A “Then & Now” wall tells your graduate’s story through a visual timeline of their life — baby photos beside senior portraits, report cards, drawings, sports medals, and little notes from family and friends. It’s part sentimental showcase, part decorative centerpiece.

Planning tip: Use lightweight foam boards or hanging frames in a neutral palette to keep the display cohesive and photo-ready. 

Start by choosing a theme: minimal and modern, boho with florals, or school-spirit chic. Incorporate textures like linen, wood, or soft drapery for warmth. Layer “then” moments (childhood photos, art, yearbooks) with “now” moments (graduation photos, favorite quotes, and achievements). Add fairy lights or candles to create a warm, inviting glow.

Planning tip: Anchor your wall around one standout photo — perhaps a preschool shot beside the senior portrait — to make the transition striking and emotional. 

Whether hosting at home, a park pavilion, or a modern event venue like Venue 22, the layout matters. Indoors, use a statement backdrop wall or room divider. Outdoors, opt for a freestanding wooden frame or wire grid. In the Lehigh Valley, natural light and greenery make for beautiful backdrops that elevate the memory wall even more.

Planning tip: Position your wall near the entrance or dessert table so guests naturally stop, smile, and snap photos. 

Take the trend further with a digital or interactive twist. Display a QR code linking to a video montage, or leave mini envelopes where guests can write “one favorite memory.” The key is blending nostalgia with experience — the wall becomes a shared celebration, not just a display.

Planning tip: Keep extra pens, clips, and blank notes handy so guests can easily add to the wall during the event.