34 Graduation Party Decoration Ideas You Have to Get For your Grad Party This Year

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These are the best graduation party decoration ideas you need to have an epic graduation party everyone will be obsessed with.

graduation party decoration ideas

Hello, soon-to-be graduate! Are you looking for the best Graduation party ideas, so you can plan an unforgettable Graduation party as you kiss high school or college days goodbye?

However, planning a graduation party can be exhausting, especially if you’re on a budget or short on time.  

You may be confused about how to prepare the guest list, where to find the best grad party venue, the food, supplies, etc. 

And to top the endless list of things to put together to have a memorable graduation party. 

Perhaps, you’re wondering about the type of graduation party decoration ideas and what type of graduation party backdrop to choose. The list keeps going on and on.

But fret not!

Think about all the beautiful graduation decorations ideas you can add to your grad party to make it unforgettable, from using creative photo walls, confetti balloons, memory boards, personalized banners, and streamers to add a personal touch to your party, like making your graduation cap centerpieces or photo booth props.

Yay! The thoughts of a decorating graduation party leave me excited.

Whether you want some creative Outdoor graduation decorations for your outdoor or beach-themed graduation party, or you want some exciting DIY graduation decorations, you can go creative and DIY your party on a budget.

We’ll explore some creative and easy graduation decoration party ideas that will help you throw a memorable celebration. 

These beautiful and fun graduation decoration party ideas will make your event a success without breaking the bank or causing unnecessary stress.

The Best Graduation Party Decoration Ideas

graduation party decoration ideas

1. Boho Vintage Trailer Party

image: Petals and Picnics

I can’t get enough of this adorable graduation party décor idea. It looks like a scene out of a Disney princess movie and is so girly with all of its purple-pink shades.

Elegance and opulence are elevated by a hint of quirkiness that makes this graduation party idea oh-so-fun and enjoyable for all the guests and the graduate themselves. 

2. Themed Party Dessert Station

image: Kim

I’m a huge fan of the decorative jar trend and am really pleased that someone applied it to a graduation party setup. Overall, the glass adds a glossy shine to this already pristine graduation décor idea.

Blue, white, and gold are huge this year, with pretty much everyone using the beautiful trio in their celebration décor.

So, if you want to be right on trend, this is the graduation party decoration idea for you. 

3. Make a Polaroid Station

image: Carolina

I wish I had thought of this genius idea for my graduation. Not only is it so funky and cool, but it’s also useful in that it helps everyone to create memories that last a long time.

No one will ever forget your graduation; thanks to the keepsake polaroid they’ll get to take home.

You can get creative with the polaroid station and even add a unique graduation-styled hashtag for everyone to share their happy moments online.

4. DIY Grad Party Centerpiece Jar

image: Keesha

This DIY graduation party idea lets you get creative and have some fun while decorating for your big day.

I think that a mix of paper and decorated cardboard would work best for a textured and eye-catching décor that lasts.

As well, I would recommend sticking to a two-tone color scheme so that things don’t get too “noisy.”

Fill your jar up with a mix of rocks, gems, colored paper, and more for a vibrant and fun centerpiece that sets the scene for the graduation party of a lifetime. 

5. Decorate your Backyard with Grad Sign and Balloons

graduation party decoration ideas
image: The Balloon Loft 

Everyone knows that balloons are the best friend of any event designer. They’re easy to arrange, available in almost every color, and don’t eat into your budget.

Better still, if you opt for the bigger kind, like in the above image, they add a hint of extravagance and “occasion” to your celebration.

So, when it comes to graduation party decoration ideas, I can’t recommend a mix of balloons enveloping a grad sign enough. Bonus points if it’s an LED graduation sign. 

6. Setup a Popcorn Dessert Station

image: Carolina

Graduation party décor ideas don’t have to be generic. Instead, they can be unique, fun, and entirely your own.

You’re almost guaranteed to be the only person with a popcorn machine at your graduation party this year.

If you’d rather not deal with the fuss of an actual popcorn machine, you can just buy a retro decorative version and stock it with pre-popped bags of popcorn that are wrapped up with a beautiful bow! 

Related: 54 Epic Graduation Party Ideas to Make the Best Graduation Party of the Year.

7. Setup a Drink Menu Board

graduation party decoration ideas
image: Carolina

No graduation party is complete without something to sip on. Get the conversation flowing and keep your guests feeling refreshed and ready to party with a chic menu that gives them the low-down on the drink selection.

Plus, it saves you a lot of time when it comes to explaining what’s on offer while showing guests you care. Add a cute twist to your drinks menu board with some art or doodles to get everyone in the party mood. 

