By a Pro: Creative Graduation Party Ideas by a Professional

i’m matt james

professional event producer

27 years event-planning experience
Winner of 30 industry awards
Clients include:
Elton John,
Stella McCartney,
Sarah Jessica Parker,
Kevin Spacey……and more

welcome

OPEN BIO

01 MAKE IT SPECIAL

Thoughtful ideas that celebrate the person, focus on the feel-good, and make a graduation special

The Journey So Far personalized photo book for a graduation party

Reasons We Love You photo poster for a graduation party

Custom 'Reasons We Love You' photo book with friends and family holding signs

'21 Memories for 21 Years' Share a Memory postcards for a 21st birthday

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02 MAKE IT personal

How to add creative twists and personal touches to create talking points and memorable moments

custom face photo garland banner showing a young man 'through the years' for a graduation party

Congrats Grad custom photo collage graduation party backdrop

twin brothers in graduation caps and gowns standing next to a custom pinata of them both at a graduation party

custom photo m&m's for a graduation party with the graduate's face, name and year of graduation on them

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03 graduation party decorations

How to maximize your budget by concentrating your graduation party decorations in a few key areas

'Congratulations to our Graduate' graduation party custom photo banner showing photos of the graduate 'then and now'

graduation party photo collage in the shape of the letters spelling BEN on a party dessert table

graduate standing next to 'congratulations jacob 2020' spelled out in a graduation party yard card in front of house

number 21 and graduation cap balloon mosaic graduation party decorations

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04 graduation party activities

How to break the ice, provide conversation-starters, encourage mingling, and create atmosphere

DIY vodka bar with mixers and fruit set up at a graduation party

graduation party guestbook alternative signing poster with photos of the graduate 'then and now'

blue retro telephone audio guest book set up next to an instructions sign inviting party guests to record a message

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05 graduation party food

Why food stations geared towards small bites, tasting plates, and DIY options are better than buffets

Hors d'oeuvres and appetizers arranged in rows on a modern graduation party buffet table / food station

graduation party food presentation ideas: fish salad served in margarita glasses with forks

graduation party hors d'oeuvres: cheese bites served on forks standing vertically

graduation party food ideas: individual portion charcuterie cups

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06 dessert tables

How a dessert table can lend visual spectacle, save time, and maximize budget for a graduation party

young man next to a personalized custom caricature cookie of himself for his graduation party

giant letter balloon party decorations spelling CAKE above a dessert table

a selection of desserts on a party dessert table

the man, the myth, the legend custom name party backdrop behind a dessert table

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07 graduation party drinks

Get that professionally-catered look and give traditional drinks a creative twist

custom photo personalized beer bottle labels for graduation party drinks

graduation party drinks ideas: boxwood hedge party drinks bar wall with shelves of self-service drinks for guests to help themselves to

custom photo 'Fun Facts about the graduate' graduation party napkins

custom photo edible wafer drinks topper with a photo of the birthday girl floating on a cocktail

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08 graduation party invitations

Why invitations needs to excite, inspire, and give guests something to look forward to

Graduation party photo collage invitation showing the graduate 'through the years'

animated custom video party invitation displayed on mobile phone screens for any age birthday or occasion

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09 graduation gifts

Avoid uninspiring and clichéd gifts in favor of something that’s unique, meaningful, or a treat

woman standing next to a custom muppet-style puppet of herself

custom personalized comic book for a graduation gift

custom bobblehead of a young woman in graduation cap and gown alongside her photo for a graduation gift

