
4. Entry table decor
Having an entry table with cute decor like a sign, flowers, and a place to write cards to the graduate will instantly make the party feel more homey and meaningful.
5. Photo booth
Whenever you have the opportunity to do a photo booth, I say do it!
All you need is a nice backdrop, then you can optionally add props or a sign with their name. This is an easy and memorable way to celebrate the graduate.
6. Balloons backdrop
If you want an extravagant photo booth backdrop, go with these balloons and a name sign!
7. Flower wall
You can get this flower wall on Etsy which would be the perfect elegant backdrop for photos. Having flowers really sets the tone for any party and you can easily build the rest of your decor around this!
8. Acrylic sign
This acrylic sign would be a cute addition to your entry way decor!
You can even pair it with these disco balls and a vase of flowers.
9. Graduation drink tags
Don’t you love these graduation drink tags?!
Whether you’re drinking homemade punch, iced tea, or soda, these drink tags will level up the experience.
10. Graduation wine stoppers
These custom wine stoppers will make any party feel more elevated and well-planned.
They would also make great party favors for people to take home at the end.
Follow us on TikTok @homestylingbymaya for more home decor ideas, first apartment finds & moving tips, shopping recommendations, and more!
11. Photo Table centerpiece
Adding a photo of the graduate to every table centerpiece is a simple way to make their party decor unique and meaningful.
Print off your favorite photos of them, put them in these frames and then set those next to flowers in this vase!
12. Pool party floats
If you’re planning a pool party for graduation, these pool floats are some of the best high school graduation party ideas!
13. LED balloon centerpieces
These LED balloons are great for the centerpiece of an evening backyard party, an indoor party, or even an evening pool party.
14. Custom cupcake toppers
One of my favorite high school graduation party ideas is these custom cupcake toppers. They’re such a simple addition to the party but they go a long way in making it feel more personalized!
High School Graduation Party Ideas
1. Memory lane corner
This “memory lane corner” is such a sweet idea. Print out your favorite photos of the grad, or even get friends to submit their beset memories from the last four years of high school.
Then, you can clip them up in a corner as a little station for guests to observe.
2. Polaroid pictures guestbook
You can never go wrong with polaroid pictures!!
All you need to do is leave out a polaroid, a scrapbook, and some polaroid film. Your guests can snap pictures throughout the party to create a dedicated album.
3. College fund QR code picture frame
This college fund QR code frame is such a sweet idea!
If this high school grad is heading to college in the fall, this QR code is a great way for their family and friends to support them as they go.
4. "To a Bright Future" sunglasses basket
This basket is the perfect balance of cheesy and cute. It’s perfect for a summer party or even a pool party where people will need sunglasses anyways.
Plus, they can take these sunglasses home with them as a party favor.
5. Graduation awards display section
The perfect way to celebrate any recent grad is to display all their awards!
Set up a cute awards station at your party, either on a table or in crates like this inspo photo shows.
6. Set up a flower bar station
A flower bar is the cutest activity for a high school graduation party that doubles as a party favor.
Put out all kinds of cute vases and flowers, and let guests make their own bouquets! This is perfect for a summer time or backyard graduation party.
7. Cute Desserts table
Isn’t this dessert table the cutest?!
I love these number platters because you can buy the numbers that represent the year they graduated. Then, you can fill the table with a variety of desserts that party guests will love!
Whether you go with a donut platter or some cake, you can’t go wrong with a few sweets.
8. Set up a donut stand
This donut stand is so cute! Everyone loves donuts, so why not make them part of the party decor?!
9. Rent a food cart
A food cart is a great way to level up the presentation of your graduation party meal. This will give your party a more campus-like and young feel to represent the grad.
10. DIY diploma napkins
These diploma napkins are so cute and easy to recreate!
All you need are regular napkins and some black ribbon. It’s a tiny detail, but it really ties in the whole grad theme.
11. Pasta bar
Who WOULDN’T be a fan of a pasta bar?!
This is a great way to feed your guests at a low cost while making your party aesthetic and fun. They can choose their favorite type of pasta, sauce, and toppings. What’s not to love?!
12. Pizza table
You also can’t go wrong with pizza. Just order a bunch of pizzas and lay them out on a long table and let guests have at it!
13. Tacos station
Tacos are another food that everyone LOVES and it’s so easy to make them appealing.
Line them up at a taco station like this, add little labels to tell guests what’s in each type of taco, and let them eat away!
14. Words of wisdom for grads jar
This “words of wisdom” jar is such a cute idea for any recent grad.
They’ll be needing all the advice they can get as they head into college (or just adulthood in general). Have each guest write some advice and words of wisdom and then stick it in this jar for the grad to read later!
15. Throw a pool party
Everyone loves a pool party! A graduation pool party is the perfect way to celebrate and kick off a fun summer.
