How to Plan a Graduation Party
Overview
Graduation is a big deal. Whether you're celebrating a little one getting their kindergarten diploma or a co-ed receiving his/her first degree, a graduation party is a celebration of achievement and memories made on the road to success. Graduation parties have so much potential to be the best night ever, but sometimes they fail to make the grade. We came up with three themed graduation party ideas that are sure to pass with flying colors!
Looking Back
The grad has made many friends and created many fond memories along the road to graduation. The graduation party is the perfect tribute to these two favorites - it is a time to celebrate the past while preparing to move on to the next opportunity. Here are a few ways to pull it off in style:
Set up a giant photo collage, yearbook style.
Assemble a variety of photos both formal and candid. Combine them all into a fun collage and hang it up so that guests can enjoy admiring throughout the party. As a bonus, have a digital camera and photo printer handy to snap photos and insert them into mini photo frames as a sentimental graduation party favor.
Have a guest book for collecting well wishes.
Similar to a yearbook, a guestbook is a fun way to keep guests' congratulations and words of wisdom in one easily-accessible place. Put a fun spin on it by making it into a giant blank poster that guests can draw on. After the party, frame it for a great memento of the big day.
Looking Forward
With a future uncertain but full of promise, grads must put their years of education behind them and prepare to take the next steps into a new life. The best way to celebrate? Start getting ahead ASAP with a Looking Forward theme. Here are a couple ideas:
Root for the home team with a college-themed competition.
If the high school grad is already proudly displaying their school colors, help them feel even more school spirit by picking a few of their alma mater's competitor schools and inviting guests to represent those schools. Party guests can dress in their colors of choice and compete against one another in a few fun games to see which school comes out on top!
Throw a themed bash based on the new career.
For high school graduates going to trade school or college grads preparing to enter the work force, a job-themed party is a great way to celebrate. Guests can come dressed as their interpretation of the grad's dream job, and they can play fun games related to the field.
Oh the Places You'll Go
What happens when you combine the joy of graduation with the magic of Dr. Seuss? The perfect graduation party theme for those young and young-at-heart who are ready for the next adventure!
Become the Winningest Winner of All with a game night theme.Part of the charm of this famous Dr. Seuss tale is that sometimes you win and sometimes you lose. Make it a game night so that everyone has a chance to win at whatever game they play best.
Celebrate the best Dr. Seuss-isms. Let your creativity shine by decorating with outrageous colors and hanging up posters and pictures complete with your favorite inspirational quotes from this popular story. Hit up garage sales and flea markets and make memorable favors by reassembling old toys into new ones complete with creative Seuss-esque names.
These ideas are a great jump-start for your own party planning efforts. Remember, graduation is one of life's important milestones, so don't be afraid to merge creativity and nostalgia as you celebrate all your grad has achieved.