personalized viewmaster reel viewer for a graduation gift

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ADVICE FROM A PRO

graduation party tips

Graduations are a big deal, so you need to make an effort!
Avoid the obvious: generic store-bought decorations emblazoned with graduation caps.
Instead, make everything as personal as possible.
Celebrate the person and what they’ve achieved.
Concentrate on making them feel loved and appreciated.
Celebrate their life; their background, accomplishments, and all the things that have made them who they are today
Celebrate who they are; admirable qualities, characteristics everyone loves, and even their weird habits and obsessions that drive people crazy!
Celebrate your relationship with them; take a walk down memory lane, share memories, funny stories, embarrassing photos, amusing anecdotes, fun facts guests may not know, and indulge in a little sentimentality.
Focus on things that are meaningful, because that’s what they’ll remember.
If you’re planning your own graduation bash, you should still take the same approach. Make everything as personal as possible so that it’s a reflection of you; your tastes, your interests, and your sense of humor—with plenty of embarrassing old photos and fun facts.
I’ll teach you how to design your graduation party like a pro; creating ‘beats’ or ‘moments’ that run throughout the event so guests continue to discover new things as the party unfolds
Think of the guest’s journey in terms of different touch points; arrivals, bar, room décor, food, entertainment etc.
Then, add a creative twist, person touch, or talking point to each
Don’t forget to include activities; things for guests to do that will break the ice, encourage mingling, provide conversation-starters, and create a fun atmosphere that includes everyone.

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MATT’S TIP

in this section

01 Make it special

celebrate the person and what they’ve achieved

Limit the gag gifts and decorations and focus on thoughtful, feel-good ideas.
Make them feel loved, appreciated, and good about themselves.

AVOID CLICHÉS

Don’t make the common mistake of theming everything around graduation caps and scrolls.
These sort of obvious decorations are just a bit tired and lazy,
and they make for an impersonal and unoriginal graduation celebration.
Read my full post with ideas for how to make a graduation special or preview some below.

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ideas in this section

share a memory postcards

reasons we love you

photo slideshow

a gift every hour

memory letters

‘open when’ letters

Through the Years photo book

photo collage memory box

reasons we love you photo book

AND MORE

preview

ideas to make it special

Check out this preview of some graduation party ideas to make it special, then hit the ‘Open Full Post’ button below to view all ideas in this section (opens in a new tab).

the idea

share a memory postcards

Invite friends and family to mail a postcard sharing a favorite memory of the graduate in the days leading up to their graduation

the idea

a gift every hour

Spread the love over an entire day with 12 smaller gifts; one to be opened every hour!

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reasons we love you photo book

Invite friends and family to take photos expressing all the things they love about the graduate to collect together in a keepsake photo book to celebrate their graduation

reasons we love you graduation photo book

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graduation slideshow

Invite friends and family to contribute photos and videos of the graduate to surprise them with an animated slideshow

group of friends watching a backyard slideshow

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ideas to make it special

stack of illustrated brown 'Open When...' letter envelopes for different occasions

a stack of numbered '4 years of memory' letters in air mail envelopes for a graduation party

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in this section

02 Make it personal

add creative twists & personal touches

A graduation is a special occasion, so you need to make an effort.
Generic decorations from Party City or Amazon won’t cut it.
Cheap, shiny, and mass-produced in China doesn’t exactly say special does it?
It’s the creative twists, clever details, personal touches, talking points, and memorable moments that make a graduation party feel special.
So, focus on customizable party supplies that use cute, funny, or embarrassing old photos of the graduate to make them unique.
Read my full post about the party supplies I recommend and learn how to use them to surprise and entertain guests, create photo ops, and make your party memorable.

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ideas in this section

custom photo m&m’s

photo party hats

fan face custom cutouts

custom face banners

fun facts napkins

‘‘then & now photo banners‘

‘through the years’ photo banners

CUSTOM PHOTO WINE/BEER LABELS

life-size talking cutouts

CUSTOM PHOTO BALLOONS

CUSTOM PARTY CUPS

CUSTOM COOKIES

CUSTOM PINATAS

AND MORE

preview

ideas to make it personal

Check out this preview of some graduation party ideas to make it personal, then hit the ‘Open Full Post’ button below to view all ideas in this section (opens in a new tab).

the idea

custom photo m&m’s

It’s the clever little details that create talking points, so swap regular candy for personalized M&M’s with photos of the graduate

the idea

photo party hats

Create custom party hats printed with old photos of the graduate from different stages of their life

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follow me on social

Keep up with my latest ideas by following me on social media

the idea

fan face custom cutouts

Create photo ops by providing guests with faces of the guest of honor at different stages of their life

group of people holding custom fan faces of the graduate in front of their own faces at a graduation

the idea

custom face banners

Personalize your party decorations with custom face banners of the graduate at different ages

graduation party custom face photo banners showing the graduate at different ages hung above party dessert table

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ideas to make it personal

This Kid Just Graduated and Not Just a Pretty Face custom photo graduation party balloon decorations

custom photo personalized wine bottle labels for party drinks

Tri-fold custom photo collage display board personalized with the name Victoria

large styrofoam letters spelling Grad used as a table base for a graduations party

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ADVICE FROM A PRO

planning your own party?

