How to Throw a Graduation Party

Co-authored by Stefanie Chu-Leong and Megaera Lorenz, PhD

Last Updated: March 23, 2022 References

Graduating from high school or college is an important achievement. Whether you’re graduating yourself or celebrating a family member’s special accomplishment, you want to plan a party that’s worthy of the occasion filled with friends, food, and fun! Even if you can’t have an in-person celebration, you can still have an awesome virtual party with the people you love.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Planning an In-person Party

1
Look for a date and time that work for your guests. Because many people may be planning graduation parties around the same time of year, choosing a time that works for everyone can be tricky!^{[1]
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Research source} Reach out to the group of people you most want to be there and coordinate with them to figure out what works best for all of them.
- When picking the date for your party, don’t forget to take into account other events or obligations that your family or close friends might have. For example, if someone you know has a wedding in the summer, be sure to schedule your party during a different weekend.^{[2]
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- If you’re celebrating a high school graduation, you might want to wait a few weeks after graduation so you’re not competing with a bunch of other parties. Try for a date in June or July, before your friends start to leave for college.
- For a college graduation, it can work better to have your party right away, since you and your friends may have to leave campus within a day or 2 after graduating.
2
Throw a combined party if you want to celebrate with other grads. This can be a great way to save money and create a fun, lively atmosphere. It’s also a wonderful way for you and your graduating friends to share the joy of your accomplishment! Ask a few of your good friends if they’d like to combine their graduation party with yours.^{[3]
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- Combined parties work well for high school graduations, as all graduates have achieved the same goal and have graduated at the same time.
- Keep in mind, though, that you may not be able to invite as many extended family members to a combined graduation party.
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3
Reserve a venue that fits the size of your party. Think about the approximate number of people you’d like to invite to your party. Look for a venue that can hold all your guests and also fits your budget. You want to make sure that you have enough space for your guests and any activities you have planned!^{[4]
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Research source} If you’re planning to rent a space, call at least a few weeks ahead to make sure you can reserve a space for the time and date you want.
- Many people choose to host graduation parties at their homes. You can have an indoor party or set up tables and chairs outside for a festive summer bash. This is the least expensive option, so take into account how much money you’re willing to spend on a party!
- If you don’t want to have your party at someone’s house, consider public party venues like restaurants, hotels, country clubs, beaches, pools, campgrounds, or parks.
- For a college graduation party, you can also have a simple celebration at a local restaurant or bar. But, keep in mind that local businesses will probably be super crowded during a graduation weekend.
Tip: Throwing a big party can get expensive! Before you start planning, make a budget that includes things like decorations, food, drinks, and the cost of renting a space or supplies (like tables and chairs).
4
Make a guest list and send invitations. Include all the people who have shaped your high school or college experience. You might want to invite your friends, some of your extended family, and teachers or coaches you really appreciate. This is also a good opportunity to celebrate with family and friends who couldn’t attend the graduation ceremony.^{[5]
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- Decide whether you want to send out paper or digital invitations. You could also send some paper invitations to family and virtual invitations to friends.
- With a paper invitation, you can add a copy of your senior picture as a keepsake for family members.
- Include all the basic information for your party: when, where, and how to RSVP.
- Make it clear in your invitation whether or not it’s okay for your guests to bring other people with them, as well.
5
Pick a theme to give your party a unique twist. Having a theme in addition to graduation can give your party a fun atmosphere and make it easier to plan your menu and décor.^{[6]
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Stefanie Chu-Leong
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Expert Interview. 24 January 2020.}^{[7]
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Research source} You can keep it simple and decorate with your school colors, or get creative and come up with an entirely different theme! A few possible themes include:
- “Tropical Hawaiian”: This is great for an outdoor party. You can light tiki torches, serve fruit punch, put grass skirts around tables, and play beach music.
- “Last Chance to Be a Kid”: This is a great way to let loose and let everyone have a bit of kid fun. Invite your guests to bring water guns, fill up water balloons, and have an outdoor water fight, followed by a barbeque.
- “Smart Cookie”: This is a fun and simple theme that will give everyone an excuse to indulge their sweet tooth! Choose cookie-themed décor and serve up some tasty baked goods, like cookies, brownies, and cupcakes.
6
Create a menu that will accommodate all your guests. If you’re not having your party at a restaurant, you’ll need to provide food for your guests! Make sure that you have plenty of food, and that there’s something for everyone. In addition to a main meal, serve a variety of finger foods and snacks throughout the party. Provide lots of options to suit different tastes and dietary needs.
- You can have the party catered, make your own food, or have a mix of homemade and catered foods. If you go DIY, think of dishes you can make ahead of time, like casseroles and cold salads.
- Allow guests to assemble their foods. Choose dishes like tacos, spaghetti, chili, burgers and hotdogs, salads, or sandwiches that guests can make how they like them. Just have a table set up buffet-style.
- Consider making or buying a cake that says congrats for the graduate. In addition to cake, you might want other desserts, like an ice cream sundae bar, cookies, or bowls of candy.
Tip: To save money and time spent on cooking, think about making your graduation party a potluck. Ask each guest to bring one dish with them. This can be fun, and it helps make the party less expensive for you!^{[8]
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7
Put up decorations that match your party’s theme. The decorations don’t have to be fancy to make your party special! Even just a few balloons or a banner that says “Congrats Grads!” will help set the tone. If your party has a theme, pick decorations that fit, or make some of your own.^{[9]
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- Hang up balloons and streamers in your school colors or in a color that matches the theme of your party.
- Consider making a memory jar and placing pencils and slips of paper beside it. Ask each of your guests to write down one memory they have with you from school. This will make a wonderful keepsake that you can treasure for years to come.
- Add a bit of nostalgia. A graduation party is an ideal place to reminisce about the fun times you’ve had in school. Display pictures from throughout the years.
- If you’re throwing a graduation party for multiple graduates, it can be fun to have a baby photo guessing game. Tack up photos of each graduate as a small child and have each guest try to decide who is who.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Choosing Activities for Your Graduation Party

