This post: 6 “Don’t Forget” Details to Make Your Grad Party a Total Standout / Post Updated: 2/2025
Hosting a graduation party that’s fun, unforgettable, and different from the rest can be challenging unless, of course, you keep a few simple details in mind.
Rather than driving yourself nuts, (which is all too easy to do when you’re planning a graduation party), do yourself a favor and focus on these 6 “don’t forget” details to make your graduation party a total standout!
We may earn a small affiliate commission on some of the products listed in this post.
1. Fresh Flowers
Nothing is more welcoming than fresh flowers. Not only will they add a ton of beautiful color to your graduation party, they also smell amazing and they’ll make all your other decorations pop!
To keep costs down, choose inexpensive containers like mason jars or milk bottles and decorate with simple chalkboard tags or use a glue gun to glue burlap or lace to the containers. Don’t worry about choosing expensive flowers, either. Instead, think more about color coordinating your flowers with your graduation party colors to pull the entire look and theme of your party together. (HINT: Download my free printable cupcake toppers and use them as decoration for your flower containers like the middle picture!) (Images compliments of Catch My Party and Hometalk)
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Order burlap ribbon HERE
Order chalkboard tags HERE
Order 32-oz mason jars (other sizes available) HERE
2. Cool Signage
When it comes to planning a fabulous graduation party, it’s all about the little party decor details. And, cool signage like banners, chalkboards, welcome signs on easels, mini signs indicating what drinks and foods are offered or advice for the grad signs (to name a few) are all fun ways to customize your graduation party and make it special. (Center image compliments of A Night Owl Blog)
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Order custom graduation banner HERE
Order floral “Welcome” sign HERE
Order rustic-framed magnetic chalkboard HERE
3. Photo Displays or Slideshow
A graduation party is a great time to take a walk down memory lane. So, go ahead and display those cute pictures from pre-school, the gawky pictures from middle school, the grad holding the trophy when their team went to state and all those crazy friend pictures. Whether you do a picture wall, scatter pictures around the graduation party or get creative and come up with your own unique idea, be sure to display a few photos of the grad. Another great idea is to create a video slideshow. (Images compliments of Play Party Plan and Three Mango Seeds)
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To purchase extra large (48″) collage numbers, click HERE
For instructions on how to make the cool wood slat photo board (right image), click HERE
4. WOW Decorations
No graduation party is complete without graduation party decorations that scream, “Let’s celebrate!” Balloons, paper wheels, tissue poms, tissue tassels, confetti, garland, and any other graduation themed decorations you fancy will pull your grad party theme together more than anything else.
The cool thing is you don’t have to buy everything. The tissue wheels and tassels are so easy to DIY. Above all, feel free to get creative – there are no rules! (Image compliments of Crazy for Us)
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Learn how to make your own paper wheels click HERE
Learn how to make a tassel garland click HERE
Learn how to make a tissue pom click HERE
To purchase tissue fans click HERE
5. Fun Party Food and Snacks
Typically, when people go to grad parties, the first thing they do is hit the food table which is why it’s always a good idea to have a little fun when planning your menu.
So many graduation party food ideas are cheap and easy, yet they make a great statement like this pretzel bar and “one smart cookie” bar. (Images compliments of The Knot and Pinterest)
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Order a letterboard HERE
For more graduation party food ideas visit: 33 Grad Party Food Ideas Your Guests Will Love
6. Entertainment or Games
Kick up the fun at your graduation party with an outside game of badminton, volleyball or corn hole, or think about having a fun photo booth with a bunch of fun props! It’s a great way to make your guests feel comfortable and get everyone mingling.
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For DIY instructions on how to make your own corn hole game click HERE
If you’d rather buy it click HERE
Download our FREE Graduation Printables!
For help planning an amazing grad party, download (for FREE) my Ultimate Graduation Party Planning Bundle (two great themes to choose from) filled with a checklist, idea planner, cupcake toppers, fun grad quotes, and yard signage. It’s all FREE! Click HERE!