You should still use customized party supplies if you’re planning your own party.
Make it personal so the event is a reflection of you; your tastes, your interests, your sense of humor.
Use plenty of embarrassing old photos, amusing anecdotes, and fun facts guests might not know.
People often feel self-conscious celebrating themselves or worry that it might appear egotistical,
but if you include funny and embarrassing old photos, it has the opposite effect;
It communicates self-deprecation, honesty, and a sense of openness.
It tells people you don’t take yourself too seriously;
that you can laugh at all your bad old haircuts and crimes of fashion!
Guests will love it too; many of whom might never have seen you as a cute baby or cheeky little kid.
So, not only will they find this entertaining,
but revealing yourself in a ‘warts and all’ kind of way lets people in, makes you relatable, and fosters a connection.
All of which helps breaks the ice, provide conversation-starters, and create a relaxed, fun party atmosphere

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MATT’S TIP

in this section

03 graduation party DeCORations

COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID

Don’t try to dress the entire room/venue, this will spread decorations too thinly.
Instead, keep everything tight and compact, focusing on a few larger displays or ‘clusters’ of decorations in 4 key areas:
Entrance Decor
Welcome Area
Dessert / Buffet Table or Bar Décor
Room Decorations
Open full post to see all decor tips on my graduation party decorations page or preview some of the ideas below

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ideas in this section

custom yard heads

‘through the years’ banners

paper luminaries

life-size talking cutout

‘through the years’ welcome sign

self-service welcome drinks

‘through the years’ party backdrop

photo collage cutouts

paper circle garland backdrops

FUN FACTS BALLOONS

‘THROUGH THE YEARS’ PHOTO GARLANDS

THEN & NOW PHOTO BANNERS

AND MORE

preview

entrance decorations

Entrance decorations need to be welcoming and functional.
Use them to identify the location of the party, direct guests to the entrance, create a warm welcome, and put guests at ease.
The initial moments of a party set the tone and reassure guests, so first impressions matter.

the idea

custom yard heads

Bring a smile to guests’ faces as they arrive with custom yard heads showing the graduate at different stages of their life

custom photo yard heads of a woman's wearing a graduation cap arranged on a front lawn outside a house

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‘through the years’ banners

Ensure your entrance stands out while making guests smile with vertical banners showing the graduate ‘through the years’

Look Who Graduated custom photo vertical banners showing the graduate 'through the years' hung either side of house door

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paper luminaries

For evening events, give guests a warm welcome by lining the route to your entrance with glowing paper luminaries

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entrance decorations

pink and white balloon garland framing house door entrance

red fabric aisle runner leading up to venue entrance

pink balloon lined pathway through a park leading to a party entrance

VIEW ENTRANCE DECORATIONS

VIEW ALL DECORATIONS

preview

welcome area

You can’t always greet every guest personally, so create a welcome area to:
greet guests; with signage, decor, and self-service drinks,
entertain; with activities, photo ops, and party favors, and…
manage flow; with directional signage for cloakrooms, bathrooms, table plans, and a gift/card table
This ensures guests feel acknowledged upon arrival and know what to do and where to go.

the idea

life-size talking cutout

Have the graduate greet guests at the entrance with a life-size cutout paired with a motion-activated voice recorder

man standing next to a life-size cutout standee of himself in a graduation robe and cap

the idea

‘through the years’ welcome sign

Entertain guests by placing a photo collage showing the graduate at different stages of their life on welcome desks or bars

celebrating graduation photo collage sign set up on a party drinks table bar

the idea

self-service drinks table

Set up a self-service bar at the entrance with pre-mixed or ready-to-pour drinks that guests can all help themselves to on arrival

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welcome area dEcor

custom photo graduation party welcome sign on an easel

Polaroid instant photo guest book and cameras set up on a party table

black personalized birthday card box with the name Bailey on it

printable custom hashtag sign for an graduation party

VIEW WELCOME AREA DECOR

VIEW ALL DECORATIONS

preview

dessert table decor

Maximize your budget by concentrating decorations around a dessert / buffet table or bar to create a focal point.
You’ll get more bang for your buck if you invest your budget in one well-dressed feature wall or large display.
This is better than trying to dress an entire room and spreading decorations too thinly.

