Graduation party invitation wording for every grad

Graduation invitations reach an unusually wide list: grandparents who want the full name and degree, classmates who only need a time, and family friends juggling three open houses on the same Saturday. One invitation has to sound proud without reading like a request for gifts, and make it clear whether guests should stop by for an hour or stay all afternoon.

Below you'll find wording grouped by the kind of graduation, from a kindergarten walk across the stage to a doctoral hooding. Each example is ready to copy, with placeholders for names, schools and times. There are also RSVP lines, texts for the family group chat, and polite phrasing for come-and-go parties, gifts and limited ceremony tickets.

42 examples · 8 styles · copy any line in one tap

High school graduation and open house

For come-and-go parties at home, where guests may visit several open houses in one afternoon.

Classic open house
Class of [Year] Please stop by an open house celebrating Elena Morales's graduation from [School name] [Date], [Time] to [Time] [Address] Food, family and plenty of photos. Stay a few minutes or the whole afternoon.
Backyard cookout
Burgers on the grill, yard games out back, and a graduate to congratulate. DeShawn's graduation cookout [Date], anytime from [Time] to [Time] [Address] Please let us know by [RSVP date] so we buy enough buns.
College reveal
She finished high school. Find out where she's headed next. Graduation open house for Grace, with her college reveal at [Time] [Date], [Time] to [Time] [Address] Wear the school colors you think she picked.
From proud parents
Four years of early alarms, late assignments and one very proud family. We're celebrating Aiden's graduation from [School name] [Date], [Time] to [Time] [Address] RSVP to [Name] by [RSVP date].
Simple and short
Hudson is officially a high school graduate. Open house [Date], [Time] to [Time] [Address] No gifts expected, just good company.
Heading to work, trade school or service
Next stop: [Program, job or branch of service] Celebrate Mateo's graduation, and what comes next, with a taco bar in the backyard. [Date], [Time] to [Time] [Address] RSVP by [RSVP date].

College graduation

For bachelor's and associate degrees, whether the party is hosted by family or by the graduate.

Bachelor's, family dinner
Bachelor of Science in Biology [School name], Class of [Year] Help us celebrate Naomi's graduation over dinner and dessert. [Date] at [Time] [Address] Kindly reply by [RSVP date].
In the grad's own voice
I did it, and I couldn't have done it without you. Come celebrate my graduation from [School name]. [Date], [Time] [Venue], [Address] Let me know by [RSVP date]. Love, Kenji
First-generation graduate
The first in our family to earn a college degree Celebrate with us as Luis Hernández graduates with a [Degree] from [School name]. [Date], [Time] [Address] This day belongs to everyone who helped him get here. RSVP by [RSVP date].
Post-commencement brunch
After the caps come off Graduation brunch for Ava and the people who cheered her on [Date], the morning after commencement, at [Time] [Venue], [Address] Please RSVP by [RSVP date] so we can reserve the room.
Casual with friends
Diploma in hand, first loan payment on the calendar. Let's celebrate anyway. Graduation party for Sam [Date], [Time] until late [Address] Bring your own drinks. Reply by [RSVP date].
Formal reception
Susan and Robert Chen invite you to a reception honoring their daughter Olivia Chen Bachelor of Arts, [School name] [Date] at [Time] [Venue], [Address] RSVP by [RSVP date]

Grad school, PhD and professional degrees

For master's, doctoral, law and medical graduates, where the full degree and title carry real weight.

PhD dinner
In celebration of Dr. Nnamdi Eze Doctor of Philosophy in [Field], [School name] A dinner in his honor [Date] at [Time] [Venue], [Address] Kindly reply by [RSVP date].
Master's degree
Two years, one thesis, and a great deal of coffee. Celebrate Hana's Master of Public Health [Date], [Time] [Address] RSVP by [RSVP date].
Law school
Three years of law school: done. Bar prep can wait one night. Graduation party for Carmen Ruiz, J.D. [Date], [Time] [Venue] Reply by [RSVP date].
Medical school
You may now call him Doctor. A celebration for Ethan Brooks, M.D., before he leaves for residency in [City] [Date], [Time] [Address] RSVP by [RSVP date].
Hooding ceremony and lunch
You're invited to the doctoral hooding ceremony for Mei Tanaka [Date], [Time], [Venue] Tickets are limited, so please reply by [RSVP date] if you'd like one. Lunch follows for everyone at [Address].

Joint party for several grads

For friends, siblings, cousins or teammates who celebrate together so guests don't have to choose.

