College Graduation Party Themes

Since the college graduate is an adult with an eye towards the future of a career and perhaps starting a family, the college graduation party tends to be more formal and mature. However, graduating from college is a significant achievement and hosting an exhilarating party can be fun and provide a welcome release for the graduate from many years of exams, classes, and stodgy professors. What better way to throw a college graduation party than to center it on a specific theme? Here are some great ideas for college graduation party themes:

• Housewarming. Since most graduates will find an apartment or a house in which to live after graduation, a good theme for a party is that of a housewarming. Guests could give gifts such as towels and linens, small kitchen appliances, and dishes, flatware, and pots and pans.
• Career. What course of study did the graduate follow? A party themed around the graduate's career choice is highly appropriate, and a thoughtful way to salute his choice of career. Guests could give gifts such as personalized desk accessories, a briefcase or leather portfolio, a professional frame for her college diploma, and handheld organizational devices.
• Alma Mater. Most college graduates remain loyal to their university, and many become involved in alumni associations, helping future graduates of the school. A college graduation party themed around the school's colors and mission statement is a wonderful gesture to acknowledge the way the graduate feels about his choice of higher education institution. Guests could give gifts such as sorority or fraternity clothing, school-branded items such as sweatshirts or license plate holders, or professionally-framed photos of the school.
• Get away. The arduous process of completing college can be exhausting. A great way to provide the college graduate a welcome break from studies and exams is to throw a vacation-themed party. Perhaps the graduate has always dreamed of a Hawaiian vacation. Plan a party theme to include everything that could be found at a beach, including sand and swimming, a full luau, tiki torches, drinks with umbrellas, and grass skirts and leis. Guests could give gifts of money to help purchase a Hawaiian vacation for the graduate.

Whatever theme you choose, plan well in advance to supply plenty of food, drink, music, and entertainment. Make the party a memorable event for the graduate so that he will be able to reflect upon the event throughout his lifetime.