If you are looking for inexpensive way to decorate for a graduation party but that will really look extra special, how about balloons! Here are 30 amazing ideas for using balloons as party decorations, many with DIY tutorials! Keep reading for gorgeous inspiration ideas using balloons!
***Updated for 2023!!!***
Budget-Friendly Graduation Party Decorations, Coming Right Up
Having a graduation senior in the family is no small deal.
When we think of all that teenagers go through in reaching this milestone, well, it really is something to celebrate (for some more than others! 😂).
I was a high school English teacher, and let me tell you, we worked our seniors pretty hard – it was no year off for them. So, they really do deserve an outstanding celebration.
With college expenses coming up for many of you, I know that planning a party may seem like a stressful endeavor.
I just want you to know that I get that, and my goal is to provide you with inexpensive ideas, many of them DIY.
Today’s post is about specifically decoration for a graduation party with balloons, which is a fantastic choice because balloons are super cheap and appearance-wise, you get a lot of bang for the buck!
A Guide to Planning an Epic Graduation Party on a Budget
I want to point you to this post as well – it’s a full guide to an epic BUDGET-FRIENDLY outdoor backyard graduation party – from choosing a theme of the party, party favors, menu options, activities, etc.
There are a few balloon ideas in there as well, but for the full picture, you’ll want to head over to that post.
I encourage you to at least come up with a theme of the party (no stress here – it can be as simple as using school colors or bright colors, or your child’s favorite colors. No need to be over-the-top unusual).
Once you have that, choose balloon decorations is a lot easier. Again, full outdoor party guide.
The Best Graduation Balloon Decorations
What I’m going to share with you below are many DIY tutorials and inspiration pictures and links for fun ideas using balloons.
Items 1-20 are links to tutorial or inspiration pictures; the last 10 items will point you to places you can purchase some balloon kits and other balloon decorations inexpensively.
Enjoy the scroll!
30 Creative Ideas for Decorating with Balloons
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DIY Balloon Garland
Balloon garland is a perfect way to inexpensively add bling to your grad party! It has such a striking effect and always takes decorations up a few notches! They are not just for a baby shower!
DIY Balloon Numbers
Such a fun way to highlight the graduation year! Another striking effect!
DIY Balloon Arch
Balloon arches are not just for birthday parties! This is a great way welcome guests at the entry of the party!
DIY Balloon Wall
A balloon wall is another fun option to really bring out those school colors or to use as a background for a photo booth!
DIY Balloon Columns
Balloon columns are another easy way to use balloons as graduation party decorations. These are a great option for filling in some of that extra space that needs a little something.
Balloon Number Columns
This is another fun variation for graduation balloon decorations as columns - add those number balloons to the top for a little more height and impact!
Balloon Strands
I just love these balloon strands! It looks so magical and such a unique way to decorate! You can get the kit for these beautiful decorations right here!
DIY Confetti Balloon Chandelier
Balloon chandeliers are super fun graduation decorations! There are so many places to hang these - from tents, trees, and of course, the ceiling. Fantastic way to use balloons!
Balloon Photo Booth Wall
This is another idea that looks absolutely magical! Balloons paired with white lights creates a perfect backdrop for memorable senior photos. This is a certainly a scroll stopper on social media!
Photos on Balloon Strings
This is such a simple idea that not only adds to this special occasion but honors the graduate as well. You can make this a special walk down memory lane!
DIY Balloon Centerpiece
Yes, balloon table centerpieces are a very easy way to use balloons as decor! And not to mention an inexpensive option for table decor!
Balloon Banner and Plastic Tablecloth Backdrop
Here's another backdrop you can use for a photo booth or just on any wall, fence or open party space! I just love that these are truly frugal and beautiful decoration ideas. A beautiful balloon banner idea.
Floating Balloons
If you are having an outdoor party, this is an amazing idea to try! This post gives you the hacks you need to make this reality and wow your party guests with ordinary helium balloons!
Balloons Bouquets in School Colors
You can keep things very simple and just create balloon bouquets in school colors!
Balloon Parade
This idea got started with drive-by birthday parties, but it's amazing for graduation parties as well!