High School Graduation Party Invitations
1. Wildflower invitation
These wildflower invitations are the perfect girly way to invite guests to a summery graduation party.
2. Monogram invitations
If you’re looking for some elegant and feminine graduation party invitations, these monogram invitations give off such an elevated vibe!
3. Photo invitation template
You can’t go wrong with a sweet photo of the grad that people can stick on their fridge. Pick some of their senior photos, add the details to this template, and then send out the photo invites!
4. Acrylic invite
This acrylic invite is the PERFECT way to make your party feel more put-together and luxurious.
Guests definitely won’t forget receiving this!
5. Elegant invite
When in doubt, go with a simple and neutral gold invite like this.
It’s got space for all the important details in one place, and that’s all you really need!
6. Grad cap invite
This grad cap invite is fitting for both girls and guys. No matter who you’re planning a grad party for (even if it’s yourself!), these invites send the right message and have space for all the details right on the front.
7. Pink tassel invite
Don’t you love this pink tassel invite?! It’s got such a fun, youthful vibe with the saying “the future is bright.”
This is a great way to tell guests what your party is all about while giving them all the details they need.
8. Dainty invitation
When in doubt, you can always opt for a dainty invitation that has space for a photo. Best of both worlds!
9. Pastel invitation
This pastel invitation feels both fun and elegant! It’s perfect for a graduation party that takes place in the spring or summer.
10. Arch graduation invite
If you’re into more of a boho vibe, this arch invite gives off that feeling!
The green and pink gives it both a fun and natural aesthetic, and I love that there’s still room for a photo.
High School Graduation Party Appetizers
1. Cream cheese bruschetta
I couldn’t write a post about the best high school graduation party ideas without including bruschetta. It’s always a guest favorite!
2. Mushroom pankoras
These mushroom pankoras look AMAZING, and they only take 35 minutes to whip up!
3. Bacon wrapped pigs in a blanket
Pigs in a blanket are always a hit… but wrapping them in bacon?! That will make them a crowd FAVORITE.
4. Veggie pinwheels
These veggie pinwheels are the perfect party finger food. Especially for a spring or summer party outdoors!
5. Spinach artichoke dip
I don’t know about you, but I could eat spinach and artichoke dip all. day.
Put this on a platter with some tortilla chips and pitas, and you’ve got the best indulgent party snack!
6. Shrimp on cucumber
These shrimp and cucumber bites are such unique high school graduation party ideas. They’re healthy and they look so yummy!
Deviled eggs always make any party feel a little more elegant and luxurious. These avocado deviled eggs are especially unique!
High School Graduation Party Main Courses
1. Caesar pasta salad
Caesar salad and pasta salad are both the perfect summer dishes, which is why this caesar pasta salad is the perfect blend for a high school graduation party!
2. Roast beef sliders
I always get SO excited when there are sliders at parties. They’re filling and delicious, so I feel like you can’t go wrong with these.
3. Slow cooker chicken burrito bowl
I love a recipe that you can throw in the slow cooker and practically guarantee it’ll come out perfect. That’s this slow cooker chicken burrito bowl recipe!
4. Pizza cupcakes
These bite-sized pizzas are the PERFECT high school graduation party ideas. They’re easy finger foods but they’re still so filling!
5. Buffalo chicken dip
Dip makes every party better. Plus, buffalo chicken is always a hit. This buffalo chicken dip looks heavenly!
6. Shrimp in a blanket
Shrimp are an amazing party food on their own. But, your guests will obsess over these shrimp in a blanket because it adds the perfect amount of crunch and satisfaction!
7. Air fryer potato skins
I’m always amazed at how much an air fryer can do. If you have an air fryer, this potato skin recipe is a great way to make your graduation party food more filling (and delicious)!
High School Graduation Party Desserts
1. Chocolate sprinkle cookies
Not only do these sprinkle cookies look delicious, they would also look so aesthetically pleasing on a dessert table for graduation!
2. Strawberry mango salsa
It’s always a good idea to have a fruit option on your dessert table. This mango and strawberry salsa would complement other desserts perfectly.
Plus, a mix like this would be SO refreshing in the summer!
3. Pink champagne jello shots
These jello shots look sooo elegant and aesthetic! These are perfect for a pool party or backyard graduation party.
4. Texas sheet cake
You can’t go wrong with sheet cake. Especially when it’s made from scratch!!
5. Chocolate coffee mousse
This chocolate coffee mousse is making my mouth water. And, serving them in these individual little cups makes them even cuter.
6. Pink chocolate covered strawberries
Why have regular chocolate covered strawberries when you can make them pink?!
These look so yummy!
7. Strawberry crunch cupcakes
This strawberry crunch cupcake looks UNREAL.
The recipe comes with complete instructions, including how to make the frosting!!
And that’s it for today! I hope you found the perfect graduation gift 🙂
This blog post was about college graduation gifts for him!
OTHER POST'S YOU MAY LIKE...
