Graduation Day Party Ideas

Tell your graduate how proud you are by planning an unforgettable partygraduation graffiti image by michele goglio from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>

High school graduations are an important rite of passage for young people. A fun, well-organized party is a way to tell your graduate that you're proud of her accomplishments. There are lots of ways you can prepare your home or event space for a graduation day party, and it's a good idea to personalize the festivities as much as possible to suit the type of graduation, the school and the graduate's interests.

Decorations and Party Supplies

The graduate's school colors are a standard scheme for a graduation party. These colors should be consistent in the plates, cups, tablecloths, ribbons and confetti. Balloons are a cheap, fun way to create a party atmosphere, so buy lots of balloons in those colors. Purchase flowers in the same colors if you can find them. But if you don't like the school colors or you want to go for a different look, you have other options. A star-themed graduation party works well, and star decorations are sold at most party supply stores. You can also add color to the party by using prismatic swirls and colorful foil cutouts.

Your menu doesn't need to be overly graduation-themed unless you want it to be. The most important thing is that there is enough food for everyone and that it tastes good. If your guests will be doing a lot of mingling, serve foods that are easy to carry around the party. Shrimp, pigs in a blanket and veggies with dip are options. But if you know your guests will be expecting more than nibbling food, prepare lasagna, wings or casserole dishes ahead of time and serve them in chafing dishes. Bake a graduation cake in the shape of a graduation cap or the school's mascot, incorporating the school colors into the design. Serving alcoholic beverages may be challenge, as some of the guests will likely be under 21, and you will be responsible for them if the party is at your home.

In many cases, the graduates will be occupied taking photos, chatting with their friends and reminiscing during the party. But it's a good idea to provide some fun activities and games. Plan a school trivia game that asks questions about the school's history. This is a great way to engage the graduates with their parents, who may also be school alumni. Consider renting some corn hole boards and placing them in the front yard. You might even hire a DJ or a popular garage band so that your guests can dance the night away. Just be sure to invite your neighbors to the party so that won't complain about the noise.

Try to personalize your invitations as much as possible. If you're using the school colors as your theme, use them in the invitations. Ask guests to RSVP so that you can plan. And if you are renting a venue for the party, include directions.