As with any good milestone, a graduation is a great time for reflection — and celebration. It marks the ending of one thing and the beginning of another and deserves notice, and obviously we love when that comes in the form of a meaningful, personal gathering. And we’ve got you covered with graduation party ideas that will take your guests from a stunning entrance all the way to a sweet party favor.
Graduation parties should be all about the graduate. Get inspired by your grad’s activities, hobbies, preferences, and future. Read on to see graduation parties with creative themes, college-color inspiration, engaging activities and entertainment, memorable fare, and personalization opportunities galore (think everything from napkins to life-sized letters perfect for posing by).
See our 30 ideas now, then click through to see more photos from your favorite events and reach out to the vendors who brought the celebratory vision to life.
Graduation Party Entrances
1. Red Carpet Welcome
The vendors who made this event happen:
photographer: Carla Ten Eyck Photography | event planner: Lifetime Events By Jacqueline | event designer & rental: Art Of The Event | balloon décor: Ava Party Rental | entertaining performers: Cirque Central | tent & floor: PEAK Event Services | draping: Drape Art Designs | caterer: Gourmet Galley Catering | ice cream truck: Mister Softee Connecticut | restroom: United Site Services New England | lighting: Power Posse Productions | cupcake specialty: The Cupcake Brake | specialty catering: Old World Pizza Truck | stilt performers: Murray Hill Talent | favor treats: Dylan’s Candy Bar, New York | parking valet: Curtin Transportation Group | hair & makeup: Catie Bane | deejay: Rico Entertainment
2. Bold Balloons
This innovative graduation party made the best of a not-so-great situation: celebrating a milestone during COVID. We love how this stunning entrance welcomed family members to a chic dinner, but also acted as a backdrop for a drive-by celebration for classmates, friends and family, complete with party favors and a yearbook signing.
The vendors who made this event happen:
photographer: Jennifer Tai Photo Artistry | welcome gifts, event planner & design: Pink Blossom Events | florals: Fena Flowers | venue: Chateau Lill | balloon installation: Confete Party | cake & macaron favors: Honey Crumb Cake Studio | vintage vehicles: British Motor Coach | rentals: CORT Party Rental | caterer: A Platinum Event | stationery: Sablewood Paper Company | custom party favors: Pomp & Revel | hashtag & 2020 graduation wood sign: AR Workshop Mill Creek
3. Beachy Bash
What better way to welcome guests to a beach-themed party than to usher them through an arch of colorful beach balls and inner-tubes?
The vendors who made this event happen:
photographer: Kohl Murdock | event planner: Rockit Ranch Productions | décor: Meetinghouse (closed) | venue: Moonlight Studios | rentals: Marquee Event Rentals | entertainment: The Actors Gymnasium | av service: Sound Investment AV | cotton candy vendor: Spin
RELATED: Find a Caterer on PartySlate
Graduation Party Themes
4. Carnival Celebration
The vendors who made this event happen: [see #1 above]
5. Fiesta Forever
Colorful balloons, sarape-inspired table runners, mariachi performers, and more inspired touches made this a fiesta to remember.
The vendors who made this event happen:
photographer: Siobhan Stanton | planner, entertainment & design: Hollywood POP Gallery | balloons: Balloons by Anthony | rentals: Smith Party Rentals | catering: Revel Dinner thyme
6. Old-Hollywood for New Grads
Camp Hill, PN
What better place to hold a vintage, old-Hollywood soirée than at an antique auto museum. It’s a great way to celebrate new beginnings.
The vendors who made this event happen:
photographer: Christina Julia | caterer & floral: The JDK Group
7. English Cottage-Inspired
Bright pink and purple florals combined with lush greenery to conjure an English feel. Fish n’ chips and pies deliciously upheld the theme as well.
The vendors who made this event happen:
photo courtesy of, design & production: Plan It! Events | floral: Rolling Hills Flower Mart | décor & lighting: Images By Lighting
RELATED: 34 Social Distancing Parties for Birthdays, Baby Showers, Weddings, & More to Inspire Your Safe Celebration
Graduation Parties Inspired by College Colors
8. University of Pennsylvania Blue & Red
New Vernon, NJ
This poolside party’s décor was color-themed, celebrating future attendance at the University of Pennsylvania. We love college colors as graduation party inspiration.
The vendors who made this event happen:
photographer: John Simoudis | florals: Jerry Rose Floral & Event Design | placemats & favors: TPD Design House | furniture rental: Party Rental Ltd.
9. Georgetown Blue & Silver
Blue fringe made a stunning statement at this Georgetown University-inspired celebration. College flags outfitted the bar, and guests enjoy chic navy blue lounge areas to rest from dancing all night.
