Must-Have DIY Decor for Hosting a Graduation Party

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Graduating from college or even high school is kind of a big deal. It deserves to be celebrated no matter if the graduate is your sibling, child, or partner their hard work and accomplishments need to be celebrated and throwing a graduation party is a great way to do that. It is a day of pride, joy and the kind of memories that will last a lifetime.

DIY decorations can add a personal touch, not to mention impress your guests, all while keeping your budget in check for the celebration of a lifetime.

First and foremost, your party planning should include invitations for the graduation, it will not just include the details but will set the tone for the entire party. Now, let’s get into the must-have DIY decor ideas for your graduation party.

Graduation Announcement Display

Your graduation announcements can be used as decorations as they are so much more than just a way to share the exciting news. Use them as part of your decor by including on the announcements with other photos, awards, memorabilia that lead up the big day. Some ideas include:

Announcement Board: The graduation announcements could be pinned to a decorative corkboard or on a ribbon with mini clothespins.

Table Centerpiece: Use the masters degree graduation announcement on the dessert or gift table as the centerpiece.

Memory Wall: Surround yourself with positive energy by creating a collage wall with photos and all the congratulatory notes from your loved ones.

Photo Booth Backdrop

A photo booth is a must for any graduation party and makes it extra special with DIY backdrops. You should use your graduate’s school colors to design a backdrop that reflects the graduate’s personality and achievements. Here are a few more creative ideas to help make your backdrop even more fun:

Balloon Arch: To add a nice touch to the graduation ceremony, you can create your own DIY balloon arch and arrange balloons in the graduate’s school colors. This simple step can make the whole event more colorful and create great memories for everyone involved!

Tassel Backdrop: Tissue paper or fabric tassels are and easy DIY that is cost affective and can be very festive.

Personalized Banner: Customize a banner with your graduate’s name, graduation year or even just “The Future is Bright!”

Graduation Cap Centerpieces

DIY graduation cap centerpieces are a charming and thematic addition to your party tables. They can be easily created with a tassel and black cardstock. Here are a couple more ways to incorporate your DIY graduation caps:

Mini Graduation Caps: Put them on each table with the graduate’s name and class year on them.

Cap Candy Holders: Fill small boxes or containers with treats and decorate them as caps.

Photo Timeline

Celebrate your graduate’s journey with a photo timeline that shows the whole journey. Post childhood photos right up to graduation day. Here are a couple fun ways you can display your collection:

String Lights Display: Add a warm and inviting touch to your space by hanging string lights and clipping photos on the wires.

Ladder Stand: Use an old ladder, place planks across the rungs and display photos and other small mementos.

Chalkboard Timeline: Put every milestone you can think of on a chalkboard and include your printed photos.

DIY Table Decor

To add a personal touch to your event, you can use personalized table decorations to make everything look coordinated and adorable:

Custom Table Runners: To make it a special day for the graduate, use butcher paper to create a runner and fill it with fun facts, quotes or messages about the graduate.

Themed Confetti: Add a personal touch to tables by sprinkling cut out shapes like graduation caps, stars or diplomas from colored paper.

Photo Coasters: Have your graduate create coasters with the photos of the event for the guests to take home and enjoy.

Graduation-Themed Dessert Table

No party is complete without a dessert table and DIY decorations can make it the star of the show:

Graduation Cake Toppers: To make a topper in the shape of a cap or diploma, use cardstock.

Cupcake Toppers: Use printable templates to make fun toppers with the graduate’s initials or school logo.

Treat Bags: For take-home treats like cookies or candy, create custom labels with the graduate’s name and class year.

Memory Jar

Ask guests to write their well wishes or favorite memories in a memory jar for the graduate. This can be decorated with ribbons, stickers or photos to match your theme.

DIY decor allows you to celebrate your graduation in a personalized and creative way. Incorporation of their graduation announcements into the decorations makes it even more special, and something to highlight their achievements. So grab your crafting supplies and start planning—the perfect party awaits!