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‘through the years’ backdrop

Create a custom backdrop for a dessert/buffet table featuring pictures of the graduate ‘through the years’

Congrats Grad! custom photo graduation party backdrop behind a party dessert table

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photo collage cutouts

Create a tabletop dessert table display with a photo collage cutout showing the graduate at different ages

letter 'through the years' photo collage cutout decorations spelling BEN standing on a graduation party dessert table showing photos of the graduate

the idea

paper circle garland backdrops

For a soft and delicate graduation party backdrop, these ombré paper circle garlands lend a whimsical touch

blue ombré paper circle garland backdrop for a party buffet table

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dessert table dEcor

orange fringe party backdrop behind a dessert table at a bridal shower

VIEW DESSERT TABLE DECOR

VIEW ALL DECORATIONS

preview

room decorations

Consider how a room will look when it’s full of people.
Concentrate on decorating perimeter walls, space above head height, and table décor that adds height.
Add creative twists and personal touches to everyday decorations, such as balloons and banners, to make them more special.
This creates conversation-starters, photo-ops, and talking points to engage and entertain guests while encouraging mingling.

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fun facts balloons

Hang photos with ‘fun facts you may not know about the graduate’ from helium balloons to entertain guests

Photos and 'Fun Facts' about the graduate hanging from helium balloon strings used as party room decorations

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‘through the years’ photo garlands

Create interactive party decorations by asking guests to bring their favorite pictures of the graduate to add to photo garland decorations

woman hanging a photo on interactive photo garland graduation party decorations showing the graduate 'Through the Years'

the idea

‘then & now’ photo banners

Give party guests a glimpse of the graduate back in the day by decorating walls with ‘Then & Now’ style photo banners

Congratulations to our Graduate custom 'Then & Now' graduation party banner decorations hung above party food table

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room decorations

Jessica custom pool float letter birthday party decorations

large marquee number graduation party decorations spelling 2021

large marquee letter graduation party decorations spelling Congrats Grad

Congratulations Jessica custom printed latex photo balloon with picture of the graduate for graduation party decorations

VIEW ROOM DECORATIONS

VIEW ALL DECORATIONS

in this section

04 graduation party ACTIVITIES

WHY YOUR PARTY NEEDS ACTIVITIES

Engagement is essential for creating atmosphere.
Icebreakers and conversation-starters facilitate introductions and take the pressure off the host.
Activities encourage circulation, raise the energy, and prevent guests clustering in corners with the people they came with.
Keeping people moving, exploring different areas, and discovering new things creates a lively and fun atmosphere
Most importantly, activities prevent boredom so people leave with something to talk about, share, and remember; they feel as though they’ve had an experience.
See all ideas on my graduation party activities page or preview some below

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ideas in this section

Hello, my name is…stickers

how well do you know the graduate?

a trip down memory lane

bucket list suggestions

diy cocktail bar

video guestbook

TABLE TOPICS CONVERSATION STARTERS

fun facts balloons

custom pinatas

PHOTO SLIDESHOW

AND MORE

preview

graduation party activities

Check out this preview of some party activities, then hit the ‘Open Full Post’ button below to view all graduation party ideas in this section (opens in a new tab).

the idea

‘hello my name is…’ stickers

Facilitate introductions and conversations with name tags revealing guest’s ‘Special Talent’, ‘Superhero Power’, or ‘Favorite Sitcom Character’

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guestbook alternative: signing poster

Invite guests to write messages for the graduate on a signing poster with ‘Then & Now’ photos to be framed as a keepsake

graduation party custom 'then & now' photo framed signing poster guestbook alternative

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audio guestbook

Bring your guestbook to life and capture authentic and unfiltered voice messages from friends and family to treasure forever

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custom piñata

Create a talking point, memorable moment, and photo op for guests to share with a custom piñata resembling the graduate

girl standing next to a custom pinata of herself in a graduation cap and gown

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graduation party activities

21 Reasons We Love You signing poster guest book alternative for a 21st birthday party

Share a memory cards and sign for a trip down memory lane birthday party activity

