Hey Grad, time to celebrate!! Your college graduation party is one of the most memorable events to closing off your college experience and you want to throw an epic college grad party that resembles you and all your accomplishments! Here you will find some super fun, clever, and easy college graduation party ideas to make this the BEST party ever!
College Graduation Party Ideas
I never had a college graduation party but if I had I imagine it would have been an Hawaiian-themed party. When I celebrate, I most often times like to pretend I’m somewhere warm and given that sometimes post-graduation is a good excuse for a vacation that would make it even more fitting. It doesn’t have to be anything big, or it can, throwing a college graduation party is however as big of a milestone as you choose to celebrate.
The next college graduation party I see myself throwing will be for my younger brother, who is in his sophomore year right now. What I love about when my family plans graduation parties, is we don’t just set out the treats and drinks and some photos hanging around, we make sure there are yard games and plenty of activities to keep people entertained! Having the yard and space for a college graduation party definitely helps!! Most graduation parties are boring so you want activities to keep your friends and families having fun, along with the yummy food and drinks of course!
If you’re looking for even more grad party ideas read our posts on: Best graduation party ideas, Funny graduation caps, Food bar ideas for parties
College Grad Party Ideas
There are plenty of fun and brilliant college graduation party ideas that will have you throwing the best college grad party, and we have 15 of them listed here for you! Whether you need decorating inspo, what easy foods/drinks/treats to make, or how to keep your friends and family occupied and making memories with you, all the college grad party ideas are here!
Nacho Bar Party
A nacho bar party is one of the best college grad parties! Easy to set up, serve, all the tastiest ingredients and toppings, and cutest party decor! All it requires is chips, a cheesy dip, cooked meat, sauces and whatever other toppings you want. This is great party food, finger food, and something everyone will enjoy. Make it a whole fiesta!!
Mimosa Bar
It’s always time for a mimosa! A mimosa bar is perfect and easy for college graduation parties, especially because you’re 21 and drink! If you want the ultimate mimosa bar, let this be your guide. Ever had a mimosa flight? Take that and make it bigger! It’s a fun party idea to get creative with. Everyone will love your bubble bar!
Adventure Awaits Theme
For someone who loves to travel or has travel plans post-graduation, this is the perfect party look for college grad parties for an adventure! The backdrop is what really helps to set theme and your food and decor can match that. Even taking out suitcases and having them on display adds to the adventure look! This is cute and so clever for a traveling graduate (before starting their career).
Make the Party Theme About Your Degree
Focus the party to be about your degree. If you graduated and now are an RN or soon to be, make your party about that! This is a fantastic way to put all your skills and hard work on display. Find a fun grad sign to hang, color coordinate the party with white and red for RN, and even make a cake that emphasis the theme!!
Photo Booth
Sometimes all you need is a good backdrop for your party! This can totally be the focal point. If you have an outdoor party this is a fun set up to have and can add a sign, so guests know what all the decor is for. If you like boho theme ideas this is a perfect party addition!
Free Graduation Printables
Free graduation prints absolutely come in handy when it’s time for graduation party planning. These can go anywhere and be used for anything! What’s better than free labels for a party? Make graduation easy and affordable with these college graduation parties ideas!
Decorate with Large Balloons
Having large balloons at your grad party makes everything better. They add to the party vibe, make it fun to celebrate, make the party feel even bigger and are usually cheap. They are a great way to fill space and have the decor looking so good! Nothing like a good CONGRADS sign to set the mood for the party.
Celebrate Outside
Outside grad parties are so fun!! If you can have your party outside, do it. Celebrate outside in style and all the space you have! Some of the prettiest college graduation parties are done outside and lights have a lot to deal with that. Whether it be stringing outdoor lightbulbs or hanging lanterns, it will look so dreamy!
Table Decorations
Table decorations are a must for college grad parties. Even if it’s something simple like a cute plant, table decor and centerpieces are noticed. Table decorations that match the theme are always nice too, these add a great visual to the grad party!
Decorate with a University Theme
Decorating with your university colors is a great theme! Focus the party on your university and showcase photos and anything that relates to it. A university theme is a great idea for grad parties, there’s so much you can do with that!
Diploma cookies
Image source by karinskottage
Aren’t these the cutest?! Such a fun dessert idea and delicious! An easy grab-and-go dessert that everyone will love, and adds perfectly to the grad theme!
Party photo booth
Image source by Pinterest
The easiest and stylish way to those college grad photos!! Who doesn’t love a colorful, cozy sofa in the yard with some tassel? I love how casual this looks but still gives you a fun party vibe!
Polaroid Guestbook
Image source by tietheknot
This is a great activity to have for friends and family at a college grad party! This is something that everyone can enjoy and is fun to look back on!
Fun grad sign
Image source by Cassidy Culp
How about a fun backdrop for your college grad party?? This will instantly set the mood and is an easy way to add a lot of decor to the graduation party.
Funfetti graduation cupcakes
Image source by livinglocurto
These are the cupcakes you need at your college grad party! Easy but so festive, a must-have!
Grad party favors
Image source by evite
Send your friends and family off with a fun little memento from your graduation party! Clever and cute, how can you not grab one??
Card box
Image source by buzzfeed
Turn one of your suitcases into a card box! Omg this is so cute and probably the simplest way to make a card station look this good. All you have to do is cut out some letters and string them!
Balloon set
Image source by momoparty
Every good college graduation party needs a good balloon sign! This is an easy way to decorate and be party-ready for your grad party!
Graduation glasses
Image source by kateaspen
You are so done with college you order a wine set!! This is the kind of college grad party glass I’m talking about!
Photo collage
Image source by findinista
Looking for a fun way to display all your photos and mems? Not only is the idea cool, but it’s also super easy! This grad party decor idea will have everyone looking at your photos!
DIY Grad letters
Image source by michellespartyplanit
What’s a college grad party celebration without some grad letters?! You can sparkle these bad boys up or add photos to them, they are just the touch!
Cookie bar
Image source by Pinterest
One smart cookie you are having a dessert bar like this at your college graduation party! Such a cute idea, the cookies will be gone in no time.
Advice sign
Image source by raisingteenstoday
Hey, need some advice for your future??? Here’s another fun activity for friends and family at your grad party that is beneficial to you!! Nothing like a good chalkboard to write some wisdom.
Punch and juice station
Image source by Pinterest
It’s the punch and lemonade at the college grad party for me! Every college graduation party just needs a juice station, whether it’s spiked or not.
College grad party flag
Image source by Zazzle
Here’s a fun way to let your friends and fam know where the party is!! A funny flag obviously means you’re in for some good celebrating and now all the neighbors will know. It’s a statement piece!
More Graduation Party Ideas
Be sure to pin the college graduation party ideas post for later on Pinterest so you can get back to it!
V V V
Such fun and fabulous ideas for graduation parties! I love the sofa idea for the photo booth and the old suitcase to hold cards! Thank you so much for including my no bake diploma cookies in the mix! I really appreciate it 🙂
Karin
I love the photo collage and the suitcase for a card box.