DIY decorations for graduation ceremonies: a collection of simple yet striking decoration ideas
With the graduation ceremony approaching, many of you might be wondering how to handle the decorations.
Since it’s a special occasion, you probably want to create heartfelt, handmade decor.
But when it comes time to get started, it’s easy to feel unsure about where to begin.
In this article, we’ll introduce ideas for DIY decorations for the graduation ceremony.
We’ve gathered a variety of ideas, including garlands, balloon art, and displays that let you look back on memories, so please use them as inspiration!
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Handmade decorations for graduation ceremonies: a collection of simple yet impressive decor ideas (1–10)
party flag
Let’s make party flags to liven up the graduation ceremony! Prepare small origami sheets and first fold them into a triangle to make a crease.
Fold both sides toward the crease to form triangles.
Thread a string through the leftover flap to connect the flags, then fold it inward three times.
Use origami in various colors and patterns, thread them onto the string, and you’re all set! You can decorate the entire venue or hang them at the entrance—this design is easy to display in many places, so try combining it nicely with other decorations too.
balloon arch
Here’s a balloon arch idea that will liven up entrances and exits.
You’ve probably seen one at least once.
It may seem a bit complicated, but it actually comes together with simple steps.
First, inflate the balloons and tie them together in groups of four.
Stack these groups to form the base on each side.
For the arch itself, connect the balloons one by one, and fill any gaps with small balloons.
For a smaller arch, you can complete it with fewer than 100 balloons.
Club activity cap
In your day-to-day activities, many of you probably wore your team cap.
That’s why I’d like to suggest an idea: making a cap out of origami.
Fold a cap with origami paper in your favorite color, and try writing your team’s name or emblem on it.
You may not have many chances to wear your cap after leaving the team, but if you keep this miniature cap around, it will always remind you of your team.
It would also be lovely to fold a matching uniform, too.
Handmade decorations for graduation ceremonies: A collection of simple yet impressive decoration ideas (11–20)
flower pom
For those who want to make the graduation ceremony more festive, flower poms are recommended.
To make a larger flower pom, stack 10 sheets of tissue paper, fold them accordion-style, and prepare two bundles with the ends cut either rounded or diagonally.
Secure the two bundles together with a rubber band, fan them open, shape them, and you’re done.
For a mini size, try using about 7 sheets of tissue paper.
For an extra-large size, prepare 8 accordion-folded bundles, pair them up with rubber bands, then tie the entire set together with string.
As you open it out, you’ll get a big flower.
Try decorating with a mix of flower poms in different sizes and colors!
Numerical ornament
There are probably numbers connected to your activities, like jersey numbers or records, right? How about making decorations using those numbers as a motif? First, cut cardboard into the shape of the number you want.
Then crumple some paper napkins and glue them on.
Since paper napkins are usually made of several layers, it’s best to peel them apart and use a thin layer.
That way, it will look like a number made of flowers.
There are many patterned paper napkins available, so try to find ones that match your image.
tassel garland
Let’s prepare a tassel garland, a party good widely loved in the United States.
The “tassel” in a tassel garland refers to an ornament made from bands of fabric or strands of thread bundled together.
Many people also associate it with the cords used to tie back curtains.
This time, we’ll recreate that using sheer fabric and hang the tassels from a single string.
It has more presence than a typical garland and adds a sense of movement.
Using seven colors of sheer fabric to create a colorful finish sounds great, too.
Handmade letters
By adding original, handmade lettering to the wall decorations, you can help brighten up the graduation ceremony alongside other illustrations and objects.
You can make it simply by cutting out the necessary letters from origami paper, so have the teachers and current students work together to finish it.
It’s fine to cut out letters printed from a computer, but if possible, handwritten letters are recommended for a warmer feel.
Be mindful to create lettering that catches the eye so it doesn’t get lost among the other wall decorations.
