The Ultimate Guide to College Bed Parties

The Ultimate Guide to College Bed Parties: DIY Tips & Custom Sleepover Packages

Sleepover Party Shop
March 26, 2025
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College decision season used to mean mailing out announcements or a simple social media post – but in recent years, a new tradition has taken center stage: the “bed party.” A bed party is an Instagram-worthy celebration where a high school senior’s bed is bedecked in their future college’s colors and swag, turning a bedroom into a mini festival of school spirit. Parents literally trick out their teen’s bedroom with banners, balloons, branded gear and more to mark a college acceptance, sometimes spending thousands of dollars on these displays. What started as a niche idea has exploded into a must-do trend for many families, fueled by hype on TikTok and Instagram.

The phenomenon first took off in the South, especially at big universities known for intense school spirit. During the pandemic lockdowns, bed parties gained even more traction – with proms and graduations canceled, families were looking for unique ways to celebrate milestones at home. As The New York Times reported, social media plus pandemic boredom created the perfect storm for this over-the-top ritual to go national. Now you’ll find lavish bed party photos from coast to coast every spring. Teens love them because it’s a chance to shout out their college choice in style (and rack up likes), and parents love seeing their kids excited for the future. Bed parties aren’t just for college acceptance letters either – they’ve become popular for celebrating graduation milestones too, serving as a send-off into the next chapter of life.

For the uninitiated, imagine walking into your room to find it transformed into a Pinterest-worthy collage of your future school. Picture a bed covered in college logo blankets, heaps of merchandise, and treats all in the school colors, surrounded by balloons spelling out the college name or graduation year.

It’s essentially a school-spirit explosion designed for that perfect photo op. What started as a surprise from parents has become so expected that many seniors ask for one. Even moms who were initially skeptical have found themselves “giving in” to their teen’s requests for balloons, cakes, treats, and more – and ultimately having a blast with the whole production. In short, bed parties are the new way to celebrate acceptances and graduations in a big, memorable way, and they’re here to stay.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Host the Ultimate Bed Party

So, how do you pull off a bed party that will wow your teen and their friends (not to mention your Instagram followers)? Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating an epic bed party at home:

1. Set the Theme (College or Graduation):

First, pick the color scheme and theme based on the occasion. If it’s for a college acceptance, the choice is obvious – use the college’s official colors and mascot. For a high school graduation party, you might use the high school colors or the college they’ll attend. Having a clear theme will make shopping for decor much easier and give the display a cohesive look.

2. Deck Out the Bedding:

The bed is your “stage,” so make it count. Swap in a special college-themed blanket or duvet, or use sheets and throws in the school colors. Pile on throw pillows or a pennant with the school logo. You can even get a custom pillow or banner with the student’s name or graduation year. The idea is that every inch of the bed screams school pride – think of it like a victory parade float, but on a mattress!

3. Balloon Bonanza & Banner:

No bed party is complete without balloons – lots of them. Get those big mylar letter balloons to spell out the school name or acronym (UCLA, NYU, HBCU pride, etc.) or to spell “GRAD”. Add number balloons for the graduation year and plenty of regular balloons in coordinating colors. Above or behind the bed, hang a banner that says “Congratulations!” or “[School] Bound!” You can also use a sparkly fringe backdrop curtain behind the headboard to make a photogenic background. The goal is a ceiling-high display that instantly draws the eye.

4. Abundant Swag & Snacks:

Here’s where you really personalize it. Gather all the college swag and mementos you can: t-shirts, hoodies, hats, scarves, pennants, stuffed mascots – any items with the school logo that you have or can afford to get. Spread them out on the bed or pin them up on the wall. Next, add treats and snacks in the same color scheme or with a custom touch. For example, if the colors are red and white, include red candied apples or KitKats with custom labels, a plate of cupcakes with white frosting and red sprinkles, or a bowl of M&Ms sorted by color. Some families even order a cake with the college emblem. Have fun with it – Doritos, candies, sodas, and cupcakes in school colors not only taste good but also fill up the display nicely.