Two best friends
Two grads, one backyard. A joint graduation party for Maya Johnson and Isabel Reyes [Date], [Time] to [Time] [Address] One RSVP covers both families; reply by [RSVP date].
Twins
Twins, one diploma each, one party. Celebrate Liam and Nora, Class of [Year] [Date], [Time] [Address] Reply by [RSVP date].
Team or club seniors
The seniors of [Team or club name] are graduating together, so we're celebrating together. Team graduation party for [Number] grads [Date], [Time] to [Time] [Venue], [Address] Each family is bringing a dish; sign up at [Phone or link]. RSVP by [RSVP date].
Cousins from different schools
Three cousins, three schools, one family party. Congratulations to Zara ([School name]), Omar ([School name]) and Leah ([School name]) [Date], [Time] [Address] Please RSVP by [RSVP date].
Parent and child
Mom finished her degree the same spring her son finished high school. A double graduation party for Tanya and Marcus Williams [Date], [Time] to [Time] [Address] RSVP by [RSVP date].

Preschool and kindergarten

For small grads and short attention spans, where the party is really a playdate with a theme.

Kindergarten popsicle party
Mila is officially a first grader. Popsicles, sidewalk chalk and a very small cap and gown [Date], [Time] to [Time] [Address] Siblings welcome. RSVP by [RSVP date].
Preschool park playdate
Onward to kindergarten. A preschool graduation playdate for Leo and his classmates [Date], [Time] [Park name], near the playground Bring a picnic blanket; we'll bring cupcakes. Reply by [RSVP date].
Note from the class
Families of Room [Number]: Our preschool graduation ceremony is on [Date] at [Time] in the school gym, with snacks afterward. Each child may bring up to [Number] guests. Please send your guest count by [RSVP date].
Little rhyme
No more naps and no more cubbies, off to kindergarten with all their buddies. Graduation party for Ruby [Date], [Time] [Address]
For grandparents
Grandma and Grandpa, save your seats: Kai is walking across a very short stage. Pre-K graduation, [Date] at [Time], [School name] Lunch at our house right after, [Address].

Nursing school and pinning ceremony

For nursing grads, whose pinning ceremony is often the milestone the family cares about most.

Pinning ceremony
You're invited to the pinning ceremony of Brianna Scott, BSN [School name] School of Nursing [Date] at [Time] [Venue] Seating is limited; please let us know by [RSVP date] if you plan to attend.
Nursing grad party
Clinical hours: done. Boards: next month. Tonight: cake. Celebrate Destiny's graduation from nursing school [Date], [Time] [Address] RSVP by [RSVP date].
Reception after pinning
In honor of Samuel Adeyemi, RN A reception following his pinning ceremony [Date], [Time] [Venue], [Address] Kindly respond by [RSVP date].
Career changer
At 42, Monica went back to school. At 45, she's a nurse. Come celebrate her graduation. [Date], [Time] to [Time] [Address] Reply by [RSVP date].
Open house for shift workers
Nurses keep odd hours, so we're keeping this one open. Graduation open house for Kelsey, ADN [Date], anytime from [Time] to [Time] [Address] Come before or after your shift. Scrubs welcome.

Virtual or out-of-town celebrations

For family spread across the map, livestreamed ceremonies and parties held back home after the fact.

Commencement watch party
Can't be in the stadium? Watch with us. Livestream of the [School name] commencement at [Time], followed by a video toast to Aryan [Date] [Phone or link] Names are read starting around [Time]; we'll post when he's close.
In person and online
Many of you are far away, so Sofia's party will be streamed and you can say hello from wherever you are. [Date], [Time] ET / [Time] PT In person: [Address] Online: [Phone or link] Please RSVP by [RSVP date] and tell us how you'll join.
Travel info for family
Ceremony travel details Daniel graduates from [School name] on [Date] at [Time]. We're holding a block of rooms at [Venue] until [Date]. Family dinner the night before at [Time], [Address]. Please reply by [RSVP date] so we can request enough tickets from the school.
Welcome-home party
Graduation happened across the country, so the party is happening back home. Welcome-home graduation celebration for Jasmine [Date], [Time] to [Time] [Address] RSVP by [RSVP date].
Video messages
Near or far, record a short video message for Noah. We'll play them at his party on [Date]. Upload by [Date]: [Phone or link] Local friends: party at [Address], [Time].

Graduation announcements (no party)

For sharing the news with a wider circle when you're not hosting, or when the celebration is small.

Traditional
The family of Rachel Ann Kim proudly announces her graduation from [School name] Bachelor of Fine Arts [Date]
Modern
Ezra finished high school. Next up: [School or plan]. Thank you for cheering him on all these years. We couldn't let the moment pass without telling you.
Small celebration
We're keeping graduation small this year, but we wanted you to know that Farah has graduated from [School name] with a degree in [Field]. Your notes and calls over the years meant so much to her.
With honors
With great pride we share that Victor Alvarez graduated summa cum laude from [School name] [Degree] [Date]
Adult learner
Worth every late night. We're proud to share that Denise Harper has earned her high school equivalency diploma. Celebration dinner, [Date] at [Time], [Address]. RSVP by [RSVP date].

