It’s graduation season and it’s just about time to start planning your graduation party! I have put together some of the BEST graduation party ideas of 2021 that you and your guests are going to love (seriously!)
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Best Graduation Party Ideas 2021
1. Taco/Nacho Bar
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Having a taco or nacho bar at your graduation party is the perfect idea that all of your guests are going to LOVE. You can cater in everything from your favorite Mexican restaurant to keep things simple, or you can put all of the meats and toppings together yourself!
2. Make a Photo Display
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Every graduation party needs a photo display to showcase some of your best high school or college memories! This is a super cute DIY option that will really make your photos pop.
3. Popcorn Bar
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A popcorn bar is a simple and inexpensive food option to have at your graduation party! You can fill your popcorn bar with a variety of popcorn flavors and types for your guests to snack on throughout the party. Here are a few of my favorite popcorn flavors that would be perfect for your popcorn bar:
- Classic Butter
- Cheddar
- Carmel
- Zebra
4. DIY Photo Booth Backdrop
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A photo booth is a MUST to have at a graduation party. I love photo booths because they help you capture some of the best moments at your party that you will cherish forever.
If you plan on having a photo booth at your party, be sure you don’t forget to add a few photo booth props that your guests can use to make the pictures extra special!
5. Breakfast Bar
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This is the perfect idea to have at your graduation party if are having your party in the morning due to a evening graduation ceremony.
6. Use Banners to Decorate Wall Space
Banners are just the icing on the cake to every grad party. There are so many options and styles to choose from to fit the vibe of your party!
7. Candy Bar
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To create this idea, head to your local Dollar Tree to find a variety of vases and jars to set up your candy bar. Micheal’s also has really good options for jars too! Then all you will need to do is add your candy!
You can do a “type” themed candy bar thats shown in the example above, or you can opt to do a color themed candy bar to match the color theme of your party!
8. Party Entrance Signs
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Whether you are having your graduation party at your house or at a venue, having a party entrance sign will make it so much easier for your guests to make sure they are in the right place!
9. Balloon Arch
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I have been seeing balloon arches EVERYWHERE over the past year or two. I always thought they were super expensive and made by professionals. But you can actually make them right at home with this super cheap kit from amazon!
10.Light up Letters
Okay, so I know giant light up letters are a little extra, but they are just so cute!! There are companies that you can rent these types of lights from so be sure you search around your area to see if you can find any!
11. Cookie Bar
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This is such a cute food bar idea theme to have at your grad party! You can order your favorite cookies from your local bakery and set them all up for the ultimate cookie bar!
12. Outdoor Graduation Party Seating Idea
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This is the perfect idea if you are having a small and intimate graduation party outside at home! I love how cute yet simple and elegant it is.
Pro tip: If you live in California there is a company called Picnic Collective that will set all of this up for you! If you live in the Houston, Texas area there is a company called Picnics in the City. If you live in the Dallas, Texas area check out Uptown Picnic.
13. Make a Cake Table
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Cake tables are a great way to showcase your cake/cakes at your party and allowing it to be a focal point at your event.
14. Create a Bohemian Table Scape
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A bohemian themed party is only complete with a bohemian tablescape! I love how fun and chic this theme is, and it’s super easy to recreate on your own!
15. Have Self Serve Beverages
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Having a self serve beverage station at your graduation party is a must! Self-serve beverage stations will allow your guests to come and get/replenish their drinks as needed. All you will have you have to do is make sure the containers are filled.
16. Create a Charcuterie Table
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This is my favorite graduation party idea EVER!! I’m definitely having this at my graduation party next year when I graduate from college. If you are having a smaller graduation party a simple charcuterie board will also do the trick.
Related: 19 Easy Charcuterie Board Ideas
17. Use Cute Party Favor Labels
If you plan on giving your guests’ party favors, you can make them even more special by adding cute labels to them!
18. Guest Sign in table
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Sign in books allow you to 1. Remember who came to your party and 2. Allow your guests to leave meaningful messages. Set up a table at the front of your party entrance to make sure all of your guests get a chance to sign.
19. Hang Tassel Garland
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Hanging tassel garland is a fun and cute way to add some flare the walls and/or ceiling of your party!
20. Graduation Cap Straws
How cute are these straws? Not only are the good for the environment (yay, no plastic) but they are super unique and aren’t your basic everyday straws.
21. Create a Drink Stand
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If you are having a larger party outside, having a a separate mini drink stand somewhere off to back/side is great idea so people won’t have to walk all the way to the front to grab something to drink.
22. Have a Hot Dog & Burger Bar
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It’s no secret that hot dogs are burgers are typically the standard cost effective foods And by taking these classic graduation foods and making it into a bar style makes it so fun!
23. Words of Advice Jar
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Having your guests leave words of advice for the graduate is such a meaningful touch to add to your graduation party!
24. Play printable graduation party games
Printable graduation games are a fun and easy way to keep your guests entertained at your party. I created 5 fun FREE printable graduation games just for you, that are sure to be a hit at your party. You can download them below.
Looking For More Graduation Party Ideas?
- 30+ Easy Graduation Party Food Ideas
- 10 Epic Graduation Party Themes
- 14 Best Outdoor Graduation Party Ideas