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in this section

05 graduation PARTY FOOD

WHY YOU SHOULDN’T OFFER A BUFFET

Buffet tables are over; they’re old fashioned, sloppy, and recall those nasty ‘all you can eat’ restaurants where the food sits out all day.
Nowadays, it’s all about ‘food stations’ geared towards small bites, tasting plates, and DIY options.
Food stations still let you:
feed large numbers,
offer a range of dishes (so there’s something for everyone; looking at you vegans!),
and keep food service relaxed and informal, so as not to kill the party atmosphere.
The difference being you get to wow guests with the creative, modern, and stylish presentation that comes with mini tasting plates and dessert cups.
As such, the food station contributes to your overall event design and décor.
Learn my simple food styling and presentation tips that will have everyone thinking your party has been professionally catered!
Open full post to see all ideas on my party food ideas page or preview some below

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ideas in this section

food stations

the 80 / 20 rule

groups, rows, & levels

tasting plates & cups

shooter glasses

tasting forks & spoons

pipettes

food in jars

martini glass salads

CHINESE TAKE OUT BOXES

CHARCUTERIE CUPS

AND MORE

preview

graduation party food

Check out this preview of some party food ideas, then hit the ‘Open Full Post’ button below to view all graduation party ideas in this section (opens in a new tab).

the idea

food stations

Arrange mini appetizer plates, tasting cups, and ‘bites’ in groups, rows, and on multiple levels for a stylish, professionally-catered look

Hors d'oeuvres and appetizers arranged in rows on a modern buffet table / food station

the idea

tasting forks

Add height to your display, make small treats more special, or control portion size for more expensive bites by serving on individual tasting forks

the idea

salad served in glasses

Swap large salad bowls for individual ‘grab and go’ style portions that party guests can eat standing up while mingling

fish salad served in margarita glasses with forks

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charcuterie cups

Charcuterie boards look great…until guests start touching them. Avoid the mess by offering individual ‘grab and go’ cups to eat while mingling

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graduation party food

sliders, mini grilled cheese bites, and miniature shots of beer in mugs

salad served in white chinese takeout style boxes with chopsticks as party food

grilled cheese and tomato bisque party food served in shooter glasses

pasta salad served in a jar as party food ideas

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in this section

06 graduation DESSERT TABLEs

WHY YOU NEED A DESSERT TABLE

Lend visual spectacle and wow factor to room decor.
Maximize budget by making inexpensive or homemade desserts look stylish.
Save time by preparing big-batch desserts in advance to portion on the day.
Presentation can elevate simple, basic, or store-bought treats to make them feel more special.
Entertain, treat, and surprise guests with quirky, unusual, or indulgent bite-size treats.
Accommodates diets, allergies, and intolerances easily with a variety of smaller treats
Maintains atmosphere; encouraging guests to move around and mingle while grazing
Fosters engagement by creating talking-points and photo ops
Minimizes clean-up and clearing by using high quality disposable serving containers
Open full post to see all ideas on my dessert table ideas page or preview some below

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ideas in this section

custom photo m&m’S

CUSTOM PHOTO MACARONS

FREEZE-DRIED ICE CREAM

BOOZY LOLLIPOPS

GOURMET COTTON CANDY

DECORATED CAKESICLES

VINTAGE TEA CAKES

INFUSED STRAWBERRIES

CUSTOM PORTRAIT COOKIES

CUSTOM PHOTO MARSHMALLOWS

COTTON CANDY CAKES

CHOCOLATE-DIPPED BACON

RETRO CANDY

AND MORE

preview

graduation dessert tables

Check out this preview of some dessert table ideas, then hit the ‘Open Full Post’ button below to view all graduation party ideas in this section (opens in a new tab).

the idea

disposable shooter glasses

Save time and money by making big-batch desserts in advance and serving in individual plastic shooter glasses for a modern and stylish look

mousse and fruit puree dessert served in shooter glasses

the idea

chocolate pizza

Rich and decadent, these chocolate pizzas will add a quirky and unexpected creative twist to any dessert table

the idea

custom portrait cookies

Add some wow-factor photo-ops to your dessert table display with hand-painted portrait cookies of the graduate

personalized custom portrait cartoon cookies

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donut walls

Make a feature of decorated treats so that they contribute to the overall presentation of your dessert table with these donut walls

donuts arranged on a donut wall display stand

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graduation dessert table ideas

decorated candle apples with donuts, cream, and straws

custom photo macarons printed with a woman's face

green cakesicles with feather and gold leaf decoration

individual fruit salad desserts served in martini glasses on a on party dessert table

