30 Of The Best Last Minute Graduation Cap Ideas (2024)

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30 Of The Best Last Minute Graduation Cap Ideas (1)

Simple Grad Cap Ideas You’ll Want To Steal

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Graduation can really sneak up on you. Which is strange, because it’s what most students have been looking forward since the first day of classes.

But when you have a bad case of senioritis

The end of the school year passes by in a blur. Suddenly, tomorrow is the day you walk across that stage. And it finally clicks that you still haven’t decorated your grad cap.

Or maybe you simply procrastinated. That’s what got you through your high school and college career, so why would you stop now?

Whatever your reasons are for waiting until the eleventh hour:

The last minute graduation cap ideas in this post are here to help you out.

30 Last Minute Graduation Cap Ideas

1. Embrace dry humor

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This quote on this cap is a little too accurate for my liking.

2. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

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“Grad cap is done. y’all gonna miss my ticket revenue next year.”
@judd_connor

Take notes, this is resourcefulness at it’s finest.

3. A quote from IASIP always hits the spot

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Now someone’s asking the important questions.

4. The more obscure the reference, the better

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I love Nacho Libre, but this is the first time I’ve come across this quote. It’s brilliant.

5. Wrap it before it’s a wrap

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Wanna have the most couture cap on campus?

All it takes is a little bit of ribbon and a flower. And viola – you have a last minute grad cap idea with true class!

6. Just put a pie on it

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Not only is it your graduation cap decoration, but it’s also the perfect post-commencement snack.

7. Irony is your friend

I kinda like that it’s not grammatically correct. It really has those done at the last minute vibes we’re aiming for here.

8. Show off what this has all been about

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“Four years ago I switched my major to graphic design. Tomorrow I’ll finally be crossing the stage, and I decided last minute that I wanted to make a graduation cap for myself.”
@nicholasirl

Who needs Photoshop when you have Microsoft Paint, am I right?

9. Sometimes a tweet says it best

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As Cher once said…”what’s going on with my career”. Iconic.

10. Less can be more

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Nothing says “I’m done” like a short & sweet message. Get crafty with the paints while you’re at it.

11. Keep it real

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“Last minute idea for my graduation cap.”
@ProfXsavior

Because being able to laugh at yourself is the only way to get through it all.

12. Spongebob is honestly a goldmine for ideas

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TBH the older I get, the more I identify with Squidward.

Crafting the perfect DIY graduation cap depends a lot on having the right tools. 🛠 That’s why I’ve compiled a list with exactly what materials to use to decorate your graduation cap – so you can achieve the results you want the first time around. Quickly find the materials you need right here and start your design off on the right foot!

13. Do whatever you want, because that’s what adults do

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That’ll show your mom.

Related: 61 Extremely Funny Spongebob Themed Grad Caps

14. Thank the important people in your life

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Never forget, it’s the thought that counts.You know it comes from the heart because it’s hand drawn.

15. Feature your role model

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Throw together a collage of your favorite icon. It’s a great way decorate your cap at the last minute.

16. Bring attention to your impending fate

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Buckle up, because post-grad life is a bumpy ride.

17. Hide your anxiety behind a smokescreen of humor

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No doubt, no doubt, no doubt.

18. Even notebook paper will work in a pinch

Last minute like everything else grad cap

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There’s nothing more motivating than an 11:59 deadline.

19. Throw it back to noteworthy influencer drama

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I don’t know if James Charles is ever gonna live this one down…

20. Think of your cap as billboard

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Like this last minute grad cap idea?

Here are the instructions for how to copy it (including the printable letters).

21. Humble brags are acceptable

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You can always count on Trailer Boys for grade A content.

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“Seriously though…”
@7clonts

The million dollar question

23. Find inspiration in your inspiration

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I don’t think you could find a more timely Taylor Swift quote if you tried.

24. Let your inner prankster shine

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“Like everything else I do, last minute decorating.”
@Becky_Tadild*

Related: 71 Life-Giving “The Office” Graduation Caps

25. Wear your heart on your sleeve cap

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“Pretty satisfied for decorating my cap last minute.”
@cortez__lex

Don’t underestimate the power of puns. They will serve you well, at your graduation ceremony and beyond.

26. When in doubt, use a crying celebrity

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Using crying Kim’s face as your cap decoration is almost like stealing candy from a baby. But it is a guaranteed win.

27. Situational humor is appropriate

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It’s more than appropriate, encouraged really. This is where being a fan of Arrested Development pays off.

