An open house is an inclusive “everyone’s invited” party where guests are expected to come and go as they please.
Invitation cards for your open house can either be inserted in your announcements or mailed separately.
Send your invitations in the mail, approximately 14 days prior to the event.
Inviting student friends via social media is ok.
Inviting current or former teachers, youth group leaders, and other important adults in your life should be done in writing with an invitation of some kind.
Inviting a teacher or other important adult through social media is awkward for that adult. Do you really want them there or are they just one of the 900 people you invited?!
A graduation party is for close friends, acquaintances and special guests.
The graduate and the parents should decide together whether to invite children of close friends and relatives. If you choose to invite them, address invitations to Mr. and Mrs. John Doe and Family.
In general, it’s best to invite a lot of people. This is a major milestone for the graduate. Don't leave people out. Start with your holiday card list. Add your neighbors, the graduate’s friends, friends’ parents, extended family, favorite teachers or coaches from over the years, coworkers of both the parents and the graduate.
Graduation party invitations should be mailed separately from graduation announcements.
Remember to give your invited guests the option not to bring a gift by including a line such as “Your presence is gift enough” on the invitation.
Make it clear in the invitation whether or not a meal is planned, especially if the party is in the evening.
Enclose directions or an easy-to-read map to help guests find your party location.
Mail party invitations out early so your guests can reserve time for your special celebration.
If you wish to know who is attending, include “RSVP” and your phone number on the invitation. Or you may write “Regrets Only” and your phone number, which indicates only those who cannot attend should call.
A budget isn’t a barrier when it comes to hosting a meaningful graduation celebration. Use these helpful hints to save money and create a memorable graduation party.
Consider co-hosting a party. Perhaps two or three families could go in together and host one large get-together. Joint parties take some coordinating, but sharing in the rental costs, food prep and expenses will likely be worth it.
Consider having your party before the graduation or on a weeknight. You will have a much better chance with caterers and rental companies if you plan a celebration in May instead of June.
Food options are endless! Your menu could include:
Limit your menu to snacks that can be frozen or stored for later use.
Brunch, baked potato bar, desserts only, ice-cream bar, hot dogs and hamburgers, nacho bar, etc...
If you prefer to provide a full buffet, keep in mind that most people who host graduation parties often complain that they had too much food left over. Limit the expensive items and stock up on non-perishable items that you can pull out if the food runs out.
Ask family and friends to make a food item for the buffet.
Share rentals or decorations with a friend or neighbor.