OPEN FULL POST

in this section

07 graduation party drinks

GET THAT PROFESSIONALLY-CATERED LOOK

Always create a signature drink; it adds something unique and creates a talking point.
When people get dressed up and go out, they want to discover new things.
So, don’t play it too safe; offer them something unusual.
You can also make traditional drinks more special by adding a creative twist or personal touch to the styling and presentation.
Drinks play a big role in every party,
Your guests are probably going to be carrying one around for most of the night,
So it’s worth making an effort.
Open full post to see all ideas on my party drinks ideas page or preview some below

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ideas in this section

DIY COCKTAIL BAR

PHOTO DRINKS TOPPERS

CUSTOM WINE / BEER LABELS

CHAMPAGNE WALLS

FUN FACTS NAPKINS

EDIBLE DRINKS MARKERS

SIGNATURE DRINKS

MASON JAR COCKTAILS

MILK BOTTLE COCKTAILS

THEMED ICE CUBES

CUSTOM PARTY CUPS

ILLUSTRATED MENUS

AND MORE

preview

graduation party drinks

Check out this preview of some party drink ideas, then hit the ‘Open Full Post’ button below to view all graduation party ideas in this section (opens in a new tab).

the idea

custom photo drinks toppers

Create talking points and photo ops by styling party drinks with custom edible drinks toppers of the graduate

the idea

champagne / cocktail walls

Create a big first impression by offering guests their welcome drink on arrival from a self-service ‘grab and go’ champagne / cocktail wall

boxwood hedge drinks wall with shelves of self-service drinks for graduation party guests to help themselves to

don’t miss a thing

follow me on social

Keep up with my latest ideas by following me on social media

the idea

custom wine / beer labels

Add a personal touch to wine and beer bottles with custom photo labels showing the graduate at different stages of their life

graduation party drinks ideas: custom photo wine and beer bottle labels showing the guest of honor at different stages of their life

the idea

fun facts napkins

Use on bars, buffet, or dessert tables to provide conversation-starters and entertain guests with fun facts about the graduate

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graduation party drinks

custom photo party drinks cups with retro photo of the birthday boy

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in this section

08 graduation party INVITATIONS

GIVE GUESTS A REASON TO RSVP

Everybody worries whether people will show up to their party; even the professionals.
Which is why you need to make an effort with your invitations.
If you’re expecting guests to give up their evening, commit weeks in advance, arrange babysitters, buy a gift, get dressed up, and travel across town to celebrate YOUR graduation….
The invitation needs to say ‘this is a special occasion’
Nowadays, it’s rare to receive personal correspondence through the mail.
So, when a stiff, hand-addressed, luxurious, colored envelope unexpectedly lands on the mat, it instantly feels special.
Invitations set the tone; it’s a glimpse of what’s to come, so it needs to excite and inspire.
It needs to reassure people that they’re going to have fun.
It’s needs to build excitement and give them something to look forward to.
So, it needs to be creative.
Open full post to see all ideas on my party invitations page or preview some below.
While many of these invitations are aimed at birthday parties, most can be customized for a graduation party.

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ideas in this section

printed balloon invitations

custom video invitations

‘through the years’ photo invites

wood invitations

custom candy bar invites

COOKIE INVITATIONS

TRANSPARENT INVITATIONS

CUSTOM PORTRAIT INVITES

CROSSWORD INVITATIONS

JIGSAW INVITATIONS

COOTIE CATCHER INVITATIONS

CUSTOM NEWSPAPER INVITES

and more

preview

graduation party invitations

Check out this preview of some party invitation ideas, then hit the ‘Open Full Post’ button below to view all graduation party ideas in this section (opens in a new tab).