Balloon Sculpture
If you know someone who is handy with balloon sculpting, this is a super-cute way to celebrate this super special occasion! That graduation cap and smile, though!😍
Balloon Entry Walkthrough
This is a great idea not only to celebrate the graduate but provide a fun entryway for guests!
DIY Graduation Balloon Cap & Tassel Gift / Decoration Idea
Not only is this a fantastic decoration idea for tables (or even as a fun helium balloon), this also can be used as a gift idea as well! Guests can add dollars, encouraging notes, and other small graduation gifts to these balloons decorated with graduation hats! Functional and super cute centerpieces!
Giant Balloon Graduation Tassel Tutorial
This idea uses large balloons and adds tassels along with the graduation year! These can also be fun photo booth props as well!
Balloon Confetti Popper
A balloon confetti popper is another creative idea! You can keep the balloons with confetti for decorations or set aside at time for the high schoolers to pop away and be sprinkled with confetti!
Now, for the last ten, I’ve linked up places you can purchase some of these balloon kits in different sizes, colors, variations, etc.
If you don’t see the colors you like, be sure to search for the same item and include a color specific description – it will usually pop right up!
21| Floating Lights Balloons
These balloons just look so magical! If you’re having an evening party or a party that will last into the night, these are a magnificent choice!
22| Personalized Graduation Balloons
If you want to do something a little more personal for your special graduate, you can get these mylar balloons personalized!
23| Balloon Table Stand Decorations
This is a super festive choice for a no-fuss table centerpiece! Simple balloons in clusters look amazing!
24| Graduation Themed Balloons
This is another no-fuss option that is striking but super easy! These graduation themed latex balloons add a festive touch.
25| Grad Box and Balloons
How cute is this idea! I just love this as a possible photo prop for fun pictures!
26| Balloon Arch and Garland Set
We talked about balloon arches and garland – this set makes things super-simple to accomplish. Love the balloons of all different sizes here!
27| Balloon Arch and Garland Decoration Kit
This set has not just a balloon arch and garland, but other coordinating decorations that make this next level! Oth
28| Class of 2023 Letter Foil Balloons
You cannot with large number balloons and letter balloons! This set makes it super easy, and it’s always a super cute idea.
29| Graduate, Cap, and Diploma Balloons
Balloons like this are adorable and just add a little more fun to the party! It’s an inexpensive way to throw in a few extra decorations for the big bash.
30| Giant Confetti Graduation Balloons
Large confetti balloons always make parties a little extra special. We know this day is a big deal – it’s absolutely confetti-worthy.
So many of the best graduation party ideas as far as cheap decorations go, right? I just love them!
Graduation season can feel like all the chaos, but hopefully this will provide some inspiration that is perfect for a tight budget.
If you want go beyond balloons for decorations, here are other budget-friendly graduation party decorations – signs, banners, yard decor ,etc. – all updated for 2022!
More Graduation Party Ideas
If you need more ideas beyond that full outdoor graduation party guide, I’ve got some others that might be helpful!
Rustic Graduation Party Theme Idea {Neutral with a Bit of Glam, 2022}
30 Fun & Festive Graduation Party Menu Ideas Everyone Will Love
25 Best Individual Appetizers: Party Approved!
30 Single-Serving Desserts for Parties (Easy & Classy!)
If you try any of these ideas, I’d love to see them! Tag me on Instagram @100affections or share a comment and/or picture on Pinterest!
Other thoughts? I’d love to hear them! Leave a comment below!
Celebrating graduation day with graduation balloons decorations is really cool.
Agree! 🙂
Loved these graduation party ideas, will definitely give it a try.
So glad. Thanks for coming by!
Yay! My nephew will be having his college graduation ceremony next week and I’m so excited for him. I feel like I should hire someone to create an amazing decoration to celebrate the occasion really soon. When you insisted that with the right techniques we could even transform some humble balloons into artistic sculptures too, I became super elated.
I hope this helps and that his party is wonderful! 🙂
I really liked your party suggestions, and definitely try them out.
I’m so glad you enjoyed them – hope you found something you loved!