How To Celebrate Graduation Without A Party (9 Fun Alternatives)
This post is all about how to celebrate graduation without a party. We’ll go over some super fun alternatives to a graduation party.
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Graduation is a huge milestone in your life and it definitely deserves to be celebrated. You’ve spent years working hard and studying and now it’s finally paying off.
But that doesn’t mean you have to throw a huge party!
A lot of people decide to forgo the traditional graduation party and go with alternative celebrations.
Whether you don’t want to spend the money, don’t want to be the center of attention, or just want to do something different – I have you covered!
Here are 9 ways to celebrate graduation without a party.
Are Graduation Parties Necessary?
You’re probably here because you’re wondering if graduation parties are even necessary. The answer is definitely not!
Your academic accomplishments deserve to be celebrated, but don’t feel like you have to do it in a traditional way.
Traditional graduation parties usually require invitations, RSVPs, expensive food, a dress code, entertainment, speeches, gifts, and sending thank you notes once it’s all over.
All of that takes a lot of time to coordinate and it can get really expensive.
If that doesn’t sound like your thing, you can still be celebrated for your achievements in your own way.
How To Celebrate Graduation Without A Party
There are so many graduation party alternatives that can be more intimate, exciting, and
personalized.
Here are a few different ways to switch it up this graduation season.
1. Host An Intimate Dinner
Graduation parties can be a ton of pressure with the responsibility to host, entertain, and generally be the center of attention
If you prefer to stay out of the spotlight, you may want to host a small, intimate dinner gathering.
Your dinner party doesn’t have to have a super long guest list – just the people that matter the most.
You should ask yourself who you truly want to be there. Do you want to keep it family-only, friends-only, or a mix of both?
You should be surrounded by the people who make you feel the most comfortable and who consistently supported you throughout your college experience.
This graduation party alternative is definitely a more affordable option. With a more intimate guest list, your food expenses won’t be as overwhelming.
Order catering or cook a homemade meal for your small guest list.
Some fun ideas for a graduation party dinner are a taco bar, homemade pizza party, or a cookout! You could even ask each of your guests to bring a dish to pass around.
I love this idea because you can enjoy a delicious meal, have good conversation, and not worry about the pressure or the spotlight being on you too much.
2. Go On A Family Trip
My family has been my strongest support system throughout my entire education. If you feel the same way about your family, then celebrate your graduation with a family trip.
A family trip would not only be an awesome reward for your achievements, but the perfect way to thank your family members for helping you get to where you are.
If you’re not sure where to travel to, try these trip ideas:
- A cruise to a Caribbean destination
- Road trip to a U.S. national park
- A beach resort getaway
- Cabin in the mountains
- A major city (New York City, Chicago, etc.)
If you’re trying to figure out how to celebrate graduation without a party, you can’t go wrong by spending time with the ones who were there by your side the whole time.
This might be one of the more expensive graduation party alternatives, but it would definitely top off your college experience with some unforgettable memories.
You could also ask your parents if they would be willing to split the cost with you.
3. Go To A Concert
A conventional graduation party might feel like it’s mostly for your party guests, not for you.
If you want to truly celebrate yourself in a way that you’ll definitely enjoy, go see your favorite music artist in concert!
A concert requires minimal planning and is guaranteed to be a blast. If you’re able, you should splurge on some good tickets to truly treat yourself.
Either way, you’ll be able to let loose and simply have a good time.
College is lots of stress and lots of hard work; it’s time to just dance and have fun!
4. Have A Spa Day
If you’re an introvert or homebody, then a spa day is the best graduation party alternative for you.
Personally, hosting a college graduation party honestly seems like more of a chore than a celebration.
I’d rather have alone time and totally pamper myself. If you’d prefer this as well, it’s time to book an appointment at your nearest spa.
Most people, especially students, forget to make time for self-care and pampering.
A spa day is an ideal way to finally give yourself a break after years of studying, exams, and late nights at the library. You can de-stress with a facial, manicure, pedicure, or massage.
If you want to save some money, you could also host an at-home spa day with your friends or family members.
Just run to the store and grab face masks, nail polish, hair treatments, robes, and slippers.
5. Weekend Getaway With Friends
After college graduation, you and your friends might head off in different directions due to career choices, graduate school, or whatever life has in store.
Why not make one last memory together and celebrate your graduation with a weekend getaway?
As a recent college graduate, you and your friends will probably still be on a student budget.
That’s totally okay–you can still plan a memorable weekend getaway that is affordable for everyone.
Here are a few ideas for a weekend trip with friends that won’t break your bank:
- Split the cost of an Airbnb by the beach.
- Stay in a hostel or hotel in Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, or Mexico.
- Go camping in a national park or dessert, like Joshua Tree National Park.
- Go to a historic city, such as New Orleans or Savannah.
A weekend getaway with friends is the best graduation party alternative for making forever memories with the people you spent the most time with on campus.
6. Go For Brunch
If you’re trying to figure out how to celebrate graduation without a party because you want to keep it low-key, brunch is the way to go.
A brunch gathering at a local restaurant is simple, easy to coordinate, and provides a diverse menu to accommodate your guests. Plus, brunch is always a fun, relaxing time.
There’s nothing better than enjoying some mimosas, french toast, and finger sandwiches with your loved ones.
It’s also a great setting to catch up with friends and take photos without the pressure to host and entertain.
7. Treat Yourself
What better way to celebrate your accomplishments than with a shopping spree?
Take this opportunity to splurge on something that you’ve been wanting or needing for awhile.
If you’re graduating high school, you may want to splurge on some new outfits for college or a laptop to use in classes.
If you’ve just finished college and you’re starting your career, treat yourself to some “adult” clothes or a fancy work bag.
Try not to feel guilty about spending money on yourself. You’ve worked hard over the past few years and you deserve to treat yourself a bit!
8. Have A Slumber Party
Want to have a super low-key graduation celebration? Invite your besties over for a sleepover!
This is one of my favorite ways to celebrate graduation because it’s so nostalgic.
Have everyone wear pajamas, pop some popcorn, paint your nails, and just enjoy your time with your friends before “adulting” begins.
9. Do Nothing
Not feeling like doing anything for your graduation party? Then don’t!
I know I’ve said that graduation is a big milestone in your life that should be celebrated, but that doesn’t mean you have to actually do something.
Sit back, relax at home, and soak in the feeling of pride that comes from graduating!
Do You Still Get Gifts If You Don’t Throw A Graduation Party?
If you decide not to throw a graduation party, you may be wondering if you’ll still be getting gifts for graduating. The answer is yes, but you shouldn’t expect as many gifts!
Close friends and family may still decide to send you checks or gifts in the mail if they know you’re graduating.
However, you will probably end up with less gifts than if you threw a traditional party.
This post was all about how to celebrate graduation without a party.
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