Graduations usually have a clear starting point: the school or university colors, or the classic black and gold of the cap and gown. Here are 12 palettes for parties, invitations, photo backdrops and dessert tables, from preschool to grad school.
Black and gold
The classic graduation combination; matches a black cap and gown.
Navy blue and gold
Formal and elegant; very common at university ceremonies.
Wine and gray
Understated; handy if the school's color is maroon or wine.
White and silver
Clean and bright; a good base for adding the color of your major.
Green and white
For schools with green colors or life science majors.
Royal blue and white
Vibrant and fresh; looks great on balloons and photo backdrops.
Champagne and black
Softer than black and gold; elegant for graduation dinners.
Preschool pastels
Cheerful and sweet; ideal for preschool or kindergarten graduations.
Maroon and gold
For evening graduations with a warmer touch.
Purple and gold
Eye-catching; handy if the school uses purple or violet.
Orange and blue
Energetic and youthful; good for middle school or high school parties.
Olive and cream
Natural and low-key; for a celebration at home or outdoors.
Tap a color to copy its hex code. The pencil icon opens the palette in the editor so you can change it.
Use your school colors
Many schools and universities have official colors that appear on crests, sashes and stoles. Using one of them as the main color ties the party to the ceremony. Round it out with a metallic and a neutral.
Think about the cap and gown
Most gowns are black or navy blue, so your photo backdrop should contrast with them. A light backdrop with gold balloons or balloons in the school color makes the graduate stand out.
Match the palette to the grade level
Bright colors or pastels work best for preschool and elementary school; for high school and college, go with more understated combinations like navy blue, black, wine or gold. The graduate's age shapes the palette more than the season does.