Decoration Ideas for a Graduation Party

Themed Decorations

If the graduation party is themed, decorations are simple: follow the theme. A luau party, for example, can be decorated with tropical flowers, faux palm trees, and colorful leis. To coordinate with graduation, a “congratulations graduate” banner could be strung between two palm trees or leis could feature school colors. These simple accents can be added to any party theme.

Popular Decoration Ideas for a Graduation Party

When graduation parties aren’t specifically themed, there are still many ways to add beautiful and fun decorations to the event. Popular options include:

• Mortar Boards: The traditional graduation cap is a popular decorative accent for both college and high school graduation parties, and it can be found on plates, as hanging decorations, graduation party favors, and much more.
• Sheepskins: A popular college graduation party idea is to use faux sheep fleece to decorate, since the graduate has earned their “sheepskin.” Small sheep toys can wear mortar boards for a whimsical approach.
• Year: The graduation year is an easy decorative touch: number balloons can be purchased to create the year, or graduation party supplies such as plates, cups, banners, confetti and more are available with the current year.
• School Pictures: Proud parents may want to display their child’s pictures from preschool or kindergarten through graduation as a tribute to the academic past.
• Stars: The guest of honor is undoubtedly a star, and a motif of gold and silver stars is an elegant and fun way to decorate.
• School Memorabilia: The graduate’s trophies, elementary school artwork, old report cards, awards, and other memorabilia from years of school can be a fun way to decorate. Be certain the items displayed, however, will not embarrass graduates or make them feel uncomfortable about the doting parents who’ve saved everything for years.

School colors are popular choices.

• College: If the graduate is college-bound, decoration ideas for a graduation party may include pennants, pictures, and other items from the chosen school. The same types of items are also suitable for a college graduation party.
• School Colors: Balloons, tableware, streamers, napkins, and other basic party supplies can easily match school colors.
• Career: Graduates who are ready to join the workforce can enjoy party decorations themed to their career path. A party for an architect, for example, may display blueprints, while a party for a personal trainer could be decorated with exercise equipment.
• Yard Signs: Outdoor decorations such as yard signs and banners are essential for outdoor parties, and they can serve as easy identifiers for indoor parties as well so guests will know where the party is located.
• Autograph Options: A yearbook, a photo mat with the graduate’s picture, or a guest book in appropriate school colors is a practical decoration for a graduation party that will also become a cherished memento.
• Card Box: Many party guests will bring cards and gifts for the graduate, and a gift table with a decorative card box or wishing well is the perfect location to display them. Keep blank paper and pens near the card box for guests to add their wishes even if they have not brought a card.
• Ivy League: If the graduate is headed for or recently graduated from an Ivy League school, faux marble pillars wrapped with ivy as well as ivy streamers over doors, windows, and tables are whimsical and unique decorations.
• Textbooks: Old high school and college textbooks make perfect school-themed buffet food stands and other decorative accents.
• Mascots: If the graduate’s school has a mascot, it can be used for themed decorations. Elements of the mascot can also be easily used, such as paw prints for a leopard or feathers for Native American tribes.
• Smiley Faces: A graduate is full of smiles, and smiley face decorations topped with mortar boards or carrying diplomas are fun decorations for any graduation party.

Making Graduation Party Decorations

Clever crafters can also make some basic graduation party decorations to add personal flair to the event.

• Diploma Scrolls

Supplies: Paper sheets in white or ivory, ribbons with school colors

1. Roll paper sheets into tubes lengthwise, so the longest dimension of the paper is the length of the tube.
2. Tie ribbons in the center of the tube.
3. If desired, write “Diploma” or “Degree” on one end of the paper before rolling, and roll so the word will be visible.

• Mortar Board Table

Supplies: Square table, two black (or school colored) vinyl tablecloths, coordinating or clear tape, coordinating colored yarn, punch bowl

1. Wrap one tablecloth around the surface of the table and tape to the underside so none is hanging over the edge.
2. Wrap the second tablecloth around all four table legs simultaneously to form the cup of the mortar board hat and secure with tape.
3. Use yarn to create a coordinating tassel in school colors or gold for an honor student. Leave enough yarn to secure the tassel by looping it around the punch bowl in the center.

Where to Find Graduation Decorations

Smile, you made it!

Many party stores offer a wide selection of basic graduation decorations, as do online retailers. Websites offering a wide range of graduation party decorations include:

• Party America
• Factory Card & Party Outlet
• GraduationDecorations.com
• Party World
• Bulk Party Supplies
• Party 411
• Graduation Party Gifts
• Party Cheap
• American Carnival Mart
• Mike Feinberg Company
• Party Supplies Mall
• Wholesale Party Store

There are many possible decoration ideas for a graduation party, from simple school colors to craft projects to graduation-themed items. With the proper supplies, a graduation party can become a festive event that will be remembered long after school is out.