18 Amazing DIY Graduation Ideas
Graduation is a time to celebrate your child! Make memories extra special by incorporating one or more of these graduation ideas for your party, save time and money by following the tips below!
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Tip: Give your child the grad party (or not) that suits their personality!
Our daughter graduated during lockdown, so sadly we didn't have a big party for her. We were also in the process of packing up to move out of state, so we kept her graduation low-key and family only. I can't wait to shower her with a fabulous grad party when she graduates from University in a couple years! Unless she chooses to celebrate in Yellowstone (one of our family's favorite vacay spots!)
Not every kid likes a big party, hoopla and being the center of
attention while being forced to mingle for hours with a large group of
people. That's how our middle son is, and while we did host a high school graduation party for him, he doesn't want a celebration for his University grad...which is next week! Instead, we are going on a family vacation to visit family - and he is thrilled with that!
Be sensitive to your child and what they would prefer before you jump in with both feet and spend a ton of money on party decor and food! It's always a good idea to talk to your graduate several months beforehand and ask what their ideal graduation party looks like. As moms, it can be easy to assume and do what we want, and what we think they want, but we can get it wrong! I know, I know, shocking isn't it?
I just wanted to get that out of the way before I share some amazing ideas for your graduate who Wants a party and a big celebration!
18 of the Best Graduation Ideas you can pull off
I've rounded up some fabulous graduation ideas that you can copy! From party planning, to saving money, DIY grad announcements, food ideas and decorations that will make your graduate feel special and more! I hope you find these tips and ideas profoundly helpful and if you do, please let me know! I love receiving your comments...it keeps me going in my old age 😉❤
Photo Graduation DIY Ideas
It's always fun to see all the cute pictures of the graduate and how they've changed over the years! Here are some fantastic ideas to display those photos prominently.
Memory wreaths
I've made two photo memory wreaths for my son's HS graduations, one in black and white and one in color. Both include a simple cardstock mortarbord but what makes them really fun is that the graduate's tassel can hang from it! Both are created on a DIY pool noodle wreath form, so they're very inexpensive to make!
Here's another version of the memory wreath, made in a different way, but still giving a big impact! Find instructions for this Memory Wreath by Lynne of My Family Thyme.
Oversized Graduation Portrait
You spend all that money on graduation pictures, why not show off your graduate's favorite picture by making an oversized DIY pic to welcome guests to the party?
I believe the price of these engineering prints from the print shop has gone up a lot since I made these DIY grad canvases, so shop around to get the best price. Walgreens often has great sales for large prints.
DIY Graduation Pallet Photo Display
Remember when pallets were huge? If you can get your hands on one, Ann of Simply 2 Moms gives tips for creating a giant photo display! This is a great way to showcase some of your own (and your graduate's) favorite photo memories of years past!
Funny aside - in Texas, the graduates decorated their own pallet, built a
huge pile of them and then had a 'pallet burning ceremony'! A strange custom
but one everyone in our small town loved. As you can imagine, pallets were
hard to come by in the weeks leading up to graduation!
Graduation Photo Cube
Michelle of Our Crafty Mom made this photo cube from dollar store picture frames! It includes a slot at the top for cards (or money!). What a great idea and awesome keepsake!
Ideas for Hosting the Best Graduation Party
Whether you're looking for tips to set up the party, buffet table ideas or special decorations, these ideas will inspire you and help you to plan the best graduation party ever!
Outdoor Graduation Party Ideas
Danielle of Faith and Farmhouse has lots of ideas for creating a memorable graduation party outdoors. From photo props, buffet table ideas, favors, decorations and more, you'll appreciate the 'formula' she follows for a successful party!
Fun Grad Party Photo Activity
Nicole of Adorn the Table shares the easiest photo prop ever and something everyone can participate in! Read her easy directions and make sure to have the camera ready!
Grad Party Planning and Knowledge Themed Decorations
My eldest son has always been very studious, top of his class, full engineering scholarship. The decorations I chose for his party were along those themes of pillars of knowledge, a Benjamin Franklin chalkboard quote, and a tree of wisdom with keepsake album.
Pretty Grad Party Ideas for a Girl
Anne of Simply 2 Moms planned a special graduation party for her twin girls. Her meaningful party decoration ideas will inspire you, her candy and dessert table will have you drooling, and her budget-saving tips will keep you and your wallet (I mean hubby ha) happy!
Graduation Party Buffet Table Set Up
Nicole of Adorn the Table is an expert at setting a graduation buffet table. With the food on different heights, everything is shown off to perfection and guests can easily help themselves!
Grad Party Cupcakes with Homemade Fondant Caps
While I haven't made them since, and struggled with the construction, I made my own fondant graduation caps with tassels and they looked so great on the homemade cupcakes! My graduate, and everyone else, loved them!
DIY Grad Cap Cake Plate
If you're looking for a super easy and inexpensive idea for a grad party, you need to check out this grad cap cake plate made by Nicole of Adorn the Table. You'll be shocked at how easy and affordable it is to make!
Miscellaneous Graduation Ideas to Keep You Sane
Easy, No-Sew Way to Alter a Graduation Gown
If you have kids at the same high school but graduating different years, save that gown! I'm showing you how easy it is to alter a graduation gown. This no-sew project is a great money-saver.
300 of the Best Graduation Quotes and Sayings to Inspire
Whether you're making your own graduation cards, announcements or something else, a good quote can be hard to find. Kate of Southern Home and Hospitality has a huge collection of inspiring quotes for grads that you will appreciate.
Graduation Champagne Glass Party Favor
How cute is this champagne glass-turned party favor by Michelle of Our Crafty Mom, with its cardstock cap and embroidery floss tassel. Michelle shares her tutorial and makes it look easy.
How to Make Your Own Graduation Announcements
In a bid to save money, we chose to make our own graduation announcements. Thankfully, my son was very accommodating and didn't demand something high end, lol! I created these announcements using his graduation pictures (make sure you have a license to do so if pics were taken by a professional). I'll show you just how I did this in PicMonkey.
60 Graduation Cap Decorating Ideas
I didn't even know decorating grad caps was a thing until our daughter graduated in 2022! Kate from Southern Home and Hospitality has 60 incredible ideas for decorating a grad cap that will stand out in the crowd! Not only does it showcase the graduate's personality...it's a great way for the family to find their grad in a crowd!
Graduation Ideas from Amazon
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