Ways to ask for RSVPs

  • Please RSVP by [RSVP date] so we plan enough food for a come-and-go crowd.
  • Let us know by [RSVP date], and roughly what time you plan to stop by.
  • Kindly reply by [RSVP date] with the number in your party.
  • Ceremony seats are limited; tell us by [RSVP date] if you'd like a ticket.
  • RSVP to [Name] at [Phone or link] by [RSVP date].
  • Reply by [RSVP date], and let us know if you'd rather join online.
  • It's a joint party with one guest list, so a single RSVP by [RSVP date] reaches both families.
  • Can't make it? We'd still love a reply by [RSVP date], and a note for the grad.
  • Please respond by [RSVP date] and mention any food allergies.
  • Regrets only by [RSVP date]; otherwise we'll see you there.

Short versions for a text or group chat

  • Elena's grad open house is [Date], [Time] to [Time] at our place. Stop by anytime. Let us know if you can make it.
  • Grad cookout for DeShawn Sat at [Time]. Food, yard games, no dress code. RSVP by [RSVP date].
  • Commencement livestream starts [Time] on [Date]: [Phone or link]. Names read around [Time].
  • Joint party for Maya and Isabel, [Date], [Time] to [Time], [Address]. One RSVP to either family is plenty.
  • Mila's kindergarten graduation popsicle party, [Date] at [Time]. Siblings welcome.
  • Brianna's pinning ceremony is [Date] at [Time]. Seats are limited, so tell me by [RSVP date] if you want one.

Wording for tricky situations

Open house, come and go
Stop by anytime between [Time] and [Time]. There's no program, so stay as long as you like.
Guests asking about gifts or money
Your being there is the best gift. For anyone who has asked, there will be a card box by the door.
No gifts, please
Please, no gifts. A note with advice for [Name]'s next step would mean more than anything you could buy.
Limited ceremony tickets
The school allows each graduate [Number] tickets, so the ceremony is for immediate family. Everyone is warmly invited to the party that afternoon.
Several parties on the same weekend
We know it's a busy weekend for graduations. Our open house runs all afternoon, so come before or after your other stops.
Family afternoon, friends in the evening
The afternoon is for family and kids; after [Time], the grad's friends take over the backyard.
Alcohol-free party with teen grads
This is an alcohol-free celebration so the grads and their friends can enjoy it together with everyone else.
The grad can't be there the whole time
Kai will be at the open house from [Time] to [Time] before heading to a team event, so come during that window to congratulate him in person.

Common wording mistakes

  • Leaving out an end time for an open house. Without one, guests may not realize it's come-and-go; add a window, such as [Time] to [Time].
  • Putting a cash or gift request in the headline. Many guests find it off-putting, so if you mention gifts at all, keep it low-key and away from the main wording.
  • Inviting everyone to a ceremony with limited seats. Check the school's ticket allowance first, and word the party invitation separately so no one arrives expecting a seat.
  • Misspelling or shortening the degree. Confirm the exact degree name, honors and credentials with the graduate before the invitation goes out.
  • Sending it too late in graduation season. May and June weekends fill quickly, so give families several weeks' notice and compare dates with close friends' parties.

Graduation invitation wording FAQ

What do you write on a graduation party invitation?

Include the graduate's name, school, and degree or class year, then the date, time and address. For an open house, give a start and end time. Add an RSVP date and any parking or food notes guests need. Many families leave gifts off the invitation entirely, though customs vary.

How do you word a graduation open house invitation?

Use the words "open house" and give a window so guests know they can come and go, such as "stop by anytime from 1 to 5 PM." If there's a set moment, like a toast or cake at 3, mention it so people who want to see it can plan around it.

Should you put the graduate's degree on the invitation?

For college, graduate and professional degrees it's common and appreciated, since relatives like to know. Use the full degree name, such as Bachelor of Science in Nursing, or a short form like BSN. For high school, the school name and class year are usually enough.

How do you word a joint graduation party invitation?

List every graduate by name, in alphabetical order or whatever order the families agree on, and include each school if they differ. Name the host families, and give one clear way to RSVP so replies don't get split across several phones and nobody's headcount is off.

Who should get a graduation announcement instead of an invitation?

Invitations go to people you expect or hope will attend. Announcements share the news with a wider circle, such as distant relatives and family friends who live far away. Many people read an announcement as news rather than a request for a gift, though expectations differ by family and region.

Wording for other occasions

Ready to send your graduation invitation?

Design it free, preview everything, and publish for $1.99 when it's ready.

Start designing →