The vendors who made this event happen:
photographer: Laura Gordon | event planner & design: Evoke Design & Creative | décor & floral: Amaryllis
10. University of Illinois Orange & Blue
The vendors who made this event happen:
photographer: Linda Barrett | event planner & party favors: Christina Currie Events, Inc. | décor: Kehoe Designs | rental: Marquee Event Rentals Chicago | entertainment: MFO Entertainment Group | caterer: Food For Thought | linen: BBJ Linen | cake & sweets: Touch of Sweets | photo op: Smilebooth Chicago
RELATED: Find Creative Entertainment Options on PartySlate
Graduation Party Personalization
11. Talented Trio
The vendors who made this event happen:
photographer: La Vie Photography, Minneapolis | event planner: Lindsay Piram Creative
12. You Oughta Be In Pictures
It doesn’t get more personalized that having your face emblazoned on a chic photo spot or on clever cookies. We love how this surprise graduation party made it all about the graduate.
The vendors who made this event happen:
photographer: Jenny Quicksall Photography | planner: Bluebell Events | balloons and florals: Shawna Yamamoto Event Design | venue: private residence | video: custom made productions | t-shirts & time magazine art work: M.Studio Events | confetti cannon: Times Square Confetti | cookies: Bella Donna Special Events | cake: The Butterend | mariachi: Malibu Mariachi
RELATED: Don’t Be Clueless – How to Host a 90s Theme Party in 2021
Graduation Party Food Ideas
13. Sweet Social
Guests at this red and pink party snacked on sugary treats like cotton candy, smoothies, and mini pancakes. We love how the lips and hearts theming extended even to the buffet décor.
The vendors who made this event happen:
photo courtesy of, design, & décor: J GROUP EVENTS
14. State-ly Soirée
The vendors who made this event happen:
photographer: Matt Blum Photography | event planner: Amy Zaroff Events + Design | décor: Linen Effects, Richfield Flowers & Events, Apres | food & beverage: Cocoa & Fig | entertainment: Sye Young | audio/visual: AVEX | food & beverage: Nadia Cakes | food & beverage: D’Amico Catering
15. Delectable Duo
It’s not easy to extend blue-and-orange Illinois theming to the fare, but this graduation party managed to do it with style. Think cakes, straws, cocktails, salads and more in the vibrant duo of colors.
The vendors who made this event happen: [see #10 above]
16. Fresh Fare
Mechanicsburg, PN
Delectable graduation party food ideas abound at this gathering — from the farmer’s fruit market to the pizza station (with a brick pizza oven, of course). We adore a party with choices — don’t miss the dessert buffet at this party for more presentation ideas.
The vendors who made this event happen:
photographer: Seth Nenstiel | caterer & floral: The JDK Group
RELATED: Find Fun Party Favor & Gift Ideas on PartySlate
Graduation Party Decorations
17. Floral Forward Fête
The vendors who made this event happen:
photo courtesy of, décor, & floral: Gilded Group Décor | venue: The Penthouse at Riverside Wharf
18. A Rainbow of Possibilities
The vendors who made this event happen:
photographer: Sheri Whitko Photography | planner: Paulette Wolf Events | décor & floral: HMR Designs | venue: The Art Institute of Chicago | invitations: HH Design | technical producer: KISHBAUGH + PARTNERS | linens: Tailored Elements | food: Bon Appetit | entertainment: Carlos and Andres
19. Luxe Begins with L
We adore how each layer of this graduation dinner party setting is more beautiful than the next. Unique octagonal menus are perfectly placed with red and pink accents that pick up the silk napkin hues.
The vendors who made this event happen:
photographer: Alan Phillip | event planning: Monica Pardo Events | décor, florals, & props: Gilded Group Décor | venue: Komodo | stationery: Love Paper Creations | cake: Moulin Rose Bakery
RELATED: Reinvent the [Color] Wheel with These Monochromatic Party Themes
20. Winsome White
When it comes to memorable party décor, one of all-time favorite ideas is to choose a single hue and go all in. We adore how this graduation party featured all-white elements, from flowy draping and paper lanterns, to chic hang-out spots, and even giant white letters on the yard spelling out the graduate’s name (and making for a fun photo op).
The vendors who made this event happen:
photo courtesy of & event coordination: Jersey Street Productions
21. Pink Pool Party
Bellaire, TX
This garden party makes us swoon with luxurious pink details from pool décor to paper pink florals and pillows decking out (see what we did there?) a chic cabana. Don’t miss how even the food carried on the pink theming.
