Hosting a Graduation Party
Updated February 9, 2026
Hosting Guides By Gina Holzer
Throwing a party for a recent or soon-to-be graduate in your life? Early planning is always a plus when preparing for a party. Here are some essentials to getting your event on the right track.
Start off with a budget. This is crucial in helping decide on which party items to include or leave out based on what is financially available.
You may want to select a theme early in the planning phase. Some have very specific visions of what their party will look like. You will need to order decorations accordingly to fit that vision. Others are comfortable with just having the gathering without decorations.
Send out invitations. You’ll need a list of family and friends that the graduate would want there. Proper etiquette to sending these out is usually between 2 and 4 weeks. You can use freeevite.com if you want a FREE platform with no commitment to you or your guests.
Decide on food and drinks. Will you be catering in, preparing a DIY full meal or just providing some finger foods and snacks? In most cases it will depend on the timing of the party and how much time you have to prepare food and beverages and of course the budget.
Plan for activities and/or entertainment. Make a set list of music, plan for games, maybe even have a photo booth with props.
Shop for decorations if you haven’t already. Incorporate your theme into the decorations. Some options to consider are balloons, banners with school colors, graduation caps, etc.
It is helpful to have a card box for guests to put cards and gifts in for the graduate.
To create a personal touch, you could make a photo display of the graduate and some of their achievements. Also having a guest book or giant card for signatures, well wishes and/or advice are memorable items for the graduate to reflect on in the future.
Party favors are not necessary but are a fun way to send your guests home. Custom made stickers, stir sticks or mugs are a few ideas.
Keeping all of this in mind when planning will help your celebration to focus on the graduate’s achievements and produce a memorable event. Enjoy yourself!
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