Sending Graduation Invitations with RSVP for the Ultimate Graduation Party

Graduation doesn’t come often, and you should not hold back on your party. If you want to celebrate with everyone you know, enjoy! Just follow these guidelines to ensure your graduation party is a hit, not a miss.

Invitation Etiquette

Invitations should be mailed two weeks prior to an open house, which usually doesn’t require guests to RSVP, or three to four weeks prior to a party. You may request guests to RSVP regrets only and provide a phone number, or to RSVP regardless, either mailing back an enclosed RSVP card or by calling or emailing their intentions.

Avoid RSVP Disasters

Ideally, guests should have at least a week to respond, and the deadline should be one week prior to the party to give you time to organize the final list and hunt down anyone who failed to respond. This is a busy season for everyone, so sending your invitations early will ensure that the people you want present will be available to attend.

If you find yourself mailing the graduation invitations at the last minute, you might consider requesting regrets only on the RSVP line. Another option would be to call or email the most important guests, like close friends and family, explain the situation, and ask them to keep your date open.

Planning a Super-Sized Graduation Party

If your guest list will include 200, 300, or even 500 people, planning every detail is essential. Incorporating a fun theme is a great way to get the inspiration ball rolling, helping you decide whether you will host the event at your home (both inside and out) or rent a venue large enough to accommodate your guest list.

One way to balance your guest list is to host an open house, where guests are invited to drop in during a specific a timeframe. This way, you shouldn’t get bombarded all at once, and this will give you more time to greet and talk to every guest. Your graduation invitations should note the drop-in format, as well as the location, date and time frame.

If you expect your guests all at once, choose a theme well-suited for large groups. For example, you could have a Sundae on Saturday graduation party and set up an ice cream bar with large tubs of vanilla and chocolate ice cream plus toppings, such as crock pots filled with hot fudge and caramel, and bowls containing shaved coconut, sprinkles, nuts, cherries and crushed cookies.

If your graduate studied Spanish in school, you might want to have a Mexican fiesta. The guest of honor and family could all sport colorful sombreros to stand out in the crowd. You could feature a taco bar filled with taco shells, spiced meat, refried beans, vegetable toppings, sour cream and guacamole, as these are easily bought in bulk and most don’t require cooking. Your graduation invitations could feature a Mexican flag in each corner to designate the theme.

Don’t feel pressured to provide a large meal; just do what your budget will allow, even if you only offer dessert and drinks. Guests will understand and your party will still be a huge hit!