It’s that time of year when the cap and gowns are donned, pictures are taken, and life milestones are accomplished by kids, teens, and young adults across the country. Now that the ceremony is over, it’s time to party the night away!
Before you choose a theme, it might be best to decide if you want something more casual or if you’d prefer a formal event. A theme is important because it will help guide you on what food to order, what decorations to put up, and what favors to give out to everyone.
Graduation Party Theme Tips
Consider the Graduate’s Interests:
Consider their hobbies, what they enjoy doing on the weekends, and any sports they play in. After all, this party is all about the graduates!
Where They Might Be Moving To
After high school or college, they may be moving to a new city for a school or to start a new career. If they’re moving to New York, San Francisco, or Maimi, why not decorate the venue to look like their new home?
Look At Current Trends
You can also consider what’s trending in pop culture, fashion, or entertainment. Is Taylor Swift a big favorite in your house? Then your graduate could spend the night belting out Taylor’s greatest hits.
Consider The Venue
It’s best to consider where you’ll be having your party when choosing your theme. If you’re having your party at home, a backyard barbeque would be amazing. A large event hall, however, will leave more theme options for you to choose from.
It can be difficult to know what theme to choose for your party, but look no further than Zazzle to find the help! We’ve come up with a list of ideas as unique as your graduate. Read on to discover our top ideas for graduation party themes along with some awesome product recommendations.
Elementary School Graduation
Oh the Places You’ll Go – Dr Seuss
If you haven’t read the famous Dr. Seuss book Oh, The Places You’ll Go!, then you’ve probably heard it mentioned in a graduation speech over the years. More than likely it was this well-known quote that you heard: “You have brains in your head, you have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose.” You can bring the inspirational, fun, and colorful vibe from the book to your graduation party.
Disney Magic
Walt Disney once said, “If you can dream it, you can do it!” These are great words to take with you as graduation day comes closer and your next adventure begins. A Disney-themed party is perfect for any age from kindergarten to college because there’s nothing wrong with being a Disney adult!
Wonka Wonderland
“Come with me, and you’ll be, in a world of pure imagination!” You can never have too much candy at a party. Decorate your space with Willy Wonka in mind by leaving candy, and chocolate around the place. The graduate could even dress up as Willy Wonka for an extra bit of flair.
Hi Barbie!
This past year, the Barbie movie enthralled everyone, so much so that the color pink was out of stock around the world. Now that it’s back in stock you can paint your event pink! Have your guests come as the Barbie or Ken they love the most.
Donut Forget About Me
Does your graduate love all things donuts? This theme will make them smile and delight their sweet tooth. You can have a large donut wall as a dessert table, where guests can choose the donut flavor that tickles their fancy.
High School Graduation
Taco Bout the Future
For many college students, tacos are the best study food; they’re cheap, tasty, and keep them fueled up for long nights. This wonderful treat can be used for a whole theme. Order a taco truck to pull up outside your event hall, or make your own recipe to delight your guests. With a theme like tacos, you can fully embrace it by adding cacti, bright-colored bunting, and plenty of margaritas for everyone to enjoy!
Backyard Party
If you’re blessed with a large backyard, this could be an amazing option for your graduation party. You can decorate it with lights, picnic tables, and even pull out the barbecue.
Make A Splash
If you’re lucky and have a backyard pool, then why not host a graduation party in your own backyard? Fill the pool with floaties and diving toys. At the poolside you can lay out pizzas, have tons of soft drinks on hand, and maybe even a large cake for dessert. Just make sure everyone knows to bring their swimsuits!
College Graduation
College Themes
Congratulations on graduating high school and getting into a wonderful college. Why not have your graduation party themed around your new college’s colors? You can put the college logo on napkins or a banner so every guest knows what wonderful college your graduate is going to! Guests can even bring a gift for the new grad that’ll get them in the school spirit mood!
FRIENDS
‘The One Where Everyone Graduates!’ If you’re like us and love Friends, then this is your graduation theme! You can pull out a couch, serve coffee, and give the full Central Perk feel to your party. Invite all of your friends and family to celebrate by wearing their favorite characters’ costumes: Rachel’s sweatshirt and hat from the Thanksgiving football episode, or Drunk Ross in Las Vegas with sharpie on your face.
Sport Themed
Football, soccer, or tennis: whatever sport your grad loves, you can decorate your event with décor that resembles a championship match. Roll out the AstroTurf, a net or end zone, and even a few referee costumes.
Theatre
Did your graduate grow up on the stage? Why not lean into that and give them a party celebrating their favorite pastime? It may have something to do with the course/degree they’re going to do in college. So pull out the theatre masks, popcorn, draw the curtains, and put on your greatest production of a graduation party!
Now that you have a few ideas for a theme, let your imagination run wild with the decorations, food, and even the guest list. Make the event as big or small as you want. The important thing is to celebrate your graduate and make them feel special! After all they’ve accomplished, a wonderful celebration will be a memory they’ll hold for the rest of their life.
Lucy is a Content Specialist at Zazzle in Cork, Ireland. Originally from America, she is now settled in Ireland with her husband and Corgi-mix puppy Dug (yes, like from Disney’s UP!). It’s the simple things in life that matter, so give her a bag of M&M’s and she’s happy. She loves to relax with a good book, cozy up on the couch for a movie, or go to the park for a stroll with the family.
