Etiquette dictates that Graduation Party Invitations be sent to local friends and family three to four weeks before the date.
Congratulations! You finally graduated. Now, as they say, it’s time to party. But before you do anything else, it’s important to properly plan your big get together.
Graduation Party Etiquette
- The Guest List: Graduating from high school or college is a big life event, so don’t skimp on the guest list. Invite family and friends and try not to leave anyone out. The important thing is that you make everyone feel welcome.
- Graduation Party Invitations: There is a major difference between graduation announcements and graduation invitations, and invitations should be mailed separately from announcements. Etiquette dictates that invitations be sent to local friends and family three to four weeks before the date. Invitations for out-of-town guests should be sent at least six weeks in advance. The invitation should state what the party is going to involve, such as venue, food, open vs. cash bar, etc., so your guests know what to expect, says Jay Remer, etiquette expert and editor at StageOfLife. And always hand address graduation party invitations.
- Hotel Rooms: Where are your out-of-town guests going to stay? “While you’re not required to pay for the hotel, it would be nice, particularly if you knew you had family that are going to come, to make a block of rooms at that hotel and get a discounted rate for them,” says Cynthia Lett, founder and executive director of the International Society of Protocol & Etiquette Professionals.
- Making the Rounds: Don’t forget to make the rounds and thank your guests for coming, especially out-of-town guests. “It can be as simple as one sentence,” says Lizzie Post, author and spokesperson for the Emily Post Institute.
- The Gifts: If you host a large party, save the gift opening for later. This will spare the feelings of anyone who did not bring a gift (which is completely okay). Just be sure to personally thank everyone who was kind enough to bring a gift, and don’t forget to later hand write thank-you notes for each gift that was received. (more…)
