A brunch graduation party is the perfect way to celebrate your high school senior. With a delicious breakfast-inspired graduation brunch menu, drink stations, and creative activities, your grad’s special day will be both memorable and fun for both them and your guests.

In the weeks surrounding graduation, there are likely many parties scheduled during the peak times. A brunch graduation party is a great way to find a less busy time that will have everyone arriving bright and ready to go earlier in the day (especially the parents!).

Below is a list of everything you’ll need, including a full list of supplies, to plan the perfect brunch graduation party!

For more graduation party and high school senior year ideas, join us in the Graduation Ideas | Countdowns, Parties, Gifts & Deals Facebook group and/or follow us on Instagram.

planning graduation Party Logistics: Date, Time, location and number of attendees

Before diving into the details of your brunch graduation party, it’s important to lock in the logistics. A well-planned event starts with choosing the right date, time, and location while keeping guest count in mind.

Choose the Best Date for your graduation party

Late spring is always busy, with multiple celebrations and events happening around the same time. To ensure your party doesn’t conflict with other major events:

• Check school schedules – Know the official graduation date and school-sponsored events.
• Check sibling or family dates – Any family weddings, other graduations, travel sports tournaments that you need to work around?
• Ask around – See if close friends or family have set their party dates yet and take those into consideration.

If your guest list includes multiple graduates, consider co-hosting a joint brunch to maximize attendance while also sharing costs!

Your brunch does not have to be on a weekend once school is out. If you’re struggling to find a date/time close to the actual graduation, consider a week day.

Pick the Right Time

Timing is always tricky during the busy party season, but brunch hours typically fall between 11 AM – 2 PM. You can adjust based on your schedule:

• Early Brunch (10 AM – 12 PM): Ideal for families with younger kids or those with another party to attend later.
• Classic Brunch (11 AM – 2 PM): The most traditional timing, offering guests a mix of breakfast and lunch options.
• Late Brunch (12 PM – 3 PM): Great for those who want a relaxed start and more time to set up.

An Open House style party is popular with party durations between 2-4 hours to allow for guests to attend for long enough and still be able to navigate multiple events the same day.

Select Your graduation Party Location

Your location should match the size and style of your celebration. Consider these options:

• Backyard Brunch: Perfect for a relaxed, intimate setting with a cozy picnic-style layout.
• Park Pavilion: Great for a scenic outdoor gathering with plenty of space for games and activities.
• Neighborhood Clubhouse or Event Space: Typically offering a mix of indoor and outdoor areas, good for unpredictable weather.

If hosting outdoors, have a backup plan in case of bad weather. Consider a tent or indoor space just in case.

Determine the Number of Attendees

Start by determining the number of family members and family friends to invite.

Next, have your graduate determine a friend guest list. If this will be a combined graduation party, have the students collaborate to come up with one list without duplication so that you’ll have a number.

Now add the family invitees for each student + the number of students. Considering food, beverage and potential location rental, are you within budget? If not, each graduate may need to reconsider their list.

Since many graduation parties are open house/drop-in style, you might not have a good headcount leading up to your event, so you’ll need to prepare on best guess.

graduation party Invitations

Traditional invites may be a thing of the past!

For most graduation parties in our area, Evite is frequently used by the parents.

For students, we’re seeing invites sent using GroupMe or other social platforms with the time, date and location. These do not have an official RSVP function, so an exact count will be a moving target making planning for food and drink a little tricky! Check with your student to see how friends are handling invitations and ask them to try to stay on top of expected numbers.

If you’re trying to decide on printed invitations or announcements, please see our article to help you decide on the right plan for your family.

Your grad’s big day isn’t just about the perfect setup – it’s about celebrating the journey. So sip the mimosa, snap some pictures, and soak it all in. Let the trash bags and refills wait – today is about making memories, not managing the mess!

Brunch Graduation Party Decor Essentials

fun graduation party decor

• A fun photo backdrop: You could use a balloon arch, streamer wall or grad year balloons. Decorate it with large graduation year number, school color streamers.
• Welcome guests with a sandwich board chalkboard sign or use it to direct guests to food and/or activities.
• Add swag from their future college! Shop for a school flag or other fun decorations at the NCAA Fan Shop.
• Custom graduation banners – You can order a printed banner, or if you are artsy, create your own. Your student and some friends may enjoy creating one for themselves.
• Framed photos of your senior to place around the party.
• Graduation year balloons – Check your local grocery store or dollar store, but be sure to place your order in advance to ensure you get the numbers you need. You can also buy the balloon numbers online and fill them with regular air versus helium depending on how you want to display them. I’ve had luck taking empty balloons to a Dollar Store who will fill them with helium very inexpensively.
• Table settings: Plates, napkins, and utensils in coordinating colors. Most high school graduation parties use high school colors and save the college colors for the college graduation party. Don’t forget to include disposable cups with a Sharpie on the drink table so that guests can label their cups!
• Centerpieces: Opt for fresh flower arrangements or pictures of the graduate(s), or both! These centerpiece picks to display photos are a fun way to combine both! Class of 2025 picks also make a great addition to flowers. See our DIY flower centerpiece photos here – so simple to do!

tables & chairs

Folding rectangular serving tables – Consider what you’ll need them for and then how many. We’ve found that having a couple on-hand has come in super handy throughout the year at holidays or Super Bowl parties!