the idea

‘through the years’ photo invitation

Bring a smile to guests’ faces by treating them to old photos of the graduate ‘through the years’ with a custom photo collage invitation

the idea

printed balloon invitations

Grab guests’ attention and build excitement by printing your graduation party invitation details onto a balloon with instructions to ‘inflate and save the date’

custom printed photo balloon graduation party invitations

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custom video invitations

Save on printing & postage and avoid lost or delayed mail with an animated custom video graduation party invitation that you can send via Whatsapp, iMessage, Messenger, or email

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graduation party invitations

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in this section

09 graduation GIFTS

AVOID THE OBVIOUS & STEREOTYPICAL

Let’s be honest, most gift websites suck.
They’re typically full of uninspiring, clichéd, or gag gifts that no-one really wants.
Is anyone really excited by personalized grilling tongs or a monogrammed cushion?
And why always so stereotypical?
For men, it’s golf accessories, tools, ties, and grilling equipment.
For women; jewelry boxes, tote bags, photo frames, and engraved glass ornaments. Yawn!
And don’t be fooled that a gift engraved with someone’s name makes it personal.
A truly personal gift is one where real thought has gone into it;
Something you know they’d love but would never treat themselves to,
Something meaningful with sentimental value, or
Something quirky or unique, tailored to the recipient.
Open full post to see all ideas on my gift ideas page or preview some below
While most of these gifts are intended for birthdays, many are suitable for a graduation gift.

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ideas in this section

custom puppet

custom comic book

custom reel viewer

custom bobblehead

my life story so far

read me when…

NY TIMES BIRTHDAY BOOK

LONG DISTANCE FRIENDSHIP LAMPS

PERSONALIZED STAR MAP

PERSONALIZED POEM

WISHING BALL

CUSTOM PLUSH DOLL

and more

preview

graduation GIFTS

Check out this preview of some gift ideas, then hit the ‘Open Full Post’ button below to view all graduation party ideas in this section (opens in a new tab).

the idea

custom puppet

For a truly unique and personal gift have a custom Muppet-style puppet made of the graduate

woman standing next to a custom muppet-style puppet of herself for a graduation gift

the idea

custom reel viewer

Ask friends an family for photos of their favorite memory of the graduate to collect together in a custom reel viewer

the idea

custom comic book

Tell the graduate’s life story (so far) by creating a custom comic book featuring photos of them ‘through the years’

the idea

custom bobblehead

A perfect gift for the graduate who’s hard to buy for…turn them into a bobblehead!

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graduation gifts

book sculpture of house and tree with a light inside house window

Hand Blown Glass Wishing Ball graduation gift idea

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graduation party ideas

Special Graduation Party Ideas

Personalized / Unique Graduation Party Ideas

graduation Party Decorations

graduation Party Activities

graduation Party Food & Drink

graduation Party Dessert Tables

graduation Party Invitations

graduation Gifts

i’m matt james

professional event producer

welcome

CONTENTS

ON THIS PAGE

01 MAKE IT SPECIAL

02 MAKE IT personal

03 graduation party decorations

04 graduation party activities

05 graduation party food

06 dessert tables

07 graduation party drinks

08 graduation party invitations

09 graduation gifts

ADVICE FROM A PRO

graduation party tips

MATT’S TIP

in this section

01 Make it special

celebrate the person and what they’ve achieved

AVOID CLICHÉS

ideas in this section

share a memory postcards

reasons we love you

photo slideshow

a gift every hour

memory letters

‘open when’ letters

Through the Years photo book

photo collage memory box

reasons we love you photo book

AND MORE

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ideas to make it special

the idea

share a memory postcards

the idea

a gift every hour

the idea

reasons we love you photo book

the idea

graduation slideshow

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ideas to make it special

in this section

02 Make it personal

add creative twists & personal touches

ideas in this section

custom photo m&m’s

photo party hats

fan face custom cutouts

custom face banners

fun facts napkins

‘‘then & now photo banners‘

‘through the years’ photo banners

CUSTOM PHOTO WINE/BEER LABELS

life-size talking cutouts

CUSTOM PHOTO BALLOONS

CUSTOM PARTY CUPS

CUSTOM COOKIES

CUSTOM PINATAS

AND MORE

preview

ideas to make it personal

the idea

custom photo m&m’s

the idea

photo party hats

don’t miss a thing

follow me on social

the idea