28. Give your sponsor a shoutout

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A friend in need is a friend indeed. Coffee won’t let you down.

29. Throw a bone to your favorite podcast

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I’m sure this is an inside joke I don’t fully get. Who needs those large-sized podcasts anyway.

30. Don’t hold back your feelings

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You’re probably never going to see most of these people again anyway. Let your freak flag fly, you’re free now.

Final thoughts on quick & simple graduation cap ideas

This concludes the list of simple grad cap ideas. Hopefully you found one that you can pull off at the last second.

Leave a comment to let me know how you ended up decorating your hat!

Related posts:

  • 25 clever yet easy grad cap ideas that are anything but lame
  • The best last minute halloween costumes for guys
  • 35 mom graduation cap ideas to inspire your own design

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Best Last Minute Grad Cap Ideas

30 Of The Best Last Minute Graduation Cap Ideas (2024)

FAQs

How to make your own graduation cap? ›

You can construct your own graduation cap out of poster board, construction paper, and hot glue. To make the cap, fold the construction paper in half lengthwise and roll it into a cylinder; add a square-shaped piece of poster board on top. You can make a tassel using gold yarn and embroidery floss.

How to decorate a graduation cap without ruining it? ›

One of the easiest ways to make a big, colorful impact without ruining the original graduation cap is to use scrapbooking paper as a base. This is an especially useful strategy for those who rent their cap and gown and need to return them afterward.

What do you put on a graduation cap? ›

Flowers, photos, inspirational graduation quotes, favorite movies, sentiments about how excited you are be done—these ideas are all here, and then some!

Can I use Sharpie on my graduation cap? ›

A: Yes, the Sharpie oil based marker writes on any surface, including fabric.

What are the rules for graduation cap decorations? ›

Graduation caps must not have any advertisem*nts, symbols, words or slogans conveying messages inappropriate at a dignified commencement ceremony. Caps must not threaten the safety of others or use any hate speech of any kind.

Should I paint directly on my graduation cap? ›

Can you paint directly on a graduation cap? Yes. You'll want to use acrylic fabric paint. We do recommend creating or using stencils to get the best and most consistent results.

Do people still decorate graduation caps? ›

Lots of graduates-to-be choose to decorate their graduation cap DIY-style. After all, it's cheaper! If you choose to DIY your grad cap, more power to you. Parade put together a brief list of all the art supplies you might need to bring your graduation cap to the next level.

What hangs off a graduation cap? ›

Tassels are worn on the right side of the cap before the ceremony and are then moved from the right side to the left after receiving a diploma or when directed to do so by the graduation speaker.

What is the tradition of decorating graduation caps? ›

Graduates use their decorated caps to express religion beliefs. Mortarboards also serve as sites of expressing emotions ranging from appreciation and gratitude… …to frustration. Popular culture references are very common, and graduates often use humor to playfully disrupt the formality of the occasion.

What is a graduation cap supposed to look like? ›

The mortarboard (the square piece on the crown of the cap) is meant to be worn offset in a diamond shape. The front and back of the cap will usually be indicated by the design of the headpiece—look for the slight taper in the forehead area and the elastic band in the rear.

How do I personalize my grad cap? ›

You could add washi tape or clear back stickers to the graduation cap to add some decorations. This graduation cap is yours and make it a fun project after your hard work and celebrate this amazing accomplishment!

What do most girls wear for graduation? ›

Although graduates will be seen in robes, it still matters what they wear underneath. The key is to not overdress, because those robes tend to be notoriously warm. Winning options for women are a dress, jumpsuit, skirt and blouse, or a nice top over dress slacks.

What kind of paper do you use for graduation cap? ›

Always start with a 9.5″ by 9.5″ square topper in hard or decorative paper or felt. If your favorite paper is thin you'll want to glue it to a stiffer piece of paper. You can also use felt.

What kind of vinyl do you use for graduation caps? ›

What kind of vinyl should I use on a graduation cap? Because graduation caps are covered in fabric, iron-on vinyl (a.k.a heat transfer vinyl) is the best choice.

What size cardstock for graduation cap? ›

With my cardstock and materials now ready, I cut the cardstock to size (9.5 x 9.5). Joann's cardstock is good because the base (what the paper is made of) is also black, so the edges are black as well, despite being cut.

What material is a graduation cap made of? ›

Polyester and Acetate

Both fabrics are ideally suited for single use graduation caps and gowns. Both are made of lightweight manufactured fibers, are cool, shrink resistant, mildew resistant, quick drying, and available in a wide range of colors and lusters. There are some differences between these two fabrics.

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