• 5-ft Lifetime Rectangular Folding Table – A folding table may be a good idea if you have a long way to walk with it to the setup area.
• 6-ft Lifetime Commercial Table – This is a GREAT price on a super sturdy table that you’re sure to use often in the future.
  
• Consider round tables and folding chairs for guest seating. Depending on your space and budget, purchasing round tables and folding chairs may be more cost effective than renting. We actually went in with our neighbors and each bought 5-ft round table and 8 folding chairs. We’ve shared these throughout the years for larger events (baseball & softball banquets, birthday and grad parties). It’s been amazing.
  • 5-ft Round Banquet Table – Sam’s Club has great prices on these. If you’re not currently a member, there are frequent deals on membership that would make joining worth it just for the price on these tables, chairs and lots of food and drink you can use for your graduation party and beyond! If you can’t find a membership deal, ask us in the Graduation Ideas Facebook group, and we’ll check the latest offers for you.
  • 4-Pack Padded Folding Chairs – Another Sam’s Club great price. Check the single chair price against the 4-pack as sometimes the single chair is a better deal x 4. This is the same set at Amazon.
  • 5ft Round Banquet Table – This is another round folding option available at Amazon.
  • Amazon Basics 6-Pack of Folding Chairs.
    
• Table runners or tablecloths – We’ve purchased cloth tablecloths for our folding tables to use for a variety of events.
  • Spandex Tablecloth 2Pack for 6ft Rectangular Table – We LOVE these. Perfect for so many occasions including dressing up the tailgate and available in 23 colors. Fits snug on table so no blowing, pulling or moving.
  • Round tablecloths for seating tables – Available in 4 colors and multiple sizes.
  • Table runners for serving and seating tables – These are very cool metallic mesh table runners available in multiple colors or this super affordable 10-pack of satin table runners available in 26 colors.
  • Square toppers for seating tables – I use these instead of runners to top the 5′ round tables with white tablecloths. They come in handy for many uses, and the darker color makes accidental spills less of an issue.

graduation Brunch Menu Ideas: Sweet & Savory Options

Brunch food should be delicious, easy to serve, and a mix of sweet and savory options. Consider a majority of room-stable options that don’t require heat or cold to keep them fresh for the duration of the event. Depending on the number of guests and any known dietary requirements, you may want to offer a few gluten-free or allergy friendly options.

What to consider when planning your brunch graduation party menu:

Consider how much time you have to prep and decide whether you want to serve all homemade, a mixture of homemade and store-bought or all store-bought or catered. Stores like Costco and Sam’s are great options for breakfast foods to serve a crowd. Visit the store in advance to see what they offer, check prices and review number of servings in each package. You can then use that information to determine how much you’ll need to purchase.

You can also try your favorite breakfast restaurant to fully cater or to provide items that you’d rather not make or buy from a store. Your favorite bagel or donut shop around the corner may be a great place to grab a few special treats or even a breakfast spread. Check their website for catering options.

Sweet Brunch Foods:

• Mini waffles or pancakes with syrup and fresh fruit. You could also include toppings such as chocolate chips, berries and whipped cream.
• Donut tower – We grabbed a couple dozen from Dunkin’ and displayed on a tiered server. A good friend created a donut board for her graduation party!
• Muffins, cinnamon rolls, breakfast breads – Check your local grocery store, Costco or Sam’s for great options that you can serve whole or cut in half.
• Yogurt parfait bar – Include favorite toppings such as granola, berries, walnuts and honey.
• Fresh fruit – Check weekly deals to see what is in season and on-sale to save.
• Biscuits with jam and honey.