1
Set up a board games table for quick and easy fun. At a graduation party, you want to make sure you have plenty of different activities to entertain your guests. Even if you’re hosting an outdoor party, having an indoor board games table can be a great way to give your guests an option to cool off inside. Pick up some fun party games like Taboo or What Do You Meme, or stick with simple classics like chess or checkers!^{[10]
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- Create a table where you can lay out all of your board games for people to choose from. Make sure you have plenty of chairs for guests to sit in.
- Offer a variety of games. Choose some that can be played with as few as 2 people.
- Board games are an easy activity to set up, and they will provide plenty of entertainment to your party guests without requiring you to facilitate.
2
Play interactive games for some lively group fun. Think of classic party games like charades or even more active ones like relay races or dodgeball. You can play these games in pairs or teams.^{[11]
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- Set up a large pad of paper have guests play Pictionary. If you don’t have a Pictionary game, come up with your own clues. These can be random, or you can relate them back to graduation.
- If you are outdoors, you can play games like Twister and cornhole.^{[12]
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3
Set up a DIY photo booth to make some lasting memories. This is a great way to remember your high school or college graduation party. Guests will enjoy playing with props and taking silly pictures, and they’ll have a memento from the occasion. Buy a premade backdrop from a party store, or make your own with some simple craft items.^{[13]
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- Use a large piece of paper or a sheet as a backdrop against a wall. This can be plain or patterned.
- Add a banner that has the name of the graduate’s school and the year.
- Use poster board to create props like speech bubbles, giant mustaches, and hats for party guests to hold up as they snap photos together on their phones.
4
Give a graduation party toast. This can be a great way to honor the graduate(s) and celebrate their great accomplishment. The person who gives the speech or toast should be someone who knows the graduate well, either a family member or good friend. The toast doesn’t have to be long or elaborate—in fact, it’s best to keep it short, simple, and sincere.^{[14]
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- Make sure to speak to the specific strengths and accomplishments of the graduate, and wish them luck in the future.
- If you want, you can use a favorite quote that seems fitting for the occasion.
- Toast with champagne or sparkling juice.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Arranging a Virtual Graduation Party