8. Add a Letter Board to Your Grad Entrance Table

image: Carolina

Personally, I just love when a party planner decides to add a welcoming touch to their décor with an on-theme letter board. It’s quite popular these days, and I think that’s due to its power to “set the scene” from the get-go.

Letter boards are customizable, heart-warming, and personal and say, “let’s get the party started.” What message you welcome your guests with is up to you, meaning you can go funny, cute, or even sarcastic. 

9. Floral Graduation Backdrop

graduation party decoration ideas
image: I Beg Your Party

Graduations tend to be brimming with flowers, with everyone exchanging bouquets as a token of their respect.

Here, we see that staple of graduations paid homage to beautifully by offering guests the perfect photo opportunity to commemorate the day.

10. Display your Graduate Memories

image: Carolina

I think people often underestimate a graduation party as a chance to show off what they’ve achieved.

Thanks to this graduation party décor idea, you can display your journey for everyone to see. Hang up happy pictures with little decorative pegs on a string, or prop up your school sweatshirt using a filling of your choice.

You can even include any sports equipment you used, books, and more. Let your imagination run wild as you create a cute homage to your learning years.

11. Black and Gold Picnic Graduation Party

graduation party decoration ideas
image: Kika

I would love to attend a graduation party looks as classy and sophisticated as this one. While graduation parties traditionally tend toward a more casual vibe, recently, trends are starting to look a little more formal.

However, this graduation party idea blends two trends by pairing sophistication with the casual fun of a picnic party.

Gold cutlery is contrasted by plush pillows in this graduation décor idea that’s the epitome of style. 

12. Customize Drinks Bottles

graduation party decoration ideas
image: sofestively

If I received a customized drink bottle at a graduation party, you can bet I’d keep it forever.

I think these bottles make for lovely keepsakes that ensure no one will forget your graduation.

They’re a fantastic way to thank guests for coming to your party while giving them something to keep the party going with once home. 

13. Setup a Photo Display Table

image: Kam

You’ve probably taken upward of 1,000 photos during your school years, why not relish the chance to show them off and display them stylishly for everyone to see in this touching photo display that forms the centerpiece of your graduation party. 

14. Make a Balloon Photo Backdrop

graduation party decoration ideas
image: Ballons Luxe

Everyone gets excited when they walk into a party and see a photo backdrop. It means they’ll have the perfect photo-op to share with friends, on social media, or just to look back on fondly whenever they see fit.

So, it’s no surprise that photo backdrops are at the top of almost every “graduation party décor ideas” list.

I love how balloons have been used to create this beautiful backdrop that’s simple to make yet downright stunning. 

15. Make a Photoshoot Station

image: R E I L L Y

I include a photoshoot station in almost every single party or event I plan. They’re so easy to arrange, and everyone gets such good use out of them.

A photoshoot station becomes a little hub of activity at your party, where everyone can mingle while creating memories that last a lifetime.

I recommend using a couch or other seating arrangement with a decorative backdrop to really set the “Insta-worthy” scene.

16. Personalize Graduation Party Favors

graduation party decoration ideas
image: Areeg

Everyone loves attending a party that has a personal touch. While most people opt for party bags, I think bottles filled with little goodies are an exciting twist to the classic party favor idea.

I simply adore how simple they are to make, yet they look absolutely fantastic, and I really can’t get over the little graduation hats that make this idea right on theme and one you’ll really want to take home and show off. 

17. Graduation Party Welcome Sign

image: Electrified.events

Nothing says “event” or “occasion” quite like a themed sign that lets everyone know what the big day is all about.

To mark the occasion in style, keep your customized sign simple and minimalistic, with only the key details included.

I think one of the best parts of these signs is that they can be kept and used to decorate a dorm room in a quirky style. 

18. Make a Drinking Wall

graduation party decoration ideas
image: Kayan

You shouldn’t have to be running around taking drink orders all day long. Instead, make good use of this graduation party décor idea and allow guests to enjoy the convenience of taking their drink whenever they’d like.

I recommend you keep a refill jar next to your drinking wall so that guests can replenish their glass instead of taking another one. 

19. Get Custom Party Cups and Plates

image: Donielle

This is such a cute and convenient way to make your graduation party your own. It really brings your party to the next level, giving it a “professionally planned and designed” edge without too much fuss on your end.

All you have to do is place a custom order with the brand or business of your choice and wait for your on-them party cups and plates to arrive!

20. Decorate your Entrance with a Balloon Arch

image: Banzi

I love how big and extravagant this graduation party décor idea is. It’s eye-catching, chic, and everyone will want to either take a picture of it or with it.

The best part? It’s not going to take a lifetime to make or set up. That said, I still suggest you get some professional help with this one to ensure everything runs smoothly and looks great. 

