35+ Ideas and Inspiration for
Planning a Graduation Party

Planning a graduation party is an honor.  It's always gratifying to acknowledge and reward someone's hard work when a major accomplishment has been achieved.  One way to show how proud you really are is to throw an epic party in their honor.  Infuse the graduate's personality, energy, and success into each and every party element to make everything feel personal.  A high school graduation is a big deal, so make sure that the celebration is equally deserving.

Planning A Graduation Party

Just like any other party, you need a date, time, place, and guest list to kick things off.  Now what?  Take a look at the party ideas here that will get you excited about planning a graduation party.  Relax, all it takes is imagination and preparation.  And we've got the inspiration for both.

1.  High school graduation party invitations.

Make your celebration all the more special with a photo graduation party invitation.   At a glance, it's easy to see who the party is for and the party details are just as clear.

Graduation party invitation for two graduates.

Planning a graduation party for two is double the fun!  When there is a special bond between two graduates, why not honor them together?  These invitations equally recognize each of the two graduates with a modern template that can easily be customized.  It's a great idea because the closer it gets to graduation day, the more parties there are to attend.  And no one wants to miss a chance to party.

Cheap graduation party invites.

2.  Graduation party supply kits.

Planning a graduation party that is casual and fun?  Take a look at these all-in-one kits that provide everything needed for a party of 50.  From the tablecloth to the plates and cups, these party supplies are color coordinated and the theme is on point.

3.  Graduation guest book.

Make it a point to include special things that will become treasured keepsakes.  This beautiful guestbook is next level with personalized details, but it's the handwritten messages inside that are irreplaceable.

4.  Graduation cap topper.

Stand out and make a statement with graduation cap toppers.  These cap toppers won't damage the graduation cap and fit all standard sizes.  So, if you are looking for a gift for high school graduation party, there is nothing more original than this.

5. Graduation bunting banners. 

Keep the party spirit up with bunting banners.  This banner keeps the focus on the graduate with meaningful 4x6 photographs that you easily apply yourself.  It's a creative way to make the honoree the star of the party decorations.

6.  Graduation hand fans.

Planning a graduation party in hot weather?  Consider these hand fans to cool things down a bit.  Easy to customize with photos or text, your guests will appreciate your keeping their comfort in mind. 

7.  Graduation banner.

A sign of the time.  With the click of a button, you can personalize a graduation banner...add an image, year of graduation, school name, and the graduate's name.  It's a great addition to the party decorations and can also double as a photo opt. 

8.  Graduation party poster ideas.

Turn your graduation party decorations into a work of art.  These high quality posters, with vibrant full color printing, are available in custom sizing up to 60 inches.  With your high resolution image, name, and date, the occasion and the graduate are artfully represented.

9.  Graduation party cake toppers.

Sweet...these simple, familiar cake toppers take the cake.  Each one says exactly what needs to be said, in a variety of ways.  

10.  Unique graduation balloons.

There is reward in planning a graduation party full of unexpected fun.  Imagine the surprise when your graduate sees their image, name, and date featured on the balloons.  Priceless.

11. Graduation favor tags.

If you're looking for a way to add style to your party favors, these graduation favor tags have a charm all their own.  There's one to fit every graduation theme and that's what makes them so special. 

Personalized graduation favor tags.

12. Photo board for graduation party.

A foam board filled with memorable photographs and customized text makes a fitting tribute to the graduate.  It can easily be used as a focal point when placed in a prominent place.  Whether you choose to go with many pictures or a couple of stand-out favorites, this is a party feature that will command lots of attention.

13. Hand sanitizer.

One of the most popular party ideas lately is to include hand sanitizers.  Personalized labels and refillable bottles make it all possible and it couldn't be easier.  Fill the bottle, apply the label, repeat.

These hand sanitizers are ready to go...no assembly required.

14. Graduation party goodie bags. 

These cookie bags are the perfect solution for those planning to share their cookies.  Make your bags one-of-a-kind with customized text, photos, or designs that are simple to use.  Each goodie bag is lined to help provide a good grease or moisture barrier, making you one smart cookie.

15. Graduation party cupcakes ideas.

Cupcake wrappers, cupcake toppers, acrylic cupcake stand...not things you must have, but it sure is nice when you do.