5. Personalized Touches:

To make the bed party extra meaningful, incorporate elements unique to your child. Display a framed photo of them in a college t-shirt or cap. Use a letter board or light-up sign to spell out a special message (like “Next Stop: Harvard!” or “We ❤️ Our Grad”). If they’re the first in the family to go to college, maybe include a small tribute to that (like a hashtag #CollegeBound). If they played a sport or were in band, sneak in a reference – e.g., a mini soccer ball in the college colors, or their sheet music or pom-poms as part of the décor. These little touches make the scene feel celebratory and personal.

6. Big Reveal & Photo Session:

Most bed parties are arranged as a surprise. If possible, coordinate with friends or family to decorate while the student is out. When everything’s set, have the student come in for the big reveal – and have your camera ready! Capture the look on their face and then stage some fun photos of them on the bed amidst all the swag. This is the moment all those decorations were for, after all. Encourage them to wear a college t-shirt or hold up a “Accepted!” sign. You can even shoot a quick TikTok video panning across the setup. Bed parties are made for social sharing, so be sure to snag those shots.

By following these steps, you’ll create an unforgettable bed party experience. It can be as DIY or as deluxe as you want – what matters is the celebration of a huge milestone in a teen’s life, done in a way that feels fun and festive. And if streamers cover every surface of their room… well, that’s part of the fun!

Taking It to the Next Level: Sleepover Party Shop’s Custom Setups

While a DIY bed party in your own room is awesome, some families are upping the ante even more – turning the celebration into a full-on themed sleepover or outdoor event. This is where Sleepover Party Shop’s custom teepee/tent setups come in to elevate the festivities. Imagine taking the bed party concept and spreading it out into an entire room or backyard, with cozy teepee tents for each guest. It’s like a slumber party meets college send-off, and it makes the event feel truly magical.

Sleepover Party Shop offers a unique twist: personalized teepee or tent setups for each friend in a group celebration. Instead of everyone crowding on one bed for the photo, each guest can have their own “bed party” space. Think of a row of adorable canvas teepees, each one decorated for a different college or theme. One tent might be decked out in Harvard crimson, the next in Howard University blue, another in UCLA blue and gold – so if a group of friends is having a joint party but heading to different schools, everyone’s spotlights their own destination. Each tent comes with an air mattress, bedding, string lights, and even a personalized name sign and decor to match the theme . It’s the ultimate VIP experience for the guests of honor, and it makes for incredible photos. (Plus, who doesn’t love chilling in a comfy tent with fairy lights?)

Not only do these styled teepees look amazing, they’re also super versatile for indoor or outdoor use. Have a big backyard? Envision a cluster of tents on the lawn, each one a mini hub of fun, with a fire pit or snack table nearby. Planning to host in the living room or a finished basement? These tents can transform an ordinary space into a whimsical retreat for the night . Fairy lights, banners, and themed pillows can be added to each tent to tie it into the party’s decor and make everything Instagram-ready . A styled teepee setup can serve as a standout accent at a larger graduation party – for example, you could have a couple of teepees on the side as a lounge area for teens to hang out, or as a dedicated corner for taking photos. Guests can hop into the tents, take goofy boomerangs or TikToks, and create memories under those twinkling lights. It’s a level of atmosphere a regular decorated bed just can’t match.

What’s great is that Sleepover Party Shop handles the heavy lifting for you. They have luxury sleepover packages that include delivery, setup, and takedown, so you don’t have to stress about a thing . You can choose from over 15 creative themes or even design your own custom theme to fit your celebration . Whether you want a chic boho vibe, a sports theme, a glam spa night feel, or simply your school’s colors, they’ve got the inventory and expertise to make it happen. Packages are available for different group sizes and budgets – from a small gathering of three BFFs to a larger grad party for a dozen teens. Every tent can be personalized, and all the decor (think balloons, rugs, lanterns, etc.) can be coordinated. Sleepover Party Shop even offers fun add-ons: for instance, you could include an outdoor movie screen rental to play a slideshow of the grads’ memories, or a cute Italian ice cart for a dessert surprise (yes, they can do that too!). It’s all about creating a one-of-a-kind experience that goes beyond the basic bed party.

In short, a Sleepover Party Shop teepee setup takes the bed party concept and blows it out of the water. It’s perfect for those who want to celebrate big. Instead of just one decorated bed, you get an entire themed environment. Each guest feels special with their own space, and the whole party gets a stylish, cohesive look. If you’re looking to make your celebration the one that everyone talks about – the teepees and tents from Sleepover Party Shop are the way to go.

