Red and Black Graduation Party Planning: Ideas, Decorations & Details
It's time to celebrate the end of one chapter and the beginning of a new one with a bang 🎓💖 And what better way to do that than with a red and black graduation party to rock my son's school spirt in style!
Invitations that Pop
First things first, you need to set the tone for your epic celebration with some killer invitations. My favorite picks give a dash of elegance but still have those classic jersey fonts that are sure to never to go out of style (Alexa, play Taylor Swift 🎶)
Remember, the invitation is the first glimpse your guests will get of the party, so make it count. A great addition to your invitations (and thank you cards) ? A simpler way to address your envelopes!
Decor to Impress
When it comes to decorations, I go big or go home! But on a budget 😅 Think black and red balloons, centerpieces, and confetti galore. Add in some photo displays, graduation banners, photo booth props, and maybe even a DIY balloon arch for that Instagram-worthy backdrop and you've got that pop of color that is sure to set the tone!
First up, the balloons! Balloon arches and backdrops are my favorite because they are so affordable for the amount of space they cover and the color they bring. Here are my two top picks. I think I'll use the balloon arch as a photo opportunity for the graduate and guests. And then the balloon wall to cover our ugly garage wall where our food and drinks will be hosted 😊
Then for the centerpieces I fell in love with these photo balloons 💖 I think I'll add them to a dollar store vase along with these cute little centerpiece sticks from Amazon. Then either fill the base with these red and black crystals, or white flowers like the balloon sample shows. What do you think would look better? 🤔
I think I'll welcome our guests with these simple and affordable yard signs by our mailbox with a few balloons so guests know they are at the right spot. Then I'll have this stunning welcome foam board near the front 😍
Now if you can afford cloth table cloths in this economy, splurge away! But if you can't, I am OBSESSED with these plastic table covers that come with a satin table runner. They honestly make such a difference! I have used them for all types of events since I first found them for a baby shower. It just gives that upscale look without the upscale price 💖
As far as photo displays, I think we are going to make a traditional photo collage using all of his football & sports photos. Then get some dollar store frames for his K-12 picture display table. But that may change if I find a cuter idea on Pinterest 🤭
Tableware Fit for a Grad
Now, onto the most important part - the food! Set the stage for a feast fit for a graduate with red and black plates, matching cups and cutlery to complete the look.
I was going to splurge on plastic plates, but then I found these simple and stunning two-toned oval paper plates. Which are PERFECT since their large size will allow our guests to take a little bit of everything for our buffet style lunch!
These custom graduation napkins that matched the invitations were so cute, they were a must have! But to keep the cost low we'll be rotating the napkins personalized → red → black.
We will be pairing them with both sets of cups since I just couldn't choose! I like the larger heavy duty plastic option to help prevent the wind tipping any over. Then I love the elegant red and black cups that can be used for the punch bowl or if you will be providing adult drinks 😍
Party Favors and Sweet Treats
Don't forget to send your guests home with a smile! Here are my picks for my favorite party favors and sweet treats →
And some top rated options to fill em' up:
These stunning handmade sugar cookies by YourCookieConnection 😍
Candy is always a hit with everyone, but I just love giving favors that will give my guests some lasting joy 💖 And don't you just love the little puns on these ones?!
Cards and Gifts Table
Here are my top picks for our card box! I am absolutely in love with the handmade Graduation boxes, but may have to go with the pop up version on Amazon if the budget doesn't permit the custom one 😅
Guestbooks to Gush Over
I personally want a guestbook with some room to write a personal message or completely blank pages. That way they can tape their polaroid's from the photo booth right in it to create a memory book on the spot! I also think that is the most likely version he'll be inspired to keep for years to come 😅 Here are my top picks that offer a variety of page insert styles to choose from →
Thank Your Guests
Last but never least, don't forget to thank your guests in style!
So there you have it, folks! Hopefully I helped you a little with some ideas and inspiration for throwing the ultimate red and black graduation bash. Cheers to the graduate!
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