21. DIY Graduation Land Art

image: Brickslawnart

I love how this grad party décor idea lets everyone know that there’s a big occasion going on inside.

It’s also quite simple in that all you need is some outdoor, grass-friendly spray paint. Enjoy the cool and fun design before cleaning it away by mowing your lawn. 

22. Make a Backyard graduation Party Photo Backdrop

graduation party decoration ideas
image: Specialtimedecorations

The greenery of this photo backdrop is right on trend. Expect to see plenty of similar party photo setups as you scroll through social media this graduation season.

So, why not make the trend your own and use balloon colors of your choice and top it all off with a customized sign.

23. Graduation Party Themed Table Centerpiece

image: Partiesonpurpose

This graduation party décor idea mixes fun with freshness as the customized, retro-cool tins are filled with gorgeous flowers.

There’s something quite youthful and light-hearted about this charming décor idea that keeps the party atmosphere breezy and easy to enjoy.

24. Curtain Graduation Photo Backdrop

graduation party decoration ideas
image: Partywithanita

The elegance of a curtain backdrop has been winning the hearts of party planners for the last few years, and for good reason.

Your guests will adore taking pictures with such a sophisticated background that won’t clash with their outfits. 

25. Customed Graduation Party Cookies

graduation party decoration ideas
image: Cupcake.crazee

Cupcakes and cookies are food for the heart and soul. They make everyone feel good and are a fantastic way to spread cheer around while keeping any cravings at bay.

Guests will really appreciate these custom-made graduation party cookies that they can either enjoy on the spot or take home to show off. There’s also no denying that they make for a fantastic photo opportunity. 

26. Luxury Candy Cart

graduation party decoration ideas
image: The Queen Of Carts

I need this gorgeous candy cart at my next party. I just can’t get over how stunning it is. One of my favorite color contrasts is pink and white because I think it adds warmth and a welcoming yet vibrant tone to any décor.

What’s more, guests can indulge in some sweetness as they enjoy the day, with the candy cart essentially doubling up as a candy buffet. 

27. Custom Acrylic Welcome Sign

image: Shaye

Everyone’s talking about acrylic décor these days. Personally, I welcome this trend. It’s fun, simple, and gets straight to the point.

Plus, since acrylic is a strong material, it’s a decoration that can be kept and cherished well after the party’s over. 

28. Make a Donut Station

graduation party decoration ideas
image: The Party Gal 

There’s something so magical and charming about donut stations. They invite guests to enjoy themselves, live a little, and indulge as they celebrate all of the graduate’s hard work.

Plus, they’re incredibly easy to set up and restock throughout the day whenever needed.

29. Graduation Balloon Number Sign

graduation party decoration ideas
image: TORI

I love that balloons are becoming a staple of graduation party décor. They’re always a fun and vibrant way to set the tone of the day while looking fabulous as a backdrop to any photos.

A nice twist to the classic idea is to add a number sign that’s brimming with balloons to mark the year you graduated in style. 

30. Make a Bounce House Themed Party

graduation party decoration ideas
image: Time 2 Party

Just because they’re all grown up now doesn’t mean they can’t still be a big kid and enjoy bouncing on a bouncy castle.

Young and old guests alike will get a kick out of this ultra-fun graduation party décor idea that ensures everyone stays entertained throughout the day while also making for a fantastic photo-op. 

31. Create a Graduation Party Bouquet

graduation party decoration ideas
image: heyGRAD 

We all know that flowers and bouquets are a huge part of graduations, meaning they’re always a welcome sight at graduation parties.

Here, we see a unique and fun twist on the classic bouquet by using plastic wraps, petals, and cute little teddies for a fun look. 

32. Make a Table Menu Labels

image: Certe

Since dinners are becoming a more popular graduation party idea every year, they’re starting to resemble wedding dinners somewhat.

So, if you’re planning on throwing a formal dinner for your big bash, why not offer your guests some selection by presenting them with a unique graduation-themed menu to choose from. 

33. Have a Graduation Party Dinner

image: The space on West Main

While not a classic graduation party décor idea, a large, formal sit-down dinner is becoming a more popular way to celebrate grads year after year.

They require a little less organization and tend to be quite formal, meaning everyone enjoys the chance to dress up. 

34. Host a Graduation Party Theme Inspired By Future College

image: Pop Up Picnics

Since graduation parties also often double up as send-off parties, why not pay homage to your soon-to-be-college and design your big day in its honor?

Use your college’s colors to deck your garden with vibrant balloons, signs, on-theme cutlery, chairs, and more. 

These were the Best Graduation Party Decoration Ideas you Need to Get for your Graduation Party.

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