Planning a graduation party cupcake can be as easy as 1-2-3.  We made this cupcake with a cake mix, yummy icing, coarse sugared sprinkles, and a cute graduation themed pick.

Personalize It!

16. Things to do for a graduation party.

Planning a graduation party should include fun things to do.  Take a look at the activities here that are not too complicated, more fun than competitive.

17. Taco theme graduation party.

Taco bout a graduation party!  Planning a graduation party with a theme is always fun and it will come together faster than you can say Ole'.  From the invitations to the banners, the bright festive colors bring the taco theme home.     

Taco bout options...take a look. 

18. Inflatable serving bar.

This is when serving beverages becomes a party within itself.  These graduation themed inflatable coolers are perfect for a pool party or any outdoor celebration.

19. Graduation balloon arch kit.

Balloon arches make the party feel like something big is happening!  Take a look at these all-in-one kits that celebrate 2022 and provide simple tips to make assembly easier.

20. Simple graduation party centerpieces.

Planning a graduation party centerpiece doesn't have to be complicated.  These creative ideas for centerpieces are stylish, yet simple.

21. Graduation party ideas with balloons.

We love the idea of calling attention to the Class of 2024.  One way of doing this is with numbered balloons.  There are several ways to use them...behind the cake table, photo opt, or basically anywhere in the party space. 

22. Graduation balloon boxes.

These balloon boxes make a big statement.  Stack them up any way you like and fill the boxes with whatever appeals to you.  We love the idea of filling the boxes with balloons in the school colors, creating an impressive background for photos.

23. Graduation party hats.

Even though you are planning a graduation party for an older group, one never gets too old for a party hat.  Take a look at these fun party hats that also make great photo props.

24. Confetti.

A small touch that means so much.  Sprinkle confetti throughout the party space for a lighthearted, festive look.

Go big or go home...confetti guns.  

25. Best graduation yard signs.

Greet guests with graduation yard signs that reflect the cause for celebration.  Get creative with photos, text and the graduation year!

26. Fun graduation party activities.

What a fun idea...temporary tattoos that don't involve long-term commitment.  You can customize your own design or choose from ready made designs.

27. Graduation cap favor boxes.

Favor boxes that look like graduation caps are a great way to add themed decor to take home treats.  Fill with candy, cookies, or any other small items that fit inside.

28. Graduation water bottle wrappers.

Dress up water bottles with personalized labels.  Make your label design unique with photos and text that execute the theme in a bold, yet unassuming way.

29. Graduation photo booth idea.

When planning a graduation party, it's important to remember that it's somewhat of a rite of passage for graduates.  It's about looking back at what's been accomplished, with eager anticipation of the future.  And with all that nostalgia, the memories simply must be recorded.  Set the stage for photographs with all the elements of the theme, and then add in the faces that will always be remembered.

Photo props for graduation party...

30. Finger food ideas for graduation party.

Choose the graduate's favorite foods and display them in an unexpected way.  Most young people have a somewhat limited palette, so give them what you know they love.  Then serve it in such a way that it looks festive and enticing.  We love this bright idea for displaying finger foods.   

31. Paper lanterns.

These graduation cap paper lanterns are the perfect way to draw the eye up and add another dimension to the party space.  Mixing in additional solid colored paper lanterns in the school colors is an economical way to stretch the budget and add interest.

32.  Outdoor yard decoration. 

Your guests will know from the start that they're in for a good time.  Take a look at this outdoor/indoor inflatable yard decoration.  And, yes it lights up for a nighttime graduation party display.

33. Pinata.

A traditional hit with a stick pinata is hard to beat...or is it?  Sturdy enough for multiple participants, it can hold up to 3-5 pounds of treats.

34. Appetizer for graduation party.

Not only do your party appetizers have to be delicious, they also have to be presented in an eye catching way.  Use graduation themed cupcake or appetizer picks to add pizazz to the presentation and make serving a cinch.

35. Drinks.

Impress your guests with festive beverages that show there's a party going on right here.  Whether a graduation themed straw is just the right touch or a beverage dispenser would work best for your party, make the presentation count.

We like to create a beverage station...
it's a great way to manage traffic...

36. Gift ideas for graduation party.

Put your graduate on the cover of their very own graduation binder.  This fully customizable gift can be used as a photo album or keepsake scrapbook.  Such a thoughtful thing to do!