Dear Jacquelyn,

My son is graduating from high school soon. Between the announcements, ceremony and party, I am feeling overwhelmed with where to begin. When do you send graduation announcements and when should party invitations be sent?

Dear Reader,

High school graduation is an important milestone in a teenager’s life.

Here are some tips to help you navigate high school graduation etiquette.

The graduation invitation is a request to attend the graduation ceremony. The graduation invitation includes details on the card such as a clear verification that the recipient is invited to attend: “Please join us,” the address and time, as well as an RSVP.

Many high schools limit the number of attendees at graduation ceremonies because of space limitations. You can simply explain, “We’d love to have you, but we’re limited by the number of tickets.’” Most people will understand if there is limited seating.

Invitations to the graduation ceremony can be sent up to four weeks in advance.

Graduation announcements give word that your child is receiving their high school diploma. Your friends and family get to share in your family’s exciting news.

A great rule to go by when creating your announcement guest list is: Send graduation announcements to anyone your family who you would send a holiday card to. There will not be any details about the ceremony or reception because it’s not an invitation to attend.

Graduation announcements are mailed two weeks following the graduation. The reason is because they are to inform others that your child graduated, not that they are about to graduate.

If the graduation announcement will double as an invitation to the graduation ceremony, it should be sent at least three weeks before the graduation ceremony.

Graduation party invitations should be sent to friends and family several weeks before the date. Send invitations for the graduation party in the mail as opposed to electronically.

The most important etiquette of all for graduates and their families:

enjoy this milestone and celebrate!

Respectfully Yours,

Jacquelyn

Have a question? Email: jacquelyn@ptd.net. Jacquelyn Youst is owner of the Pennsylvania Academy of Protocol, specializing in etiquette training. She is on the board of directors of the National Civility Foundation.

All Rights Reserved &Copy; 2022 Jacquelyn Youst