Graduation Party Planning Ideas
May brings with it graduation season. Celebrate your graduate’s milestone with a party to remember. No matter how you mark the occasion, it’ll be the little touches that make a difference. And you don’t have to dip into the college fund to host it. 
Make it memorable by reflecting your graduate’s interests, personality and plans. The following are just a few ideas and resources to help you get started.
What kind of party is it?
Ask your graduate questions to define the party:
- Big or small party or a family dinner? Break tradition and have friends for brunch or a day at the amusement park
- At home or elsewhere? Have a private party aboard a boat, in a skybox, atop a building or in a park pavilion
- Who should be invited? School friends, family friends or extended family or a combination of loved ones
- Do you want to combine your party with a friend’s gathering?
Party Themes
Tie your party together with a theme that fits your grad. Brainstorm ideas together, including her college and its location, college major, sports interests, travel plans, etc.
Invitations
Make a guest list and apply your theme to the invitations by ordering or making them yourself or using one of the free downloads.
Decorations
Extend your theme to the overall décor. You can also:
- Mix the high school and college’s colors
- Place photos under glass on the gift table or hang them around the space
- Use blackboards as signs on the buffet table and entry table
Food
If you’re hosting an open house, consider serving finger food. Set up a food bar of foods your grad likes:
- Cookies and milk
- Cake pops or candy personalized in school colors or with the grad’s interests
- Cupcakes with frosting-covered graham crackers as graduation caps
Additional Resources