How to Arrange Graduation Invitations

Send out invitations for a graduation party.

Arranging graduation invitations is similar to ordering wedding announcements; however, the invitations will typically contain more details about the graduation ceremony and any party afterward. Invitations do not have to be formal; they should reflect the tone or theme of the party. Send the invitations with graduation announcements, send them separately with no announcements, or send them shortly after the announcements are mailed.

Things You'll Need

• Invitations
• Package of 4-by-6-inch index cards
• File box for index cards

Instructions

1. Select what style of invitation to use. Your graduation announcement company may be a good starting point for viewing different styles of invitations and gathering price information. Graduation invitations do not need to come from the same printer unless you want to keep the look uniform.

2. Ask for ordering deadlines if you plan to order your invitations. You need to know how long it takes for delivery and you will want adequate time to address and mail invitations.

3. Fill in all information on the invitation. Whether you have them pre-printed or fill in the blanks yourself, give the party's time, date and place and say whether food and drinks will be available. Put the RSVP phone number and due date at the botom of the invitation or on a separate card to be inserted into it.

4. Address the invitations using the same formality as the graduation announcements. Single and married guests should be addressed with proper salutations. If children are included in the invitation, the simple addition of "and family" is acceptable.

5. Send invitations about the same time as graduation announcements or at least four weeks before the party.

6. Write the name and address of each person or family invited on index cards, one for each. File the cards in the box by the invitee's last name. As the responses come in, place the corresponding card in a "yes" pile or "no" pile so you will know how much food and drink to buy. If the guest gives a gift to the graduate, note the item on the card. This will help when writing "thank you" notes.

Tips & Warnings

• Always buy more invitations than you need in case you forget someone on your list of guests.

• Order coordinating thank you notes.

• Recruit friends or family members to help address envelopes.

References

• Graduation Invitations and Graduation Party Ideas: Invitation Etiquette
• Emily Post: Graduation Etiquette

Resources

• Graduation Announcements Store: Sample Wording - Graduation Invitations