How to Celebrate Graduation While Social Distancing

Graduation ceremonies being canceled due to COVID-19 is definitely upsetting, but that doesn’t mean we can’t still celebrate the hard work of the Class of 2020! Most schools and universities have opted for a virtual graduation ceremony, while others have postponed the event to a later date until it is safe to be with large groups of people. 

Whether it is a high school or college graduation that your favorite student is missing in person, The Bash is here to help celebrate the graduate completing one chapter of their life and the beginning of a new one! School’s out and it’s still time to party.

Here are 8 ways to celebrate graduation while social distancing.

Decorate the Graduation Cap

Bring out the glitter because it is time to get crafty! DIY grad caps is a tradition that has become very popular within the last few years. Decorate your cap how you always pictured it will be! Incorporate your school’s colors, mascot, and even pictures taken throughout the years to create a work of art. Show off your creation by posting plenty of pictures on social media.

Have a Photoshoot

The graduate can wear their decorated cap and gown and have a photoshoot to remember their accomplishments. Order some fun 2020 props online and take a trip to some local parks and favorite outdoor areas for the perfect spring backdrops. These pictures can be sent out as a graduation announcement or used on an invitation for the future celebration.

Create a Slideshow Presentation

Organize video footage and pictures collected throughout the years to show the graduate how far they’ve come. Have friends and family contribute to the presentation as they share positive messages, well wishes, and of course, advice for the future.

Make a Snapchat Filter

With the magic of technology, it is super easy and affordable to create geo-stickers on Snapchat! Celebrate the graduate and make them feel extra special by having their own custom filter for the day. All guests or users in the area will be able to use the personalized filter and contribute to the graduate’s story. Digital design websites, like Canva, even have geo-sticker templates to help you get started! Friends and family can also use the snapchat filter and stickers to share messages and well wishes with the graduate.

Hold an At-Home Graduation Ceremony

While your graduate might not be sitting next to the friends they have been in the classroom with for all these years, being with their classmates is just a few clicks away. Organize a video chat with friends and family to host a small virtual ceremony. Parents can hand out diplomas and call the name of their students. Click here for 24 Zoom Backgrounds to use for the big day! 

Pro tip: Book a motivational speaker through The Bash to give a commencement address the students will never forget.

Organize a Drive By Graduation

Drive by celebrations during quarantine are a great way to make the guest of honor feel special on their big day. Get the whole neighborhood involved and send out invites for a drive by graduation. Have the graduate stand outside in their cap and gown to get honks and waves from others. 

Have a Virtual Dinner Party

After the ceremony, continue the video call with family members to enjoy a favorite meal together. Whether you are continuing your education in the fall, pursuing a career, or taking some time off, this time with family is precious and should be treasured now more than ever. For a fancy dinner party theme, consider booking one of our talented musicians for some ambient music during your meal. Make our favorite Quarantini Recipes for the guests who are 21+!

Host an Official Graduation Party

Traditionally, graduation parties are held outside with tons of yard games, people, and good food. This year for the Class of 2020, things are going to be a little different. 

Virtual Graduation Party

One option is to host a virtual graduation party through Zoom, Google Hangouts, or a video chat app of your choice. Send the link out to guests to celebrate the hard work of the graduate. Decorate your space (indoor or in the backyard!) with pictures of the graduate, and let party guests know to wear the graduate’s school colors. You can find more ideas and activities for a virtual party here. 

Pro tip: Book one of our many talented vendors that are offering virtual services for added party entertainment! 

Social Distancing Graduation Party

Another possibility is to host a very small party with few guests to maintain proper social distancing. This is recommended by wearing a cloth face covering, avoiding close contact among all guests and having hand sanitizer available.  

For the party, decorate the backyard, create a playlist with our favorite dance songs, and have the party catered by the graduate’s favorite restaurant. Create individual servings for food and drinks while limiting sharing among guests. 

This will make for a fun graduation party the graduate (and the CDC, WHO, and government) will approve of.

Bonus: You can still celebrate if prom was cancelled too!

Graduation may not be what it was expected to be this year, but all of the hard work has paid off! Until we can all celebrate in person again, The Bash strongly encourages graduates and their families to seek alternatives when planning parties to honor their academic achievements. Congratulations Class of 2020—you did it!