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Whether it’s for high school or college, graduation is one of the biggest milestones you will ever experience. It marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of a very exciting new one. You deserve all the fanfare to celebrate your achievements — especially after the past two years, when most of the world shut down for months at a time and classes and graduations moved online due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now most ceremonies are back in-person, and families and friends are able to safely gather together to celebrate life’s big moments. So, what better way to commemorate your success than with an unforgettable graduation party?
Decor is one of the most important details when planning a party, whether it’s setting up cute photo backdrops or filling your house with super festive balloons. Some of these ideas can be a fun and easy DIY projects, while others just require a trip to the grocery store or a scroll through Etsy. To make sure you celebrate in style, here are 35 graduation party ideas that will make your day feel extra special.
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1
Heart Drop Text Book
pinterest
Instead of a normal guest book, do a heart drop. Have your guests sign little wooden hearts and drop them into this frame. You'll be able to hang up the frame and remember everyone who celebrated your graduation with you.
Having a grad party is all about celebrating your accomplishments. Bask in your greatness with a trophy wall right in your living room or backyard.
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3
Hang Up Your Accomplishment
etsy
Let your whole neighborhood know that you're moving on up to college with a flag outside your house or a sign on your lawn. You deserve to be recognized for all your hard work.
Let the older and wiser people you love give you some tips on how to face college. They've made it this far, they probably know a thing or two.
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8
Confetti Balloons
Pinterest
Welcoming your guests with ~giant~ balloons is probably the best way to celebrate graduation, don't you think? And you might as well add some confetti in there too because... confetti.
This craft turns any celebration into a 'gram-worthy photoshoot. Write "I'm done!" or scrawl your own brilliant phrase for you and your guests to pose with.
You may drop all your loving words (and checks from grandparents) here...
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11
Tassel Garland
InspiredByCharm.com
This colorful tassel garland is surprisingly easy to make and has a big impact on any room or space.
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12
Memory Jar
The Mamanista
Have your guests take a trip down memory lane and write down all of the amazing times you've had together. At the end of the night, you can read about the impact that each person who attended had on your high school experience. All you need for this super easy decoration is a clear, labeled jar and colorful card stock!
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13
The Best Ever Ice Cream Sundae Bar
simplyjo.com
Because who the heck doesn't like ice cream? And let's be real... you'd so go wild with all these toppings.
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14
Graduation Cap Straw Toppers
Pinterest
Think of straw toppers like a statement accessory for your drink. To make them, cut a square out of construction paper and punch a hole through the center. Then cut a long rectangular strip out of the paper, form it into the shape of a cylinder, and glue it to your first piece to make a hat. Slip a straw through it and top it off with a tassel made out of embroidery string.
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15
Drink Stand
pinterest
Instead of stashing drinks in a cooler, make a drink stand. Repurpose an old end table and paint it with the colors of your high school's or future college's mascot. Stack water, straws, and mason jars on the shelves.
Add a classy touch to your grad party by letting your guests offer their "keys" to success.
Cut out a large piece of foam core and decorate it with craft paper. Place the foam core into a pretty frame and cover it with push pins. Place keys on a table underneath the frame and attach a piece of string to them. Keep a pile of hole punched notecards next to the keys. As your guests arrive, they can write any advice that they have on the paper, attach it to the key and hang it on the board.
Are you a nerd? A book worm? A kool kat? Take your pick with this adorable candy bar set up.
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18
Cocoa Krispies Treat Graduation Caps
hungry happenings
Chocolate-lovers need this grad-inspired dessert. And if baking was one of those skills you planned to learn after you graduated, no sweat — the recipe is pretty easy to follow.
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19
Lightbulb Souvenir
pinterest
Show your guests how important their attendance at your party is by giving them a lightbulb souvenir. You can purchase jars shaped like lightbulbs and unscrew the cap to fill them with yellow-colored candy like gumballs or M&Ms.
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20
Graduation Cap Souvenir
pinterest
Use gumballs to create graduation cap souvenirs! Cut a cap out of cardstock and fill a plastic tube with the colors of your choice.
Sam is an assistant news editor at Cosmo, covering all things pop culture, entertainment, and celebrity news. She previously covered those same topics along with health, lifestyle, and beauty at Seventeen. When she isn't draping her cheeks in blush, you can probably find her live-tweeting awards shows or making SwiftToks.
Carolyn Twersky is an associate editor for Seventeen covering celebrities, entertainment, politics, trends, and health. On her off time, she's probably watching Ru Paul's Drag Race, traversing NYC for the best donuts, or, most likely, enjoying time in her favorite place in the world: her bed.
Leah Campano is an Associate Editor at Seventeen, where she covers pop culture, entertainment news, health, and politics. On the weekends, you can probably find her watching marathons of vintage Real Housewives episodes or searching for New York City’s best almond croissants.