Events and Celebrations, Graduation

Graduation Centerpiece: A Personalized Party Idea

I just wrapped up another DIY graduation centerpiece—and this one might be my favorite yet! With four girls co-hosting a graduation party, I wanted something that would allow each of them to shine. This graduation centerpiece is perfect because it holds four senior photos, giving every graduate a personal touch at each table.

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We’ll be using these for the seating areas, the senior table (where we’re displaying photo boards and memorabilia), and food tables. I’m experimenting with a few different graduation centerpiece ideas so we have options for every space—and I’m loving how fun and versatile this one turned out.

Materials for This Graduation Centerpiece

How to Assemble Your Graduation Centerpiece

1. Cut the Photo Frames

Using my Cricut and a $0.99 cut file, I made layered photo frames for each picture. Don’t worry—if you don’t have a Cricut, you can cut rectangles from cardstock, and it will still look amazing!

Paint the dowel rods

Give your dowels a coat of acrylic paint using a foam brush. Let them dry completely before assembly.

Graduation Centerpiece

3. Attach Photos to Frames

I adhered the three cardstock layers using glue dots and then added a senior photo to the front. For double-sided visibility, I originally glued photos back to back with the stick in the middle—but the pom poms blocked the view from the backside. Lesson learned! For future centerpieces, I’ll keep it single-sided.

4. Secure Photos to the Dowel

Glue the frame to the dowel rod and let it set.

5. Build the Base

Insert Styrofoam into the galvanized container, then stick the photo rods into the foam. You make need to cut the Styrofoam to match the size of your container.

6. Add Photos and Pom Poms

Push the photo and pom pom dowels into the Styrofoam. I used three DIY pom poms made from tulle to add texture and color. (Need help? I’ve linked my pom pom tutorial below!)

How to make pom poms (in video, cued to pom poms section)

How to make pom poms (in another blog)

7. Customize with a Year Pick

II used a Cricut-cut “2019” on a Wilton treat stick for a pop of flair. It’s easy to shorten these sticks as needed for different layers of height.

8. Fill with Tissue Shred

To finish, I made my own tissue paper shred by slicing and fluffing up a package of paper. It’s a cheap and cute filler that ties the whole graduation centerpiece together.

This DIY graduation centerpiece turned out to be a photo-forward, budget-friendly project that’s easy to replicate or customize. Whether you’re celebrating one senior or several, it’s a stylish way to spotlight your grads and add personality to any party table.

More Graduation Ideas

Want to see more graduation party decor ideas? Check out my additional posts below.

Keep Up with My Inspiration Corner

Posted In: Events and Celebrations, Graduation

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