The vendors who made this event happen:
photographer: Emile C Browne Media | event planner: A Swoon Event | florals: Lexis Florist | venue: Gathe Manor
RELATED: 12 Essential Pool Party Ideas for Your Summer Soirée
Graduation Party Entertainment
22. Step Right Up
Trapeze artists suspended upside down, performers on stilts, jugglers, midway games, rides, fireworks, and more — this party took guests to the fair without leaving the host’s backyard.
The vendors who made this event happen: [see #1 above]
23. Chic Caricature
This clever celebration personalized the party for all guests with a caricature artist on hand to draw friends and family. Guests then posted their signed images to a board for everyone to enjoy.
The vendors who made this event happen:
photographer: Show Ready Photo | planning & design: All Set Events | florist: Blooming Vase Florals | rentals: Blueprint Studios & Hensley Event Resources | caterer: Daniel Ripley Catering | signage: Palette & Ink | bar service: Rye on the Road | ice cream: Garden Street Creamery | artist: Cartoon Guru
24. Beach “Ball”room Dancing
A custom dance floor is a great first “step” to hosting a memorable party. This graduation party’s entertainment also included confetti cannons, mascot characters, Skeeball, arcade hoops, and more to keep the kids busy and happy.
The vendors who made this event happen: [see #3 above]
25. Blender Bikes (yes, you read that right)
When it comes to graduation party entertainment and activities, this gathering had it all. From blender bikes (that allowed guests the novelty of blending their own drinks through aerobic activity) and an ice luge to a live musician and a DJ, this fun party kept guests engaged and delighted all night.
The vendors who made this event happen:
event planner: Amazing Celebrations & Events | event floral/orchid leis: Flowerleis.com | venue: Blake Hotel | blender bikes: Sweetcycle | event furniture rentals: Taylor Creative Inc. | photo booth & games: Coco Events | giant marquee letters: Your Love In Lights | balloon décor: Amazing Balloon Decor | living statues: TEN31 Productions | event lighting: Correlation Productions | live musician: Billy Megofna | dj & dance floor: Boppers Events | custom ice sculpture luge: Ice Matters
RELATED: Choose a Creative Bakery on PartySlate
Graduation Cake Ideas
26. Black & White & Yum All Over
When it comes to graduation cake ideas, it makes good sense to lean into the favorite food of the graduate. But we love how this cake also coordinated with the chic black-and-white color palette of the party.
The vendors who made this event happen: [see #2 above]
27. A Few of My Favorite Things
All we need is this cool, creative cake to get to know this fun-loving grad who loves baking, her pup, and more. Graduation cake ideas don’t get more personalized than this.
The vendors who made this event happen: [see #5 above]
28. Seussian Sweets
We love how this party works with an unusual color scheme inspired by Dr. Seuss’ “Oh the Places You’ll Go” book. The cake cleverly continues palette and theme.
The vendors who made this event happen:
design & décor: A Glam Good Time, LLC | venue: Samuel Riggs IV Alumni Center | balloon artist: Partistry Events | desserts: Baking Hearts Happy | table rental: Morel’s Exquisite Designs | makeup artist: Artistry by Marquita | stationery: J. Jackson Designs | photographer: Radiant Imagery by Jocelyn Renae | backdrop design: Crafts of a Different Shade
RELATED: Break Out Your Neon & Spandex for These 80s Theme Party Ideas
Graduation Party Favors
29. Delectable Duo
Custom college-themed cookies and printed travel coffee mugs made for the perfect take-away party favor for friends and family of this college-bound grad.
The vendors who made this event happen: [see #10 above]
30. Graduate Gifts
This social-distanced celebration rocked a clever theme (Straight Outta Quarantine) and gave guests a drive-up photo op as well as a box of fun gifts to take home that included a disposable camera, a mug emblazoned with “Let the Adventure Begin,” cookies, chocolate, and an inspirational book.
The vendors who made this event happen:
photographer: Maya Myers Photography | event design, gifting & production: Sterling Engagements | floral, design & fabrication: Shawna Yamamoto Event Design | rental: EDGE Design and Decor | dj: KRIEGER | live entertainment: Artists Creating Entertainment, LLC | carpet: NFP Events | candy: Full of Grace Bakes | videographer: Nick Gonzalez
What do you do at a graduation party?
A graduation party often hosts guests of all ages — including the graduate’s friends as well a multiple generations of family. As such, it’s a good idea to offer a variety of activities. Consider DJ, live band, a cooking demonstration, illusionists or other performance acts.
A photo booth seems to unite guests as well as create fun interactions as well as lots of pictures to remember the party by. Use PartySlate to find creative entertainment ideas that will appeal to all guests.