HBCU-Inspired Bed Parties & Cultural Celebration

Another beautiful evolution of the bed party trend is how students heading to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are embracing it. HBCUs are known for their rich culture, traditions, and fierce school pride, and that energy is showing up in bed parties celebrating HBCU acceptances. These aren’t just any college celebrations – they double as a tribute to culture and community. Students (and their families) are going all out with bold, colorful displays that honor both the school they’ll attend and their heritage.

For an HBCU-bound student, the bed decor often features bold school colors and symbols with extra meaning. For example, a future Howard University Bison might decorate with Howard’s signature blue and red and add in elements like a Howard pennant, a backdrop of the campus or famous alumni, and maybe a dash of Pan-African colors for cultural flair. A new Spelman or Morehouse admit might have a sea of blue and white or maroon and white balloons, respectively, accented with Afrocentric art or a kente cloth pattern draped over the bed. The idea is to proudly display not just “I’m college bound,” but “I’m HBCU bound and proud of my culture.” It’s common to see African-American art, traditional patterns or fabrics, and even small flags that reflect the student’s heritage as part of the décor . This fusion of school spirit and cultural pride makes the celebration deeply meaningful.

Families also infuse these bed parties with historical and cultural references. Since many HBCUs have traditions dating back over a century, a bed party might include nods to that legacy. Maybe a framed photo of a family member who attended an HBCU decades ago, to signify passing the torch. Or a quotation from a prominent Black leader or the college’s founder on a letter board. Some students incorporate Greek life aspirations, displaying the letters or colors of a fraternity/sorority they hope to join (or that a parent did), as a way of celebrating Black excellence and community. It’s all about weaving in elements that resonate culturally. As one Sleepover Party Shop event put it, these kind of celebrations encourage kids to “embrace their heritage… and celebrate Black excellence in a fun and engaging way.” The result? A bed party that’s not only festive but also uplifting to everyone who sees it.

HBCU-inspired bed parties tend to be loud and proud – much like HBCU homecoming events or marching band performances. Don’t be surprised to see a playlist of HBCU marching band tunes or the latest Beyonce (shout-out to Homecoming) playing in the background to set the vibe. Some creative families even turn the reveal into a mini “probate” or step show, with the student dancing or stepping while revealing their college gear – merging collegiate tradition with the new bed party trend. It’s the ultimate celebration of school pride meets cultural pride.

If you’re planning a bed party for an HBCU-bound grad, don’t shy away from going big with those colors and cultural elements. Celebrate cultural pride in the decor and theme – after all, this is about more than just one student going to college; it’s about a community’s dreams and heritage being carried forward . These touches make the party not only a personal milestone celebration, but also a celebration of Black culture and achievement. And that’s something truly worth cheering for.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re reveling in a long-awaited college acceptance or cheering on a hard-earned graduation, a bed party is a fantastically fun way to capture the moment. It’s intimate (happening right at home), creative, and above all, joyous. From DIY decor binges at the dollar store to professional luxe setups with tents and all the trimmings, there’s a bed party style for everyone. The key is making the graduate or soon-to-be freshman feel like a star for a day – because they’ve earned it!

If you’re feeling inspired to try this trend, go for it! You can start small with a DIY approach using our step-by-step tips, and see your teen’s face light up amid the balloons and confetti. Or, if you want to make it truly unforgettable (and save yourself the work), consider booking a curated package with Sleepover Party Shop. We’re here to help you turn your celebration vision into reality – from custom-themed teepee tent setups to all the decor details that will wow your guest of honor. Visit our Sleepover Packages page to explore options, or simply contact us for a consultation. Let us handle the setup, while you sit back and enjoy the party magic unfolding.

In the end, bed parties are all about making memories and honoring achievements in a way that feels personal and festive. College acceptances and graduations are huge milestones – they deserve more than a handshake or a card. So whether you DIY or go all-out with a Sleepover Party Shop experience, don’t hesitate to sprinkle that extra bit of magic. Set the scene, gather your loved ones, and celebrate the start of a new journey in style. The photos will be priceless, the smiles will be real, and the story will be one for the family scrapbook. Congratulations to all the grads and college-bound students – and happy bed partying!