Graduation party invitations: timing and wording
When to send graduation party invitations, how to word an open house versus a dinner, whether to mention gifts, and examples for high school and college graduates.
The short version
- Send invitations three to four weeks ahead; graduation season is crowded, so earlier is kinder.
- Say whether it is an open house (drop by any time in a window) or a sit-down party.
- Graduation announcements and party invitations are different things; you can send both.
- Gifts are customary but should not be requested on the invitation.
A graduation party invitation names the graduate and the school, and says what kind of party it is: an open house where guests drop by during a window, or a dinner or party with a start time. In the busy weeks of graduation season, when many families host at once, sending invitations three to four weeks ahead helps guests fit you in.
Announcement or invitation?
A graduation announcement shares the news, often with relatives far away who will not attend. A party invitation asks people to come. Many families send both: announcements widely, invitations to the people who can realistically be there.
What should the invitation include?
- The graduate's name, the school and the year
- Open house (with a time window) or a party with a start time
- The place, with parking notes if it is at home
- Whether it is casual, outdoor, family-friendly
- An RSVP date, or "no RSVP needed" for a drop-in open house
Wording you can use
Class of 2027! Please join us for an open house celebrating Lily Carter's graduation from Westfield High School. Saturday, June 12, from 2 to 6 PM, 22 Oak Street. Drop by any time.
Please join us for dinner to celebrate Daniel Bennett's graduation from the University of Michigan. Saturday, May 8, at 6 PM, The Boathouse. Kindly reply by April 24.
What about gifts?
Gifts, often money or something for the next step, are customary, but the invitation should not ask for them. If you would rather have none, "your company is the only gift needed" is fine.
We design graduation party invitations to order, with online replies so you know how much food to get, for $49 once, and you see the finished invitation before you pay.
In graduation season, everyone has three parties on the same Saturday. A clear time window is a gift to your guests.
Common questions
When should you send graduation party invitations?
Three to four weeks before the party. Graduation season is crowded, so earlier notice helps guests plan.
What is the difference between a graduation announcement and an invitation?
An announcement shares the news, often with people who will not attend. An invitation asks guests to come to a party. Many families send both.
Should you mention gifts on a graduation party invitation?
No. Gifts are customary but should not be requested. If you would rather have none, a line saying the guest's company is enough is fine.
An invitation designed for your occasion
We design it for your event, with replies collected online, for $49 once. You see it finished before you pay.
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