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Graduation is a huge deal, and your party should be just as unforgettable! Whether you’re going for a classy black-and-gold aesthetic, a graduation fiesta vibe, or something totally out-of-the-box like an “The Summer I Graduated College” theme, picking the right concept sets the tone for the whole occasion. Once you have the theme nailed down, you can begin choosing the details — everything from the decorations, to the food and drinks, and all the Insta-worthy moments to be created.
Today, we’re breaking down some of the best grad party themes to make your celebration feel next level. Whether you want something chic, fun, or completely unique, we’ve got you covered. Let’s get into it!
Want more college ideas? Check out these articles:
- 32 College Graduation Gift Ideas for Her to Celebrate the Big Day
- These 12 College Apartment Bedroom Decor Ideas Will Inspire You to Transform Your Space
- The 10 Best Backpacks for College Girlies
12 Unique Graduation Party Themes
1. Floral Garden Party
Celebrate the best way you know how, by hosting a floral garden party for your friends and family. Decorate with florals, hanging paper lanterns and cute floral plates. For food, you could serve finger foods, cookies and tea to your guests.
Real Touch Tulip Bundle
Floral Party Napkins
2. Trendy Grad Party
Keep things “cool” with a trendy graduation party theme. Instead of opting for your school colors for decor, use fun, girly fonts, pink and orange balloons and fun party foods. This day is about you, so why not make it a theme you absolutely love!
Pink & Orange Balloon Arch
“Congrats” Balloons
3. Citrus Graduation Party
We think a citrus theme would be so cute for spring and summer grads. You could use the slogan, “Orange You Glad You’re a Grad”, on a banner and serve citrus-inspired food and drink. Decorate your home or backyard with orange, yellow and green balloons for some vibrant pops of color.
Citrus Balloon Garland
Citrus Paper Fans
4. The Summer I…Graduated College/High School
Okay, here us out…wouldn’t it be so fun to throw a grad party with “The Summer I Turned Pretty” theme? If you’re a fan of the show, this could be the such an adorable way to celebrate. Decorate with blue and white coastal-inspired decor with florals on the table and hang a banner with the slogan “The Summer I Graduated College” or The Summer I graduated High School”.
Blue & White Checked Party Supplies
Seagrass Placemats
5. Coastal Graduation Party
Whether you’re graduating and moving to a coastal region or just love the nautical theme, a coastal graduation party is a fun theme to create. Create a banner that states “Last Toast on the Coast” or “Last Toast Before the Coast”. Keep the theme colors white and blue and decorate accordingly.
Blue & White Balloon Arch
“Last Toast on the Coast” Banner
6. Backyard Graduation Party
Backyard parties can be as simple or elaborate as you want them to be. However we love the idea of throwing a casual graduation party with your closest family and friends. Have a picnic table set up in the yard to enjoy food and string lights and lanterns for a cozy glow in the evening.
Graduation Banner
Lantern String Lights
7. Brunch Graduation Party
Who doesn’t love an excuse to throw a brunch party? It’s such a great way to make the graduation gathering casual for people to come and go, and just about everyone loves a spread of delicious breakfast food — you can’t go wrong.
Grad Balloons
“Congrats Grad” Plates
8. New City Theme Party
We are obsessed with the New City party theme. Whether you’re moving to a big city, small town or different country, decorating your home in the theme of any particular city would be so fun for the grad.
“Who Said You Could Leave” Balloons
NYC Party Cups
9. Graduation Fiesta
Graduation fiestas are such a vibrant way to celebrate the grad in your life. Decorate your home with festive banners, streamers and table settings to match the theme. Serve mini tacos, chips and salsa and other festive tex-me food for your guests to enjoy.
Graduation Fiesta Invites
“Taco Bout a Party” Balloons
10. School Colors Theme
Whether you’re celebrating a high school or college grad, going with a theme based on their present or future school colors is classic and simple. Decorate with school color balloons and banners, and serve the grad’s favorite foods.
11. Throwback to 2000s Party
Want to take things back in time for one more day before you step into your new future? Throw it back with a 2000s or Y2K party. After all…it was probably the best era to live in (you can tell we’re a bit biased).
Shiny Metallic Foil Fringe
Holographic Dinner Plates
Decorate your house with reflective streamers, nostalgic magazine images, and a banner that says “Throwing It Back One More Time”. Serve popular early 2000s food and drinks four your friends and family to enjoy.
12. Career Theme
Whether you’re planning a celebrate for a future teacher, lawyer, nurse, corporate marketing major or journalist, create a party around their future career theme. They’ve worked so hard to get to this moment, so have fun with decorative balloons, invites and the details to make it representative of their career or major.
“Case Closed” Balloons
Graduation Cap Paper Lantern
