7 Ways to Celebrate Your Graduate During the Coronavirus Pandemic

The Class of 2020 faced an unprecedented final spring semester. Not only were final classes in their high school or college careers completely altered, but... Read More

The Class of 2020 faced an unprecedented final spring semester. Not only were final classes in their high school or college careers completely altered, but now graduations look – and feel – much different than many originally imagined.

All is not lost, though; it’s simply a time to get a little more creative with graduation parties this summer. Here are 5 ways to celebrate your graduate during COVID-19 and social distancing.

1. Traditional Announcement

While the celebrations may no longer be as traditional, the announcement still can be. Your grad’s friends and family will really appreciate receiving the official announcement card in the mail. They’ll also love hearing about what type of celebration is happening, so they can be part of it, if possible. Regardless, this isn’t a time to give up on traditions like graduation announcements.

2. Virtual Celebration

Since the start of coronavirus quarantines across the country, virtual meetings and calls have become a mainstay. No matter what software you choose, from Zoom to FaceTime to Google, virtual celebrations are a great way to get everyone together on one screen, instead of one room.

Video chats are great for coming together in a time where it’s not safe yet to be for everyone to be in the same space. They’re also a great money saver – you don’t have to limit your guest list!

3. Drive-by Celebration

What’s more fun than a neighborhood car parade? Surprise your graduate by inviting all their closest friends and family to decorate their cars and drive by your house in order to celebrate.

Ask everyone to be creative with signs, decorations, and more. You can even decorate your front lawn by the road to really make the surprise a hit!

4. Give Gifts

Just because the parties are different doesn’t mean you can’t share in the celebration through gift giving. Send a special gift and heartfelt card via snail mail. Or get creative with a fun keepsake, such as photos or memories of the graduate over the years.

5. Don’t Forget the Photoshoot

Senior portraits are a tradition that help mark a special time for your graduate. But without a graduation day with classmates, it’s important to make “graduation day” special too. 

Consider hiring a photographer – or using your nice camera – to capture photos of your graduate. Take it a step further by setting up a faux ceremony. Have your grad walk the stage, get their “diploma,” and even make a speech! Use your camera to capture it all, just like you’d do from the audience during a graduation ceremony.

6. Plan a Trip For Later

If a trip was on the menu for celebrating your graduate, simply reschedule. It can still happen, it’ll just have to wait a little longer. A relaxing trip to kickstart your graduate’s college journey or transition into the real world may be just what they need. 

7. Social Distanced Celebration

Depending on your state mandates and your comfort level, you may be able to get a group together to have a social distanced party. Consider a tent rental to set the scene and keep everyone comfortable is a great way to adhere to distancing outdoors. 

Stay safe by keeping six feet apart from other guests, avoid touching your face, and wash your hands frequently. Set out plenty of hand sanitizer around the tent for the convenience of your guests and enjoy the party!


Create a unique and memorable experience for your graduate, even in the wake of COVID-19. For help with a tent rental for your graduation party, give us a call at Sperry Tents Seacoast!

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