This post is about high school graduation party ideas for 2023.
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Planning for a high school graduation party can be super stressful! There's so much to account for, and seemingly so little time to get it all done.
At Cassidy Lucille, we're a few years in to helping people plan the best graduation parties ever. We've seen it all, and we're here to help you plan the best graduation party ever.
In this post, we round up the best high school graduation party ideas for 2023 - that guarantee a party that won't be forgotten.
High School Graduation Party Ideas for 2023
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1. Label, Label, Label!
Not only do labels add a super cute element to your high school graduation party theme, but labels are important for letting your guests know what is what. Make sure you pay special attention to label all your foods, especially any potential allergens!
2. Pick and Stick to a Theme
Finally deciding on a theme for your graduation party can be super stressful. However, don't worry about putting too much thought into this detail. When in doubt, take a look online and see the most common graduation party themes.
3. Buy Decor in Sets
So many people make the mistake of buying all their decor separately, rather than in sets. Buying decor separately definitely has its benefits, but if you can, you save a bunch of time and money by buying pre-made sets of decor to compliment the individual pieces that you want to showcase.
4. Include a Photo Booth
Photo booths are such a showstopper at high school graduation parties. They set the theme wonderfully, and create a lasting memory for your guests to enjoy. If you want to create an above and beyond experience for your high school graduation party photo booth, include a polaroid camera for guests to use, too.
5. Make Backup Plans for Weather
The number of grad parties that get rained out is pretty high. Plan for bad weather in advance! It's worth it to make sure you reserve a few outdoor event tents in advance, since so many people will be trying to find last minute tent rentals.
Make sure to also account for extreme heat, too. This seems to always catch people by surprise, but keep amount of ice, fans, etc. in mind while you plan!
6. Think Timeless, Not Trendy
When you're picking a theme, remember that you're going to want to look back on these memories and pictures for years to come. Trends come and go, which is why it's always a better idea to think of a timeless, simple, and elegant theme, rather than sticking to the current trends.
7. DIY Themed Cupcakes
Planning on having cupcakes at your high school graduation party? Check prices with bakeries around you to see if they're significantly more expensive to make themed for a graduation party. To help your cupcakes of choice effortlessly match your high school graduation party theme, simply match cupcake toppers of your own to plain cupcakes.
8. Showcase Your Graduates Interests
Everyone comes to a graduation party to celebrate the graduate! Make sure you showcase their current interests, and don't forget their interests when they were growing up! Who doesn't love to walk down memory lane and look at cute pictures?
9. Entertain Your Guests
Sometimes when people go to grad parties, there's just a lot of... standing around. Make sure that your grad party has something for guests to do when conversation lulls, or they need a break from the bustle of the crowd.
10. Start Planning Early
We really cannot stress this enough - plan early! Graduation party season is very specific, and only takes place over a few months, which means that you need to have all of your ducks in a row far in advance.
11. Make Your Venue Noticeable
Odds are, more than just your family will have a graduation party on the day that you're having yours. Make sure that your house is easy to tell apart from others! This step can be as simple as adding some balloons to your mailbox or in another visible location, or getting a custom banner to add to your fence.
12. Keep a Secure Card Box
Card boxes are a staple at every graduation party. If you plan on having a large amount of guests, it's a good idea to make sure you keep this box in a location that would be difficult for someone to take it. On top of this, make sure your box is sturdy enough that it would be a hassle to walk away with.
13. Create a Keepsake for the Grad
Whether it's a book full of advice, fun polaroids, or a signed memento, having your guests take part in create a keepsake for the graduate is the best college gift that you can give them.
14. Yard Games!
If there is any green space at your high school graduation party, I cannot recommend yard games enough. I don't think I've ever been to a high school graduation party where the yard games weren't thoroughly enjoyed!
15. Keep Dietary Restrictions in Mind
Many graduation parties don't have options for people with different dietary restrictions. Keep common allergens in mind while planning your menu, make sure that you label accordingly, and plan for a few easy alternatives! This way, everyone is able to enjoy the party.
16. DIY Only When Beneficial
The pressure to DIY every single thing for your graduation party is definitely there. However, this isn't always the most efficient way to decorate for your party. Customize and DIY the things that are easy to do so, and keep it simple for everything else.
17. Account for Pandemic Guidelines
After 2020, it's a good idea to keep potential new outbreaks in mind as you plan for your high school graduation party. It's a good idea to have cancellation plans in place, social distancing space for guests, and masks and hand sanitizer available for guests to use.
18. Don't Forget Party Favors!
Who doesn't love going to a party that sends you home with gifts? Party favors are a simple, customizable addition that can be added to almost any high school graduation party theme.
19. Keep Centerpieces Simple
The space in front of people will be filled with delicious food, so don't worry about going above and beyond when it comes to centerpieces! A small vase of flowers, some candy, and some confetti is a perfect, simple centerpiece.
20. Collect Advice for the Grad
Who are the best people to give advice to the new graduate other than the people who have been there for them their whole lives? The crowd that comes to a graduation party is the perfect crowd to ask for advice, since they come from all walks of life and likely personally know the grad.
21. Make It Kid Friendly
Sure, in terms of appropriate-ness graduation parties are typically always kid friendly. However, have you ever dealt with a hyper kid that has nothing to do? Make sure you include lots of games and things that kids can do together to keep them entertained while their parents chat.
22. You Will Run Out of Seating
It may sound like we're predicting the future, but almost every graduation party we've ever been to has run out of seating. Plan for this! Keep some backup chairs so people don't have to stand around and wonder where all the seats have gone. This tips is especially true if you are hosting a graduation party at your house or another venue that is not typically an event space.
23. Take Lots of Pictures
This monumental moment in a graduates life needs to be documented! Take pictures of anything and everything throughout the day. It's especially helpful to have an older sibling or trusted friend be responsible for taking pictures, to keep hosts more free to tend to the guests.
This post showed you 23 high school graduation party ideas for 2023.
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