Invitation Etiquette

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It's comforting to know you've got the invitation etiquette right so stick with the following etiquette help and you won't go wrong. Your invitations should reflect the style of the party, for example formal, semi formal or even a backyard party.

When to Send

• If any guests will have to fly to your event then you should give then at least 6 weeks notice.


• For a very formal celebration where guests may prefer to bring a present then they too should be given 6 weeks notice.


• An all-day open house celebration however allows some flexibility and invitations don't need to be sent more than 3 to 4 weeks prior to the event. N.B. If it's a themed party then you may want to give them slightly longer to organize a costume.


• If you are organised well in advance consider sending a save the date card. Your guests can simply plan their time and be assured that a formal invite will arrive in plenty of time.

Invitation Etiquette - Wording Checklist for Invites

Clearly you need to have name of the party hosts, name of the graduate, date of party, venue details, time and dress code.

You'll find great wording on the graduation verses page.

Invitation Etiquette - Include with Invite

There are a few items listed below that could be included with the invitation if appropriate. They do help the recipient:

• Directions - provide both a map and written directions and make sure you include the phone number of the location in case people get lost.


• Dress – if you are having an unusual party then be sure to state the dress code.

Response Cards and Return Address Labels are also really useful things to include.

How to Address the Envelope Correctly

Mr. & Mrs. Andrew
111 Abbots Drive, Apartment 112
Dallas, Texas

Make sure you address your invitations properly by using the US Postal Service Zip+4 Lookup . This will allow you to find the zip code and whether the address is a "street", "drive", "road" or other.

It's best if you use a calligraphy pen to address the envelopes and fill out the invitations.

Include the return address.

Filling the envelope correctly can add a little bit of extra polish. The order from the bottom up should be Invitation, Reply Envelope, Reply Card and a Reception Card (if you have one).

Who Should Receive a Graduation Announcement

Consider adding 'no gifts' to those who are not invited to the graduation ceremony.

Invitation Etiquette Tips

• A guest list of 100 guests does not require 100 invites. Remember you only need one invite per couple.


• The names of those invited, including children if they are also invited, are written in full on the invitation.
  For example: David and Jane Andrew.


• Always order extra invitations. They will inevitably be used up and it's cheaper to order them initially.


• Institutions often impose number restrictions for spectators. Be very clear who is coming to the ceremony. Immediate family and the closest friends may well be your limit.


• An Open House Graduation Party certainly allows you the freedom to invite everyone. You can extend invitations out to neighbors, friends, extended family, teachers, mentors and more. Indeed invitation etiquette can be relaxed.


• Consider giving guests the option not to buy gifts.


• Make it clear if a meal is planned


• As well as following invitation etiquette, be sure thank you notes go out to those who give gifts.

FAQ's on Invitation Etiquette

• Is it rude to put an end time on an invitation?
  Invitation etiquette says No, it is not rude. If time is an issue, you must absolutely do it and people need to know that so they can arrange pick up times. It's helpful for everyone.


• I'm unsure about whether to use RSVP or regrets only on my invitation.
  I'm against regrets only. It's a negative. You're asking only the people who aren't going to come to your party to make themselves known. Most times people who are not going to show aren't going to bother to contact you either. With an RSVP you get to hear the good with the bad and get excited about your event.Place the correct postage on the RSVP card or envelope.


• How do I include a return address
  Put this on the back flap of your invitation envelope. Centre it and leave your name out.

Your Graduation Announcements should be on the same stationery as the invitations. Click here for full details on Graduation Announcement Etiquette.



Well that's it for invitation etiquette. Hope it's helped a little. If you have any tips or questions on invitation etiquette, then let me know via the form below. Good luck with your Graduation activities!

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