College Graduation Party Invitations

The Guest List

College graduation parties typically have a smaller guest list than similar events for graduating high school seniors. You will most likely only invite family members and close friends. If there are people who have been especially helpful to you in pursuing your education, such as an advisor or an employer who provided your first internship, they may also appreciate receiving an announcement of your graduation. Even if they can't attend the party, they will appreciate the thought.

Invitation Style

When planning your college graduation party invitations, take a cue from the party itself. If the party is a blowout for all of your friends at school, you may not even need formal invitations. Instead, make a few phone calls and send an evite to remind everyone to save the date. However, parents hosting a formal dinner in honor of the new graduate would want to select an appropriately formal invite.

Important Invitation Information

When it comes to invitations, details are crucial. Make sure your invitation includes the following important information:

• Date – If you are also sending an announcement about the formal graduation ceremony, make sure guests don't confuse the dates of both events.
• Time – Include the starting time, along with the length of the party when there is a set ending time. If you are hosting the celebration immediately following the graduation ceremony, indicate this for those guests who don't plan to attend both. You don't want them left alone at the party site while you're still posing for pictures. An even better idea is to plan several hours between the two events to allow for traffic and other unforeseen delays.
• Location – Include the address of the party site, along with the name if it's a location outside the home. If you are hosting the party at an unfamiliar venue or expecting many out-of-town guests, include directions or a small map with the invite.
• Proper attire – If you think there may be questions about appropriate dress for the party, you should inform your guests. If you're clearly hosting a pool party, then it probably goes without saying that the attendees can wear casual clothing. If you're having a catered dinner, then it may be helpful to let everyone know if they should wear business casual or semi-formal attire.
• RSVP information – Provide a deadline and one or more methods of contacting the party hosts. If there will be meal choices, you may want to include a formal RSVP card, such as those included with wedding invitations.

Where to Buy College Graduation Party Invitations

If you're looking for formal graduation announcements, the same bookstores that took care of you at the beginning of each semester can also look out for you in the final moments of your college education. However, they will likely be ordering your announcements through a company such as Jostens, so you can also visit the supplier online to place a direct order. These companies also offer related products, including address labels and graduation year seals.

You can also find numerous options from online card shops. For instance, Graduation Cards Shop features three pages of college graduation designs. Some include career-specific images, like the scales of justice for someone heading to law school, while some provide space for a picture of the graduate, and others use standard graduation icons like diplomas. Visit local party supply stores, card shops, and printing shops for even more options and ideas.

Looking beyond these pre-fabricated options, the perfect invitation design can be as close as your own computer. Use a card design program and include cap and gown clip art or images related to your future career. With a custom invitation, you can be sure it contains all the necessary information for partygoers and fits your personal style.