1
Choose a video chat platform that works for all your guests. To host a virtual party, you’ll need to use a video chat app or browser-based platform that will let you interact with all your guests at once. Decide in advance which platform you want to use, then let your guests know so that they can download the app or set up an account if necessary.^{[15]
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- Some good options for a virtual get-together include Google Hangouts or Google Meet (which is currently available for free), Zoom, Skype, Facebook Messenger, and Houseparty.^{[16]
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- Most of these apps allow pretty large groups, but check in advance so you know if the app you choose will work for the size of your party. For instance, you can add up to 50 people to a Skype group call. You can add up to 1,000 people to a Zoom meeting, and display up to 49 video streams at once on your screen!
- Apple’s FaceTime app has a user-friendly group chat feature that lets you add up to 32 people, but it only works on Apple products. If you choose this app, keep in mind that only guests with iPhones, iPads, or Macs will be able to join the party.
2
Send out virtual invitations to help the party feel official. You may not be able to get everyone together in person, but you can still send out a formal announcement of your party plans! Use a service like Evite, Punchbowl, or Minted to design and send some cool graduation-themed invitations for your online get-together.^{[17]
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- Include information like the date, time, and theme of the party. You can also add a link or invite code to your virtual meeting space and instructions on how to join.
3
Put up graduation-themed decorations in your on-screen area. Even though your friends and family won’t actually be in your home, you can still liven things up with some fun party décor! Order some graduation-themed decorations online or make some yourself, then put them up in whatever areas will be visible on camera during your virtual shindig.^{[18]
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- For instance, you could hang up some balloons or a “Congratulations Graduates” banner in the background, or give it a more personal touch by putting together a poster or collage with pictures of the grad(s) of honor.
- If your party has a theme, choose décor that fits. For example, if you have a tropical theme, hang up some leis or set up an inflatable palm tree in the background.
- Some video chat platforms, like Zoom, will also allow you to use fun virtual backgrounds. Search for a premade graduation-themed background to use, or make your own!
4
Get dressed up like you would for an in-person party. A party is always a good excuse to dress up, and a virtual party is no exception. Pick out a nice outfit that matches the tone or theme of the party, and encourage your guests to do the same if you like. If you’re the grad, you could even put on a mortarboard cap and graduation gown!^{[19]
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- You can order graduation-themed party headband boppers or party hats online for a fun and lighthearted touch.
5
Plan some online games or other fun activities. A party isn’t complete without a few fun activities, so think of a couple games or other enjoyable group activities you can do online. You can all join an online game, have a virtual dance party or karaoke session, or have a round of trivia to put all that hard-earned knowledge to the test.^{[20]
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- “Most Likely To” is a great game for a graduation party, and it’s easy to play over video chat. Come up with a list of questions, like “Who is most likely to get elected as president?” or “Who’s most likely to run away and join the circus?” Then, have everyone vote on who in the group is the best fit!
6
Ask the guests to join a virtual toast for the grad(s). At some point during the party, have everyone pour their drink of choice and join in a toast for the guest of honor. Or, if there are several grads in attendance, lead the toast in honor of all of them.
- You can either have someone give a short speech, or keep it simple with a brief toast, like “Here’s to the future!”
- If it’s a high school graduation, stick to some fun alcohol-free cocktails or sparkling white grape juice.

Grad Party Food and Drinks and Invitation Template

Food to Serve at a Graduation Party

Drinks to Serve at a Graduation Party

Graduation Party Invitation Template

Expert Q&A
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Question

When do you throw a graduation party at home?

Stefanie Chu-Leong
Owner & Senior Event Planner, Stellify Events
Stefanie Chu-Leong is the Owner and Senior Event Planner for Stellify Events, an event management business based in the San Francisco Bay Area and California Central Valley. Stefanie has over 15 years of event planning experience and specializes in large-scale events and special occasions. She has a BA in Marketing from San Francisco State University.

Stefanie Chu-Leong

Owner & Senior Event Planner, Stellify Events

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

When picking the date for your party, don’t forget to take into account other events or obligations that your family or close friends might have. For example, if someone you know has a wedding in the summer, be sure to schedule your party during a different weekend.
Question

I want to have a middle school grad party with my friends over Snapchat FaceTime. What all would need to be changed for this situation?

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Staff Answer
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An online graduation party can be pretty similar to an in-person party, but in a lot of ways, it's easier to set up! Think of games and activities you can do without having to be face to face, like playing a trivia game or having a virtual dance party. You won't have to provide food for your friends, but you can all plan to have a cupcake or other snack together at the same time if you want. You might still want to put up some decorations so that your friends can see them in the background while you're chatting.
Question

Should you have music at graduation party?

Community Answer

Music is a great way to set the mood at a graduation party and make the party more festive.

Warnings

If you’re planning an outdoor graduation party, make sure to have a back-up plan in case it rains.

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If you’re serving alcohol at your party, make sure that neither you nor your guests drink and drive. Never serve alcoholic drinks to minors who haven’t reached the legal drinking age in your area!

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