Savory Brunch Foods:

• Mini quiches are easy to make ahead – include vegetarian and meat options and have a plan to keep them warm during the party.
• Maple sausage pancake muffins – A family favorite around here! This recipe is perfect for making ahead and heating the day of the event.
• Bagels and cream cheese – Have a favorite bagel shop? Grab both or just some fun flavored cream cheeses and go with more economical store-bought bagels.
• Avocado toast station with toppings – Set up a toaster and grab some sourdough, avocados, diced tomatoes, everything bagel seasoning and any other favorite toppings.
• Egg and Hashbrown casserole – A great option for the crockpot that can be cooked overnight. Layer a 30oz bag of frozen tater tots, 1 cup of breakfast meat (cooked), 1 cup cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup diced onion, 8 eggs whisked with 1 cup of milk, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper, garlic powder and paprika. Cook for 8 hours on low or high for 4 hours. Bring a long extension cord to the party to keep the crockpot on warm.
• Cheese and crackers – Think charcuterie!
• Ham and turkey sliders – Simple to assemble with Hawaiian rolls and cheese.
• Chicken salad – Another good option for purchasing pre-made from Costco or Sam’s, or use a favorite recipe. Include hearty crackers, small rolls or mini croissants.

Supplies Needed:

Serving Platters & Trays

• Set of Four 9” Serving Bowls – Oval shaped and great for fruit or yogurt
• Set of Two 9.5” Ceramic Circular Bowls
• Set of Four Serving Platters – BPA free, these resin platters are perfect for muffins, breakfast bread and more.
• Set of Three Ceramic Serving Platters – 16, 14, and 12″ – these are microwave, freezer and dishwasher safe.
• 3-Tier Rectangle Plate Set – Great for displaying food in a fun way.
• 3-Tier Rustic Serving Tray – A tiered space-saving way to serve muffins, bagels, donuts, anything easy to pull off a tier.
• Charcuterie boards – Choose a smaller charcuterie board with a locking lid that is easy to carry, or if you’re hosting at home, a larger board would be great for serving multiple items.

Serving Utensils

• Buffet Main/Side Dish Serving Utensils – These can be disposable or reusable.
• 3-Pack 7” Small Kitchen Tongs – This set will last well past the party and will be a favorite staple of your kitchen!
• 18-Pack Stainless Steel Mini Serving Tongs – This set may not be as durable, but are a less expensive option.
• 200-Count Decorative Cocktail Picks – For finger food or drink garnishes.

A budget friendly tip? Save those tongs that come with Chick-Fil-A catering or take-out leading up to the party.

Plastic Cups And Spoons For Yogurt or Fruit

• 50 Pack 5oz Small Square Plastic Cups with Spoons

Chalkboard Signs To Label Food And Drinks

• 15 Pack Wood Mini Chalkboard Signs – On a taller stand that will take up less room but may be more susceptible to wind if your party is outdoors.
• 20 pack Easel Style Chalkboard Signs – Can stand vertical or horizontal.

Don’t want to do it all yourself? Hire a college-student to help with restocking food and beverages and to help with clean-up. The hourly rate for the duration of the party may be worth it to allow you and your family to truly enjoy the event.

graduation brunch Party Mimosa Bar (Alcoholic & Non-Alcoholic)

A mimosa bar is a must for a brunch graduation party! Offer classic and non-alcoholic versions so everyone can enjoy.

Mimosa Bar Essentials:

Juices: Orange, pineapple, mango, cranberry, peach.

Sparkling Options: Prosecco, champagne, and sparkling cider or flavored sparkling water for non-alcoholic mimosas.

Fruit Garnishes: Fresh berries, orange slices and mint sprigs.

Supplies Needed:

Sparkly plastic cups or taller stemless flutes for the mimosas. Don’t forget the Sharpie to label the glasses.

Glass drink dispensers for juices – these (seen above) come with chalkboard signs to easily label each one. These can also be used for iced tea, lemonade and other beverages.

Beverage tub or container to keep juices and Prosecco cold. This is a white beverage tub option from Walmart.

Small tongs for fruit and garnishes.

Cocktail napkins.

Decorative straws.

Tabletop chalkboard signs:

• 15 Pack Wood Mini Chalkboard Signs
• 20 pack Easel Style Chalkboard Signs

Cold Brew Coffee Bar with Flavored Creamers

Keep guests energized with a cold brew coffee station with fun coffee creamers and to-go cups. Add some cold-foam and you have your own little coffee shop!

Of course, you may want to have a carafe of hot coffee with insulated disposable cups as well.

Coffee Bar Essentials:

Cold brew coffee – Depending on the number of guests you expect, you can make your own or purchase pre-made cold brew from your local grocery or club store.

Flavored creamers – Vanilla, caramel, hazelnut, or seasonal favorites. You can also look for cold foam available at most grocery stores.

Toppings – Whipped cream, chocolate shavings, cinnamon

Supplies Needed:

Ice bucket or cooler with bag of ice.

