The BIG day is about to come — you’ve earned all your credits, you have your cap and gown and your just bought your graduation dress. However there’s one thing left to plan…your graduation party.
Speaking from experience, the day of college graduation is a whirl wind. You’re trying to see all your friends and family on the day, be at the graduation arena in time for your big moment and hug your college besties one last time. It’s a crazy, eventful, emotional day, so planning everything ahead of time is a must!
If you’re anything like us, you’re probably already thinking about how you want to celebrate your huge accomplishments. From the best graduation party decorations, to the food you’ll serve to your guests, to the small party favors to thank your family and friends for coming.
These unique college graduation party ideas will inspire you to create a memorable celebration with the people that mean the most to you. We guarantee it’ll be a day you’ll remember forever!
23 Unique College Graduation Party Ideas
Graduation Party Decor Ideas
1. “One Smart Cookie” Cookie Bar
credit: mint event design
How adorable is this cookie bar? This is our type of graduation party theme. Anything that involves chocolate chip cookies is a “yes” for us.
Having a unique theme like this one is always such a fun way to feel welcome and entertained. Grab some store bought cookies or bake an assortment of your own to share with guests as they come in and out of your home.
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2. A Grad Picture Backdrop
credit: it's claudia g
If you didn’t take a picture, were you really at the party? Creating some sort of backdrop for people to picture sin front of is a great way for people to capture the moment forever. Whether that’s with some greenery and a balloon arch, or some streamers and a graduation banner — it’ll be a captivating place to take a snapshot of the memorable moment.
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3. Graduation Party Welcome Table
credit: kylie svoboda
A welcome table for a graduation party isn’t necessary, but we think it’s such a creative way to have your guests interact and feel personally welcomed to the party.
Place a signing book on the table for people to give “adulting” advice and leave space for any gifts your friends and family my drop off.
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4. Festive Table Centerpiece
credit: xzander_n_rose
Once you have the tables set up, you’re going to need a festive table centerpiece. These are so easy to make. All you need are some mason jars, gold confetti, a string of fairy lights, paper and a yarn tassel.
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5. A Donut Bar
credit: daymade
If you’re hosting a graduation party in the morning before you walk the stage in the afternoon, serving breakfast food is a great idea. We love this idea of creating a donut bar and adding a sign that says “Donut know what I’d do without you’re support”.
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6. “Taco Bout a Future” Taco Bar
credit: home styling by maya
Okay, we’re all into the punny graduation party ideas and absolutely adore this taco theme. It would be so fun to have these balloon letters and balloon arch with a full taco bar underneath.
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7. Hawaiian Themed Graduation Party
credit: oriential trading
Bring the tropical retreat to your backyard with this Hawaiian themed graduation party idea. Serve some festive punch, some Hawaiian food and leave room for some Hawaiian themed treats.
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8. Backyard Graduation Party
credit: @smallbitescatering_partyserv
Late May and June graduations call for backyard graduation parties. Plus, if you have a large group of people, hosting them outside is so much easier and laid back. Keep it simple by serving a sweet treat and decorating with florals, pictures and college mementos.
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9. A Grand Entrance
credit: quinn campbell
Go big or go home! With a grand entrance like this, your guests will immediately know they arrived to celebrate. We love the pink and white balloon theme too. It’s so fun and girly.
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10. A Punny Graduation Banner
credit: etsy
A funny banner is always a great way to welcome people to your party. This banner in particular will make people laugh as they walk through the door. Add it to a photo booth or string it on the wall.
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11. Graduation Cap Champagne Glasses
credit: molly vincent
We love a cute DIY party craft that’ll make people smile. These graduation cap champagne glasses are perfect for a beverage bar at your graduation party.
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Graduation Party Food Ideas
12. Graduation Year Fruit Spread
credit: hattie stenberg
Make a statement with a graduation year fruit spread at the snack table. This is such a simple and inexpensive way to decorate a table and serve guests at the same time. We’re definitely copying this college graduation party idea!
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13. A Grab and Go Snack Bar
credit: melena permentier
We’re suckers for an organizational moment, and who says you can’t have it at your graduation party too? We think this such a sleek and beautiful way to serve snacks at a party. All you need are some clear bins, organizational labels, and some utensils and you’re ready to create a stunning snack bar.
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14. Wrapped Sub Sandwiches
credit: micheal balter
Sandwiches are one the easiest foods to prepare for a party. That’s why we love this college graduation party idea. To add an elegant touch to the presentation of the sandwiches, wrap them in a parchment paper sheet and tie with some twine.
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15. Ferrero Rocher Graduation Caps
credit: party pinching
How cute are these Ferrero Rocher graduation cap candies? This is such an adorable way to make a classic treat into something festive. Plus, it could make a cute party favor as well.
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16. Pizza Bar
credit: jessie futch
Any pizza lovers out there? Why not celebrate your college graduation with a pizza bar?! It’s something you know everyone will enjoy and love. It’s the perfect unique college graduation party idea.
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17. Champagne Glass Charcuterie Cups
credit: justine kameron
If you want to opt to serve a simple appetizer for guests as opposed to a meal, then these champagne glass charcuterie cups are the perfect idea to recreate. Plus, they look so elegant without putting in much effort.
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18. Mexican Drowned Tacos
credit: M.A. kitchen
Whether you’re hosting a taco-themed graduation party (mentioned above) or just want to serve an easy Mexican food appetizer, these Mexican drowned tacos will be a crowd favorite!
Just add some salsa verde, sour cream and feta to a cup and add a few spicy pork taquitos.
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Graduation Party Favors
19. Custom Sugar Cookies
credit: etsy
When we graduated from college our mom had custom sugar cookies made with our college colors and mascot on them. They were such a cute and delicious way to thank our friends and family for stopping by the party.
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20. Graduation Party Mints
Looking for a simple graduation gift your guests will love? All you need is a packet of Tictacs and a printable label to make these graduation party mints. It’s such a simple and thoughtful graduation party favor idea.
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21. “Thanks for Poppin By” Party Favor
credit: etsy
We love how adorable and affordable this graduation party favor idea is. All you need are some playact treat bags from the Dollar Tree, some popcorn and these adorable “thanks for popping by” tags to tie around the bag.
Everyone loves a take-home gift and popcorn, so this is a win-win party favor.
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This post is all about unique college graduation party ideas.
Want more Graduation Party food ideas? Check these out:
- Spicy + Cheesy Ranch Chex Party Mix
- Birthday Cake Cookie Bars
- Raspberry Cheesecake Bars with Butter Cookie Crust
