I have 2 important graduations this year, yes 2! We celebrated 2 high school graduations the last 4 years but this year is the big one! My oldest is graduating from college and my youngest is graduating from high school. I am a mix of emotions—pride, joy, and, if I’m honest, a little panic. There is so much to do before May! It’s time to get to it with the party planning!
If you’re in the same boat, don’t worry—I’ve got you! I learned a few things while planning my 2 oldest daughter’s graduation parties and am in the midst of more planning so I thought I would share some tips. I’m here to help you pull off a party that’s fun, meaningful, and (mostly) stress-free.
Click HERE for FREE Grad Party Checklist
Start with a Budget (Trust Me, It Helps!)
I know, I know—talking about money isn’t as fun as picking out decorations. But before you get carried away with Pinterest-perfect ideas, set a budget. I once saw a graduation cake that cost more than my weekly grocery bill—yikes! You don’t need to go overboard to throw an amazing party. Just figure out what you’re comfortable spending and plan from there.
Pick a Date and Place That Works for You
Graduation season is BUSY. Between ceremonies, family in town, and other parties, finding the right time and place can feel like solving a puzzle. Some families throw their party right after graduation, while others wait a few weeks for a less hectic time. We ended up hosting ours the weekend after graduation, and it worked perfectly.
As for the location? Keep it simple. If you love hosting, your backyard might be perfect. If the idea of scrubbing your house before (and after) makes you sweat, consider a park or renting a space.
Make It Personal with a Theme
You don’t have to have a theme, but it does make things feel more pulled together. And honestly it helps you stay focused when planning. My daughter wanted something low-key, so we just went with his school colors for decorations. But I’ve seen so many fun ideas, like:
🎓 A “Through the Years” theme with photos from baby days to now
🏕 A backyard BBQ (because who doesn’t love burgers and s’mores?)
🎶 A playlist party featuring the grad’s favorite songs from childhood to now
Click HERE for FREE 43 Best Grad Themes List
The Invites
Guest lists can get tricky. You want to invite everyone who’s been a big part of your grad’s journey, but you also don’t want to feel overwhelmed. Make a list of family, friends, teachers, and mentors your graduate would love to celebrate with. We ended up doing a mix of family, close friends, and a few of my daughter’s favorite teachers.
For invitations you really have 2 routes. Digital ones are super easy (Evite, anyone?), but if you love the idea of a keepsake, a simple printed invite is always nice. Send out invitations at least 3-4 weeks in advance.
Simple But Crowd-Pleasing Menu
Food doesn’t have to be fancy! Some of the best graduation parties I’ve been to had super simple menus:
🍔 A backyard BBQ
🌮 A taco bar
🍕 A pizza party
🍰 A dessert table featuring the grad’s favorite treats
Don’t forget to consider any dietary restrictions for your guests!
We went with charcuterie boards, veggie trays and fruit kabobs and it was a hit! Instead of a messy cake, we had cookies decorated in school colors. Just make sure to have something for guests with dietary restrictions (and don’t forget the drinks!).
Make It Special with Decor and Fun Touches
Decorating doesn’t have to be overwhelming. We put up a simple “Congrats, Grad!” banner, added some balloons in school colors, and created a little photo wall with photo props.
Some other fun things we did that were simple and inexpensive were a memory jar where guests can leave advice or encouragement, a “sign the yearbook” station with a blank scrapbook for messages and giant number balloons with the grad’s graduation year.
Keep Guests Entertained
The best graduation parties feel warm and welcoming, not stiff or awkward. Having a few activities helps! Here are the things I have seen or done that were a real hit. Outside yard games like cornhole and badminton, Play “Guess That Year” trivia with fun facts from their school years or set up a photo booth with goofy props (trust me, parents love this too!)
Most Importantly… Enjoy the Day!
I know how easy it is to get caught up in the details. But at the end of the day, this party is about celebrating your graduate and all they’ve accomplished. Don’t stress over whether the napkins match the tablecloths or if the cupcakes look like they belong in a magazine. Just enjoy the moment, take a deep breath, and soak it all in.
One of my favorite parts of our party was when we paused and connected with various friends, family and teachers. It is important to have fun and actually relax. Because one day, you’ll look back and remember the laughter, the hugs, and the joy of celebrating a huge milestone together. And that is what really matters.
✨🎓What’s your favorite way to celebrate graduation? Let me know in the comments! 🎓✨
Click HERE for FREE Grad Party Checklist Click HERE for FREE 43 Best Grad Themes List