Beverage dispenser – You can also serve in pitchers, but one large beverage dispenser may be easier. This is the same dispenser pictured above. Additional beverage dispensers options below:

• 2-Pack Glass Dispenser with Stand and Ice Cylinder
• Acrylic Beverage Dispenser with Ice Cylinder – if you’ll be outdoors, may want to play it safe.

Beverage tub or cooler to keep milk, cream and coffee creamers cold. This is a white beverage tub option from Walmart.

Disposable coffee cups with lids & straws – Just like at their favorite coffee shop.

Stirring sticks – Go with the wood sticks for iced coffee as they need to be more sturdy to move the ice cubes around.

Outdoor Games & Activities for Graduation Parties

If your brunch party is outside, add some interactive activities to keep guests entertained.

Brunch Party Outdoor Activities:

Giant Jenga, Cornhole or Ring Toss – If you have good weather and the space, setting out a group game for guests promotes socializing and fun!

Polaroid Photo Station with a guestbook – Have a camera with built-in printing capability on a table and have your guests take a selfie! They can add it to the guest book with a note or simply write on the photo itself for a fun memory for the graduate.

Supplies Needed:

Polaroid camera (or similar), guestbook & pens for the Polaroid station

Game setup (Jenga, cornhole, etc.) – use what you have or invest in something new that you all can enjoy during holiday visits and summer break.

• Cornhole game – We had lots of kids in the yard with this game!
• Giant Tumble Tower Game
• Spikeball – A crowd favorite.

Graduation Party Gift, Yearbook & Photo Table

Create a special area where guests can leave congratulatory messages, gifts, and look back on fun memories with the grad. Of course, not unique to just a brunch graduation party, this setup can be the focal point of any graduation party. Have fun with it and make it as elaborate or as simple as you want!

GIFT TABLE ESSENTIALS:

A Yearbook Signing Station with fun pens – let your guests browse the grads yearbook and sign (of course, check with your student first!)

Pictures of the grad and school achievements – there are so many ways to display photos from framed pics to collages pinned on a board or attached to a frame. Repurposing something you already have at home is a great way to save.

Box or Basket for Cards – make it easy for guests to know where to place gifts or envelopes by placing a basket or box on a central table.

Photo Album or Slideshow featuring senior year highlights – leverage Canva or iMovie to create an slideshow you can project on a tv during the event.

Supplies Needed:

Decorative tablecloth or school flag

Markers & metallic pens for yearbook signing

Photo frames

• Wooden picture frame with clips
• You can also consider a digital picture frame and then send it with your graduate so they can enjoy the memories at college.
• Display all of their school pictures in one frame with this multi-photo frame.

Basket or box for cards

MeMORABLE DIY flower bar & Bouquet Station

Inspired by floral carts that you might see around town, we put together a fun DIY flower bar for our brunch graduation party! Not only is it a fun activity, it makes a great take-home gift! Such a unique idea that guests will be sure to remember and also makes for great photo opportunities. Talk about a party favor!

How to Set Up:

Provide a mix of fresh flowers (roses, daisies, baby’s breath, eucalyptus) – Purchase what is in-season for the best prices.

Choose a location out of the sun so the flowers will stay fresh and set up a table for guests to make their bouquets.

Offer floral wrapping materials so guests can create a bouquet.

Supplies Needed:

Flowers – We purchased bulk flowers from Costco that arrived in boxes. We just had to cut the stems and place in water. Be mindful of the website instructions for timing for when to order.

Buckets or vases to hold fresh flowers. We used these small plastic waste baskets to keep the stems in water before the party. And then tucked them into these larger tubs from Better Homes & Gardens – another post-party favorite that we love to have on-hand.

Craft paper and string or ribbon for wrapping bouquets – we also used the craft paper as a table cover where the kids made up the bouquets.

Scissors & floral tape

Table sign with instructions – this is a great little video on how to wrap a bouquet!

• This is a great place to use a sandwich board chalkboard sign

conclusion

We hope these graduation brunch Ideas will make it easy to plan your event. With a well-planned menu, interactive drink stations, and fun activities, your brunch graduation party will be an unforgettable celebration. By including thoughtful details like personalized decor, an engaging coffee and mimosa bar, and a fresh flower bouquet station, you’ll create an event that both your grad and guests will love. ENJOY!

For more graduation party and high school senior year ideas, join us in the Graduation Ideas | Countdowns, Parties, Gifts & Deals Facebook group and/or follow us on Instagram.

If your senior is heading to college after graduation, our Dorm Shopping Recommendations & Deal Alerts Facebook group will help you research what you need and don’t need, select affordable items that will be reusable throughout college, learn how to avoid toxins in common dorm items and save money by pointing out when the favorite items drop to their lowest price. You can also check out our Dorm Room Essentials Guide where you’ll find a shoppable list of our well-researched and recommended products for dorm-living