By Cassidy Lucille 62 Comments
This post is aboutoutdoor graduation party ideas.
Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. See our fulldisclaimerhere.
Source: Lulus
It’s graduation party season!
Graduation party season, while wonderfully filled with delicious food and gatherings, can be quite the task when you're planning it on your own.
Outdoor graduation parties are some of the most popular graduation party venues. Everyone loves getting together outdoors, and there's no venue fees with a party that's in your backyard ;)!
This post shows you the absolute best outdoor graduation party ideas. After reading this post, you'll have a better handle on all aspects of your (soon to be) fantastic outdoor graduation party.
Here are 20 outdoor graduation party ideas you're guaranteed to love.
Outdoor Graduation Party Ideas
Are you in a graduation party time crunch? Sign up for a free month of Amazon Prime to get everything from Amazon delivered to your door within 2 days. Lifesaver!
1. Photo Wall
A photo wall adds a special touch of personalization to your party. You can DIY this outdoor graduation party idea with two affordable items: a grid wall and printed photos. Round up your favorite pics of your grad and head to your local print shop. Then, arrange them on the grid with painter’s tape or mini clothespins. If you want a larger banner backdrop, Etsy offers tons of custom options!
RECREATE IT!
2. Balloon Arch
A balloon arch is a go-to outdoor graduation party idea that makes a statement! I love how you can customize these to fit the theme of your party, like your college colors. These balloon arches look super elevated and upscale, but they’re surprisingly budget-friendly!
RECREATE IT!
3. HANGING LIGHTS
Hanging lights between trees or other structures is a great way to add some flare to your party - it's a stylish option for outdoor graduation decorations!
These look great during the day, but even better when it gets a little darker. If you’re planning your outdoor grad party for later in the day, these are perfect!
RECREATE IT!
4. JAR OF LIGHTS
Battery operated string lights in a jar are perfect for graduation party centerpieces. Tape the battery pack to the lid to make it even more picture perfect! You could also add faux or silk flowers to it if you wan't more of a vase look.
RECREATE IT!
5. PHOTO BOOTH
A graduation party photo boothis an awesome idea for an outdoor grad party!
All of your friends that come to the party will love the Instagram opportunity, too! There are so many ways to style one, but my favorite is flowers.
RECREATE IT!
6. Chalkboard Signs
Chalkboard signs are perfect for outdoor or backyard graduation parties, especially for listing grad party games, food items, or other instructions in such a cute way.
RECREATE IT!
7. FLORAL CENTERPIECES
Floral centerpieces are a chic finishing touch for an outdoor grad party. Fill these jars with some local flowers and a cute sign with your graduating year or a small baby picture.
RECREATE IT!
Related: The Most Popular High School Graduation Party Decorating Ideas
8. S’MORES STATION
Have a fire-pit at your venue or house where the grad party is being held? This adorable outdoor graduation party idea for a s’mores station isn’t just another food option, it’s an activity in itself, too!
Perfect for adults and kids! Everyone will love this interactive food.
RECREATE IT!
9. REFRESHMENTS
Keeping drinks in these containers is much better than an open bowl when having an outdoor party.
These containers keep bugs out, and are much more functional and very cute compared to a standard bowl! Add a little more pizzaz by having a cute plastic cup option like these glitter ones below.
Here’s a festive idea: create a beverage menu (alcoholic or not) themed after your college or high school!
RECREATE IT!
10. CUPCAKE DISPLAY
Displaying cupcakes on a tier stand is so cute, and functional, too! It's one of my favorite outdoor graduation party food ideas.
We did this at my grad party, and it was definitely a crowd pleaser.
I also love the below idea for individual cupcake holders with covers and small forks - ideal for something outdoors in the summer when bugs could be an issue.
RECREATE IT!
11. FRUIT
Fruit is another fun dessert idea for an outdoor graduation party food option. It is so refreshing to have out to snack on a summer’s day or night. You can serve it tiered like the photo above, or arrange it in a tray, with different fruit in different sections.
RECREATE IT!
12. GIANT PONG
This is such a fun idea!
Giant pong is perfect if you have a large backyard or large grass area at your venue. It was such a hit at my graduation party, and is the perfect outdoor graduation party idea for guys.
RECREATE IT!
Related: 23 Fantastic Graduation Party Ideas for Guys You're Guaranteed To Love
13. BEAN BAG TOSS
This is one of the classic graduation party games!
You can buy the plain one shown below, and paint it like the one shown above to match the theme of your party!
RECREATE IT!
14. YARD TWISTER
This is such an easy and cheap DIY outdoor graduation decorations idea for a game.
Use the bottom of a box to create a perfect stencil to spray paint your twister mat right on to your lawn.
Create a spinner out of a square of wood and paint or markers.
15. LADDER TOSS
Ladder toss is another classic outdoor graduation party game idea!
So fun for kids and adults!
Perfect for a big yard or venue with a large grassy area.
RECREATE IT!
16. GIANT CONNECT FOUR
So fun for kids and adults!
Super easy to play and is bound to be a hit with everyone.
RECREATE IT!
17. BUG SPRAY AND SUNSCREEN
This is perfect to put with all of your games - and is such a necessity to go with your outdoor graduation party activities.
Kids and their families will especially love this, someone always forgets the essentials!
RECREATE IT!
18. LIGHT UP GRADUATION SIGN
A light up sign is a fun way to celebrate the graduation and add some ambient lighting outdoors. You could go for big block letters like the photo above, or a fun custom neon sign for a different vibe.
RECREATE IT!
19. PAPER LANTERNS AND TASSELS
I’m loving this outdoor graduation party decorations idea - paper lanterns and tassels are a festive way to elevate the standard string lights for outdoor decorations. The lanterns could be light up or I also love the idea of putting flowers inside kind of like an arrangement, using the lantern as a vase of sorts.
Tassels are versatile - you could go more rustic or glam. Whatever you choose, they’re bound to be a stylish addition to your graduation decorations.
RECREATE IT!
20. MOROCCAN STYLE FLOOR SEATING
I love this idea of moroccan style floor seating - it’s a super fun way to switch it up from your average height tables and chairs. Though, it’s still nice to have some of those, since not everyone might be able to sit on the ground. You can find cute cushions at stores like Home Goods or World Market. And if you want to DIY, you can also easily make the tables out of wood pallets.
RECREATE IT!
This post showed you 20 outdoor graduation party ideas.
March 18, 2024
Trendy Apartment Patio Ideas to Transform Your Outdoor Space for Warm Weather
We’re rounded up our favorite apartment patio ideas to help you maximize your space, make it feel as welcoming, and protect your privacy.
...Read More
March 12, 2024
From Subtle to Bold: Must-Try Pink Nail Ideas for Every Style
Pink nail ideas are deceptively versatile – here’s how it can work for any aesthetic, style, nail shape, or nail look!
...Read More
March 5, 2024
18 Preppy College Dorm Ideas for a Classy Vibe
We’ve rounded up our favorite ideas for preppy dorm decor, giving you the inspiration you need for the preppy college dorm of your dreams.
...Read More
February 20, 2024
Apartment Inspiration Ideas to Spark Your Creativity
Dive into these super cute apartment inspiration ideas, perfect for turning your living space into an aesthetic and cozy home.
...Read More
Related posts:
10 Graduation Party Games Perfect for Outdoor Grad Parties33 Absolute Best Backyard Graduation Party Ideas That Are AffordableElegant Outdoor Graduation Party Decorations For A Unique PartyBest Food Bar Ideas For A Graduation Party | Genius Food Bar Spreads
