Choosing Colors for Decorating for a Graduation Party

Incorporate colors in your linens, signs and dishes.

Many features of a graduation party – cake, photos, confetti spelling out “Congratulations” – are the same no matter whose party it is. The colors you use can set the party apart from others and tailor the event for your graduate. Choose two to three colors to use throughout the party for a color palette that’s festive without being overwhelming.

School Colors

Decorating with the colors of your graduate’s school honors not only him, but also the school and all his classmates and fellow graduates. As a bonus, finding décor in these colors can be easy; local party supply stores may stock decorations featuring the names and colors of local schools. You might also ask around and find that other graduates are using the school colors as well and share some basic decorations like banners and tablecloths. Use the graduate’s gear to complete the décor. Display his school sweatshirts, diploma and sports paraphernalia such as foam fingers.

Future Colors

Graduation can be a time of great anxiety and uncertainty for a young person, so consider using his party to help him get excited for what’s ahead. Decorate the party using colors that reflect his future path. For instance, if he’s a high school grad headed to college, decorate with the college’s colors. If he’s joining the military, decorate with camouflage colors in shades of green and brown. If you’re celebrating a college graduate who already has a job, use the colors from the company’s logo. If he doesn’t have a job yet, consider his intended career. For an aspiring writer, decorate with black and white; if he wants to be a teacher, use apple red and chalkboard green.

Seasonal Colors

Most graduation parties are held in the summer, so using vibrant summery colors gives the party a joyful feeling. Use primary colors for a backyard carnival vibe. Red tablecloths, yellow balloons and blue dishes make the party look bright and welcoming, and these shades are so powerful that you won’t need to buy tons of decorations to make an impression on your guests. For a more subtle color palette, use nature for inspiration. Decorate with light green and sky blue. As a bonus, this combination is neutral enough that a graduate of either gender and any age can appreciate it.

Grad's Favorites

Using the graduate’s favorite colors will make him feel honored and comfortable. Let him have a say in the colors; you may be certain that his favorite shade is the blue he loved when he was little, but today he may prefer green. No matter what you think of the colors he chooses, smile and go along with it. Even if you think his preferred tones of black and gray look morose, his graduation party day is one day that should be all about him.