If you're looking for a a simple theme for a graduation party, this is it! This young man graduated from my old high school (which made it super nostalgic to plan). If you are looking for a theme for a graduation party, be inspired by the school itself. School colors, plus old class yearbooks (we were able to gather editions from 20 years back!), then throw in real "school" stuff like chalk boards and lunch sacs. Here are a few pictures:
A chalk board else greeted guests at the door to introduce the "school" theme. My favorite DIY paper pennants decorated the party space-- school colors of course (go big red)! I LOVE paper pennant for a simple and inexpensive decoration. If you read this site regularly, you might have seen them here, here, or here.
Those old yearbooks came in handy as centerpieces. Placed in stacks of three on each table. The yearbooks offered not only nostalgic decor but a fun activity and conversation starter. By mid-party, guests just couldn't resist opening up the old books a reliving old memories and laughing at long gone styles. I even got to read the message I left in my boyfriend of 5 months (now husband's!) yearbook. TOO FUNNY! Placed on each stack of books was a simple red apple with a congratulatory message placed in it.
Before leaving, each guest was asked to "sign in." The grad's parents made a heartwarming book of photos from his school days. Each guest signed throughout the book just like signing a yearbook. This was my favorite element of the party.
Red velvet cupcakes (his favorite) for dessert and mini lunch sac favors offered as favors for the taking. I told you all, this theme for a graduation party is super simple to pull of yourself (and on budget).
A close up of the favors. For the DIY instructions on these mini lunch sac treats, see this post.
Fonts used in this party: School Script Dashed and Octin Sports Free
*School Script Dashed font and Octin Sports Free font are free to download from http://www.dafont.com/.
What do you think? Will this work for your grad?
Carrie says
where was the photo book printed and did you use a template??
Katie's Mom says
I had to giggle. I was searching Pinterest for party ideas for my daughter's up-coming graduation. When I stumbled upon a pin from your blog, I thought what amazing ideas and perfect they are her school colors. Then I saw your year books and had to do double take. My daughter is graduating from Elsinore High School!
Your Hostess says
Katie, NO way! What a small world wide web :).
Wendy says
I found these great ideas from perusing Pinterest. Would you please tell me where you made the photobook that your guests signed? This is a fabulous idea and I definitely want to implement it for my son's graduation in a few months.
Thank you, Wendy
Your Hostess says
Hi Wendy! You can make a photo book like this one on sites like Snapfish.com and Shutterfly.com. They are pretty reasonably priced too. Happy planning!
Judy Lynn says
These ideas are awesome and soooo personalized! Last year, I attended the high school graduation party of my niece that was so wonderful. They had put up a big-screen tv and played a musical show made with pictures of her growing up from childhood to now. It reminded us of the time she was born and it depicted the story of how she evolved into a beautiful young woman. Everything was perfectly synchronized to music and the results were awesome! They got the show custom made for them by Smiling Snaps and I had never seen anything like that before.
Kelsi @ Modern Mom Redefined says
GORGEOUS! I'm graduating with my BA in Special Education... this totally fits. I'm using it for inspiration. Thanks!!!
Giusa says
Thank you for sharing this. I was lost on where to start for my son's HS grad party - UNTIL - I saw this wonderful party theme!
Used many of your ideas....placed my son's old wood desk at the entrance of my back yard with a sign-in pic/frame, metal lunch box, small chalk board, and an apple with a Welcome and please sign-in sign. I used apples for signs throughout my back yard. Placed my son's many yearbooks on any table surface. Hardcover books (covered with brown paper bags), metal lunch box, small chalk board, red bottles with a flower as centerpieces on my tables. And so much more, ALL because of your inspiration!! Thank you!!!!
I’ve always enjoyed setting up for a party, but I’ve never met anyone else who I can share my thoughts with….UNTIL now, for that – thank you!
Thoughtfully Simple is my FAV site!!
Autumn says
I'm pulling together a grad present this weekend and this post gave me so many great ideas! Thank you!!!
Dennis @ Wholesale Flowers says
What a great graduation party. The stack of previous year books are a nice added touch.
Shannel says
I adore your website. I'm throwing my husband an MBA grad party, and am going to use some of your ideas. I love the centerpiece idea! I'm going to use it, except use textbooks instead since they don't have yearbooks... And I adore the DIY paper pennants too. I cut out a bunch of triangles last night in his school colors... now I just need to buy ribbon and staple it all together. Thanks for all the fabulous ideas. If you have any more graduation party decor ideas please do share. Thanks. :)
Brandi @ Tweedle Dee Designs says
What a great graduation party. I love the apple sign holders.
Chris @ Celebrations At Home says
I love this party! So fun and cute!!
Melanie says
"Old school" (yar, har) retro...I LOVE it...I particularly love the chalk board. What a cute touch.
Gorgeous, and BTW...really good photography as well.
Mel at shareholidays
Wendy says
Great job Tori! The last minute lunch sacks turned out perfectly!
Your Hostess says
Mary Kay- Yes, it is just stapled. I am sure there is a much more fancier method (hot glue or something) but I just throw them together with 2 staples per flag. Simple!
Mary Kay says
Thanks so much for the great ideas Tori ... and just in time for my son's party later this month! For the pennent garland, is the cardstock just stapled to the ribbon??
Kims Kandy Kreations says
I love the yearbook photobook for the guests to sign! What genius! My daughter starts high school this year and so I need to start collecting some ideas for an amazing party. Thanks for sharing them!
Brittany says
I adore this theme!!! The yearbooks are my favorite!
Dawn says
Oh, I love it all! So sweet with all the personal touches! Even though the year is up, I could see these details for a Back To School Party in the fall!
Alexis says
Love it! The chalkboards are such a nice touch. My daughter is graduating from 5th Grade today!
Bird says
Very good mention!! :)
Loved the cookie bags!!! I want one, even though I graduated a few years back.... :)
Oh and loved the apple touch!!
Korinne @ Swank Sweets says
Love this old "skool" theme! Everything is so well done. (I noticed the hanging planter too!) :)
Kate Landers says
FABULOUS party Tori, love it!!! I am esp impressed how your hanging planter even coordinated....you are TOO good with the details, it's amazing!