Graduation College Party - Full Guide For Unforgettable Memories

The end of graduation season signifies the end of an exciting period in a student's life. After putting in effort and resources, it is time for a celebration that will let the graduate and their family have a good time. A college graduation party is a great way to honor the graduate's achievements and create new memories with loved ones before embarking on new adventures. Here are some party ideas for college students to make your graduation party a memorable occasion.

Photo booth booking

Posing for a photo is essential at any party, but for a graduation celebration, a photo booth is a must-have. It is a fantastic addition because it encourages guests to interact and have fun. Since graduation parties are usually casual, this is the perfect chance to snap silly photos and make lasting memories.

Depending on your budget, you have the option to either rent a professional photo booth or create your own DIY booth with a personalized backdrop. Keep in mind that professional photo booth rentals usually include sharing features in their package, such as the ability to print live photos for guests to keep as souvenirs. Additionally, these modern photo booths can instantly share photos via email or social media. There are also new features such as the 360-degree photo booth camera, which captures a spinning image or video of people in the center as it rotates around them.

Create Chalkboard Background

A chalkboard photo backdrop is a fun and easy way to enhance a photo booth or area where guests can take pictures with their phones. Guests can write messages on the chalkboard and customize their photos. It is cost-effective to create your own chalkboard backdrop using a drop cloth and chalkboard paint. By using a drop cloth, the backdrop can be reused for multiple events. To make the backdrop, simply paint the drop cloth with chalkboard paint, making sure to protect the surface underneath. Once the paint is dry, add props for guests to use and provide chalk and an eraser for them to personalize their photos.

Don't forget the photo props

If you choose to rent a photo booth or decide to create your own, be sure to have a variety of props and costumes available. Guests enjoy adding fun and quirky props such as signs, oversized glasses, hats, and more to make their photos unique. Here are some suggestions for photo booth props:

A compact board is ideal for creating custom messages.
Cowboy, cowgirl, or party-themed caps.
Perfect for events like a masked ball or Great Gatsby-themed party.
Feather boas (always fun to add)
Hair Wigs
Oversize Sunglasses

Decorate with class colors

Celebrate school spirit and pride at the graduation party by incorporating the graduate's college colors as the theme colors. Visit a local party store near the school to easily find decorations such as balloons, streamers, signs, and floral arrangements in the school's color combinations. Graduation banners can also be a great addition to the decorations. Make the decorating process simple and show your support for the graduate one last time!

Decorate with graduation banners

A graduation celebration wouldn't be complete without graduation banners. These banners are easy to make and can add a festive touch to your party. You can enhance the atmosphere by hanging colorful banners with the word "congratulations" throughout your space. Consider adding the date to the banners for a special keepsake, and if you need assistance, there are pre-made options available online.

Hire a Pro

If you want a more refined appearance for the party, consider hiring a party planner or event decorator to handle the details and ensure everything goes smoothly. This option will save you time and guarantee that the school colors, theme, and overall vision are flawlessly executed.

Rental Add-ons

Enhance the school color scheme theme by incorporating additional props such as lighting. Unsure of the significance of lighting for a special occasion? Lighting can draw attention to specific details, such as the school colors, and can also elevate the atmosphere while improving safety. Discuss your options with a planner or vendor. Even small details like lighting can greatly impact the overall appearance and ambiance of your event for attendees.

Use Pictures to Make Centerpieces

Adding a table centerpiece with pictures of the graduate can bring a personal and charming touch to the party decorations, enhancing what may otherwise be a plain setup. Imagine the impact of a photo centerpiece next to a simple floral arrangement. You have the option to either purchase custom-made photo centerpieces or create them yourself. These centerpieces can be placed on tables and areas like cocktail seating or food tables. Incorporating photos of the graduate or memorable college moments can enliven the party space and celebrate the graduate's achievements. These centerpieces can also serve as a great party favor for guests if you do not wish to keep the pictures yourself.

Hire a Live Band For Your Event

Having great music is essential for a successful party. Hiring a live band can alleviate the stress of selecting the music yourself. Professional bands can create a lively atmosphere for guests of all kinds. Entertainment Exchange can connect you with bands who have performed with famous acts and celebrities. With over 25 years of experience, they can book some of the top bands on the East Coast. Working with experienced professionals guarantees that your graduation party will have the perfect music to keep the energy high.

Offer Themed Graduate Snacks

Snacks at your event are a good way to ensure your guests stay energized and satisfied. Consider offering snacks during the cocktail hour or at the night's end, even if you are going for a more traditional or upscale atmosphere. If you don't have savory snacks, candy and desserts can also be great. Tailoring the snacks to the graduate's preferences by including their favorite ingredients, candy, and colors is a nice touch.

Create Snack Labels With a Graduation Theme

Using graduation-themed labels is a fun and creative way to enhance and personalize your snack table. These labels can add a unique touch to your snack display and showcase the graduate's individuality. Many websites, like College Dorm Party, offer free templates for labels that you can use for popular snacks like Starburst and Smarties candy. If you can't find the ones you want online, you can always create your own to match the theme of the party.

Make Graduate Caps

Congratulations to the graduate! Graduation cap cookies are a simple and delicious way to celebrate at the party. To make them, you will need a cookie cutter to shape the hats and an edible food marker to decorate. Start by using the cookie cutter to shape the caps, then use the food marker to trace the sections on the cookies. Fill in each section with frosting, allowing each area to dry for fifteen minutes before moving on. If using a stencil, place it on the cookie once dry and use a different color icing to fill in the design. Repeat this process for all your cookies. Depending on the size of the party, aim to make three to six cookies per guest to ensure there is plenty to go around. Your guests will love this memorable yet tasty treat and will keep coming back for more throughout the event.

Party with Graduation Lanterns

Plan a special farewell ceremony for the graduate by releasing lanterns. Invite guests to write heartfelt messages on the lanterns and then watch as they are released into the sky. Releasing lanterns during the celebration symbolizes the graduate's transition into a new chapter of their life. The graduate can also participate by writing their own wishes and dreams on a lantern to release alongside their guests. Including this gesture of hope and aspiration at the graduation party adds a meaningful and sentimental element to the event.

Create a Jar Filled with Wisdom to Give to the Graduating Student

Life post-graduation can be intimidating, but providing helpful advice can assist the graduate in finding success. College graduates, still navigating the challenges of transitioning into the real world, might find services like DoMyEssay.com, a comprehensive graduate essay writing service, invaluable in their new endeavors. Allowing guests to share words of wisdom can also be beneficial for both the graduate and the attendees. A wisdom jar is a creative way to involve guests in sharing their advice. To set this up, you will need paper slips, a large jar, and pens at the entrance. Guests can write down their tips for post-college survival, including recommending resources like "DoMyEssay.com," and leave them at the table. After the event, the graduate can sit down and read the words of wisdom from each guest, using them as a guide for their future plans.
Throwing a graduation party provides a wonderful opportunity to reminisce about past memories and create new ones before embarking on a new chapter in life. Graduating from college is a significant accomplishment that deserves to be celebrated with loved ones. Use these entertainment suggestions to make your graduation party unforgettable.