Graduation Party Invitation Wording for High School and College
Graduation party wording for high school, college and graduate degrees, with lines for open houses, joint parties and gifts.
Graduation party invitations celebrate a big step and give guests the details of the party. Here is wording for high school, college and graduate degrees, for open houses and joint parties, and for the gift question, along with the difference between a party invitation and a graduation announcement.
Graduation announcements and party invitations
A graduation announcement shares the news. It does not invite anyone to an event, and it does not ask for a gift. A graduation party invitation asks guests to come to a celebration. You can send both, or combine them on one card with a line such as “Please join us to celebrate.”
What to include on a graduation party invitation
- The graduate’s name. Add the school and the year or degree if you like.
- Who is hosting. The graduate, their parents, or the family.
- Date and time. For an open house, give a time window.
- Location. Full address, plus parking notes for a busy street.
- RSVP. A reply-by date, even for an open house, so you can plan food.
- Optional extras. Dress code, school colors or a gift note.
High school graduation party wording
- “She did it! Join us to celebrate Olivia Grant, Class of Riverside High. Saturday, June 13, 2-6pm, at 40 Meadow Lane. RSVP by June 6.”
- “Caps off to Marcus! Please join us for a graduation barbecue on Sunday, June 21, from 1pm, at the Carter family home, 12 Hill Street.”
- “Our graduate is moving on. Help us celebrate Ava’s high school graduation and her next step at State University. Saturday, June 27, 4-8pm, at Lakeview Park, Shelter 3.”
- “Pizza, cake and plenty of photos. Come celebrate Leo’s graduation on Friday, June 12, at 6pm, at our home.”
College graduation party wording
- “Four years, one degree, one big party. Please join us to celebrate Hannah Lee’s graduation from Hartwell College with a degree in nursing. Saturday, May 23, 3-7pm, at 8 Orchard Road.”
- “Diploma in hand! Join Daniel for drinks and dinner as he celebrates his college graduation. Friday, May 15, at 7pm, at The Lantern Room.”
- “The tassel was worth the hassle. Celebrate Priya’s graduation on Saturday, May 30, from 2pm, at the Shah family home.”
Graduate degree wording
For a master’s, law, medical or doctoral degree, include the title or degree. It is a big achievement and the guest of honor has earned it.
- “Please join us to celebrate Dr. Elena Ruiz on the completion of her PhD in chemistry. Saturday, June 6, at 6pm, at The Faculty Club.”
- “Sam Turner, MBA. Join us for a celebration dinner on Friday, May 22, at 7:30pm, at Harbor Kitchen. RSVP by May 15.”
- “From student to nurse practitioner. Celebrate Grace’s master’s degree with us on Sunday, May 17, 2-5pm, at 6 Cedar Avenue.”
Open house wording
Graduation open houses are popular because guests can drop in during a time window, which helps when they have several parties on the same weekend. Make the format clear in the wording.
- “Open house for our graduate, Ethan Moore. Drop by any time between 1 and 5pm on Saturday, June 20, at 14 Elm Street.”
- “Come and go as you please. Celebrate Mia’s graduation at an open house on Sunday, June 14, 2-6pm. Food served all afternoon.”
Joint graduation party wording
Friends or cousins graduating in the same year often share a party. List all the graduates, and say who is hosting so guests know where to reply.
- “Three graduates, one party. Join us to celebrate Ava, Noah and Jade on Saturday, June 27, from 3pm, at Lakeview Park. Hosted by the Grant, Ellis and Park families.”
- “Twice the caps, twice the cake. Please join us for a joint graduation party for twins Lily and Max on Sunday, June 7, at 1pm, at our home.”
Gift lines
Gifts are common at graduation parties but never required. If you include a line, keep it short:
- “Your presence is the best gift.”
- “No gifts please. Bring your best advice for the graduate.”
- “A card box will be at the party for anyone who would like to leave a note.”
When to send graduation party invitations
Send invitations three to four weeks before the party, and up to six weeks ahead if relatives will travel. Ask for replies a week or so before the date. The RSVP wording guide has lines for every style, and our party planning checklist covers food, supplies and setup week by week.
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About Invite Jam Team
Written by the team building Invite Jam, a digital invitation service with editable templates, hand-drawn designs and uploads for your own artwork. We share practical advice on invitation wording, planning celebrations and collecting guest replies online.
Learn more about Invite JamFrequently asked questions
- What do you write on a graduation party invitation?
- Include the graduate’s name, the school or degree, the date and time, the address and how to RSVP. For example: “Join us to celebrate Olivia Grant, Class of Riverside High. Saturday, June 13, 2-6pm, at 40 Meadow Lane. RSVP by June 6.”
- What is the difference between a graduation announcement and an invitation?
- An announcement shares the news that someone has graduated and does not ask anyone to attend. An invitation asks guests to come to a party or ceremony and includes the date, place and RSVP details.
- When should you send graduation party invitations?
- Send them three to four weeks before the party, or up to six weeks ahead if guests will travel. Graduation season is busy, so earlier notice helps guests plan.
- How do you word a graduation open house invitation?
- Give a time window and make clear guests can drop in: “Open house for our graduate, Ethan Moore. Drop by any time between 1 and 5pm on Saturday, June 20.”
- Is it okay to mention gifts on a graduation invitation?
- It is fine to say “no gifts,” or to mention a card box at the party. Avoid asking for money or specific gifts on the invitation itself.