Unique Graduation Party Theme Ideas

Beach Bash: For the “beach bum” or “surfer babe” grad, host a beach party – if hosting at the beach isn’t doable, a pool will do! Decorate with beach chairs and umbrellas, seashells, towels, beach balls, surfboards, and inflatable palm trees. Serve up ocean-and-beach-inspired finger foods such as shrimp, fish tacos, fruit kabobs, coconut water, and tropical drinks. Use sand buckets and shovels to offer up goldfish crackers and serve donuts or cookies decorated like round life preservers.

Future Career: Some grads know exactly what they intend to do to make their mark on the world – is your grad excited about their future as a nurse or other healthcare professional, a pilot, a fireman, a dance choreographer, an environmental activist? Whatever their passion is, show your support by hosting a career-themed event.

Great Outdoors: For the outdoors(wo)man grad who loves to be out in nature, host a picnic-style party or organize a campout at the nearby state park or in your backyard. Get creative and use natural elements to create decorations , build a campfire to make s’mores and hot dogs, and plan a group hike or bike. For outdoor sports enthusiasts, you may also consider booking a group excursion with a guide to do the grad’s favorite activity (mountain biking, climbing, fishing, etc.)

Hollywood Glam: Is your grad an aspiring actor or just loves “keeping up with the Kardashians” (and other stars)? If Teen People or Us Weekly magazine is regular reading for your grad, roll out the red carpet for their special event! Decorate with a Hollywood theme – think gold and silver streamers, stars, and glitter, in addition to a red carpet. Tell guests to “glam it up” for this black tie event, and recruit a photographer volunteer to snap photos of attendees on the red carpet. You could even present your grad and game winners with gold Oscar trophies!

School Spirit: If your grad is college-bound and pumped for their next big adventure at the school of their choice, school spirit is a prime party theme. Ask guests to dress in the school’s colors. Use banners, balloons, table covers, and other decor in the college’s school colors and mascot. Set up a photo booth with school-themed props like megaphones, foam fingers, the school’s mascot, and pom-poms.

Travel Bug: Does your grad have a big trip planned post-graduation or generally have the travel bug? Host a party that is (general) travel-themed or destination-themed. For a general travel theme, use decor such as maps, globes, and postcards. Play music from around the world and set up a buffet of various international cuisines. For a specific destination theme, hang photos of cityscapes and landscapes in that location, serve food from the region, and ask party guests to dress in theme.

Whatever your special grad is into, celebrate their significant achievement in their style and give them a night to remember! Pro Tip: Use SignUp to recruit family and friends to help in your party planning efforts!

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