Graduation is a special time of celebration and accomplishment. You worked hard to get to this point, so why not make your graduation party extra special with fun and unique DIY decorations? With a few simple materials, you can create beautiful and memorable decorations that will delight your guests and make your graduation unforgettable.
From rustic mason jar centerpieces to vibrant balloon archways, you can easily craft decorations that are sure to wow your family and friends. Whether you’re looking for a simple and elegant graduation banner or a large-scale backdrop, these DIY graduation decorations will make your celebration truly memorable. Get ready to craft the perfect graduation decorations and make your special day even more special!
What materials you need for DIY graduation decorations
Graduation is the perfect time to get creative with your decorations. Whether you’re decorating outdoors or indoors, there are a variety of materials you can use to create fun and memorable decorations.
Fabric: Whether you choose colorful or pastel fabrics for your graduation decorations, you can use them to create banners, tablecloths, and more.
Paper: Whether you choose paper in pastel or bright colors, paper is an easy and budget-friendly way to create beautiful decorations for your party.
Mason jars: These are a great way to add a rustic touch to your graduation decorations. You can use them to create vases, centerpieces, and more.
Balloons: If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and affordable way to decorate, balloons are a great choice.
String: String is a great material to use when creating DIY graduation banners.
Sticks: You can use sticks to create stunning and unique decorations, like a large, dimensional flower.
DIY graduation banners
A graduation banner is a great way to welcome guests to your graduation party. You can also use it to create a special photo backdrop for your guests to pose in front of at the end of the night. To create a graduation banner, you’ll need fabric, scissors, and a hot glue gun. You can choose any colors you wish for your banner, but we recommend using pastel colors, like light blue and grey, for a more elegant and sophisticated look.
Cut your fabric into strips, then fold one side over to form a triangle. Secure the ends with a dab of hot glue, then string the triangles together to create your banner. Make sure to leave enough space between each triangle so you can write a message, like “Congratulations Graduate!” Once your banner is complete, use a hot glue gun to attach it to your wall or party backdrop.
DIY mason jar centerpieces
Mason jars are a classic party decoration that never goes out of style. You can easily turn them into elegant and thoughtful graduation centerpieces. You can use any color combination you wish for your mason jar centerpieces, but we recommend using pastel colors, like light blue and grey, for a more sophisticated look.
To create your mason jar centerpieces, begin by selecting the jars, then add a floral embellishment, like a floral pick or flowers, to the top of each jar. Once you’ve added your decoration, fill the jar with water, and make sure to leave enough room at the top of the jar for a bouquet of flowers to fit. Finally, add flowers to each jar, securing them with floral picks. Your mason jar centerpieces look beautiful and elegant, making them the perfect decoration for your graduation party.
Balloon archways
A balloon archway is a fun and colorful decoration for your graduation party. It also makes for a great photo prop for your guests to pose in front of at the end of the night. To create a balloon archway, begin by choosing a space for your archway and marking where you’d like it to be positioned. Next, lay out a large piece of fabric to serve as a backdrop for your archway.
Finally, fill a large helium tank with balloons in the colors you’d like to use for your archway. When the tank is full of balloons, use a large piece of string or fishing wire to gather the balloons together, then tie the string or fishing wire off to create a large circle. Use the string or fishing wire to support your balloon archway as you position it on your fabric backdrop. Your balloon archway is sure to add a vibrant touch of color to your graduation party.
Graduation backdrops
A large and colorful backdrop is a great decoration for your graduation party. You can also use it to create a special photo opportunity for your guests. To create a graduation backdrop, begin by selecting a large piece of fabric. Position the fabric behind where you plan to host your party, whether it’s outside or inside.
Next, fill a large helium tank with balloons in the colors you’d like to use for your backdrop. When the tank is full of balloons, use a large piece of string or fishing wire to gather the balloons together, then tie the string or fishing wire off to create a large circle. Use the string or fishing wire to support your balloon backdrop as you position it on your fabric backdrop. Your backdrop is sure to add a vibrant touch of color to your graduation party.
Graduation signs
A decorative sign is a fun way to welcome your guests and create an inviting atmosphere for your graduation party. You can use any decorative item you wish for your sign, like an old book, a frame, or a piece of fabric. We recommend choosing a frame for your graduation sign, like a picture frame or poster frame, so you can easily change out the sign as needed. Position your sign near the entrance of your party, either indoors or outdoors, and you’ll have a charming decoration that welcomes your guests and sets the mood for your celebration.
Graduation cap decorations
If you’re looking for a unique decoration to mark the occasion of your graduation, consider turning a cap into an adorable decoration. You can use any cap to create this decoration, but we recommend using a cap that’s special to you or your graduate. You can use any type of glue to adhere the items to your cap, but we recommend using a hot glue gun, since it’s quick and easy to use. Start by removing the cap’s visor, then glue the decorative items to the front of the cap. Your cap is sure to be a charming decoration that your guests will love.
Photo props
If you’re planning a party for a graduate in the arts, like a dance party, or for someone who loves photography, consider creating photo props to help inspire your guests to take creative photos at the party. You can use any decorative item you wish for your photo props, like an old book or frame, or a piece of fabric. We recommend choosing a frame for your photo props, like a picture frame or poster frame, so you can easily change out the props as needed. Position your photo props near the area you plan to hold your party, either indoors or outdoors, and you’ll have a charming decoration that inspires your guests to take creative photos.
Tips for crafting the perfect decorations
When you’re crafting your graduation decorations, keep the following tips in mind to ensure they turn out beautifully.
Use a variety of materials: When you’re crafting your decorations, don’t get stuck on using one or two materials. Instead, experiment with a variety of materials, like paper, fabric, and balloons. You’re sure to create something truly special when you use a variety of materials.
Create something personalized: If you’re crafting decorations for a graduation party, your graduate will likely recognize that something special is happening. Create something personalized, like a photo banner or decorative sign, to mark this special moment.
Keep it simple: If you’re new to crafting decorations, we recommend keeping your decorations simple. Choose one or two materials to work with, and create something elegant and simple to avoid getting overwhelmed.
Get creative: Graduation is a special celebration, so why not get creative with your decorations? You have tons of options to choose from, so get creative and have fun crafting decorations for your party.
References:
1-Wearing many hats: Students of color and the grounded aesthetics of graduation.
https://psycnet.apa.org/doi/10.1037/dhe0000178
2-Decorated Vessels: The Function Of Decoration In Late Antiquity
https://doi.org/10.1163/ej.9789004165502.i-742.109