Graduation Party Invitation Ettiqute

Maybe you should ask the graduate how he/she wants it listed - you may get an answer. My husband and I did this for our wedding invites - both of our parents are divorced. Our wedding invitations only had my parents and his parents listed... John Doe and Mary Doe (separate since they are divorced - Mary has not remarried). Then for his side it was Bob Jones and Sally Smith (they have both remarried). We are not the children of the step-parents, so it was not their place to be doing the announcing. That pride belongs to our parents.
The step-parents didn't invite anyone that their spouse didn't know... so the RSVP was just fine going to our parents. Nobody was offended.
On my graduation invites, the parents names weren't listed-just my name.
Watch out someday though... you should have seen the birth announcement for our twins! We almost had to take out a whole page in the newspaper to include everyone : )
Hope this helps - it was from "the kids who also have step-parents" point of view.

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I agree to make it about the graduate...have you asked the future graduate what she/he wants? My son just sprung on me 2 weeks ago that he doesn't want me (his mom and step-dad whom he lives with and has had most contact with) to have anything after his graduation (no open house, etc.). Instead, he is having an open house with his cousin (on his dad's side) a week later. I am going against his wishes and having a "reception" after graduation (as I'll have family in from all over the state and they'll need to eat after graduation) and I told my son if he doesn't choose to come, then he doesn't get the gifts. It's that simple. It's a matter of choices and respect. In regards to the invitations I'm doing, I'm sending out graduation invitations (to the ceremony) and then putting the "reception following" at my house and "combined open house with Blah and Blah" on "date". It all gets confusing and emotional when dealing with this hectic time....good luck!

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Hi B.!
Technically the only names on an invite should be the birth mother and father. But now days many poeple feel the need to include the "step" parents. You do have a couple options tho...Is it formal? or just a bbq in the back yard? For something more formal...I would use -

" The Smiths & The Whites" would like to invite you to celebrate the commencement of their son/daughter ____ at place, time and date.

or informal

"The Parents (this way everyone is included) of son/daughter invite you to celebrate his/her graduation. Party will be at----, time and date.

the rsvp # should be only of the people involved in hosting the party. if this includes both sets of parents, then both names and #s should be on the invite. Although both partyies should be in aggreement of this.

Hope this helps, Good luck!

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I think I would just word it as:
You are invited to the Open House for (childs name)
date, time, address, and the rsvp # or e-mail at the bottom.(to your house, since you will be the one needing to know how many to account for) You dont have to list parents names, this should focus on your child's accomplishments!!

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Hi B..
We just did this so here it goes..
Yes add your name B. ------mother and stepfather -----
and ------father and --------stepmother
if doing 2 different invitations to his friends and your friends etc.....
whoever sends out the invites put your email or # down for RSVP's then figure out together how many. Keep a list and there #'s so you can check with them 2 weeks before to see if they are coming because people are rude and do not respond to the RSVP's so you might need to call to confirm yes or no.
Keep it simple, you and your ex remember this is your childs day. Always enclude stepparent names as they are family now whether you like it or not.. fotunatly my ex and his wife and my husband and I are great friends weird but it works.. specially for all the kids. good luck.
Valarie

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Hello B.,

While I agree with this is definately all about the graduate. You have two choices.. Use the graduates name on the invite, as he/she is inviting everyone and put yours and your ex's e-mail addresses as the rsvp. Or Use yours and your spouses and your ex's name and his spouse. As another person answered that on wedding ivitations that the step parents shouldn't be listed. I think that is WRONG! Talk about shoving someone to the side and maiing them feel left out! They KNOW they are step parents, but that does not mean they are any less proud of that child! And being thew signifigant other in your household and his, they should be included, if you are going to go that way.
My husband is the step parent in our home, and I would NEVER leave him out of a important situation like this. So if someone had "step" children, would that person leave them out of being in let's say a wedding because they are not REAL siblings. Go with what your heart tells you. If all else fails, use the graduates name as the person who is inviting them to his/her special day with both parents e-mails.

Good luck!
T.

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Hi B. M.,
My Name is M. L. I am a Event Co-oedinator 'Mels Magic Moments'. I say it is ok to put both sets of parents names on the invitations. If everyone gets along and doesn't argue over whos name is on top there should be no problems. I am sure that if everyone has helped raise this child and wants what is best for the child this solution is perfectly fine. Remember this day is to celebrate this childs accomplishments not the parents differences. I have a daughter that graduated last year what a joy for me. Enjoy the day, relax and most of all have fun.

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Couple of things...

If you are doing an open house type of party, you could list it as just that on the invitation. "Open house to be held on May 1, 2008 at 123 Your Street from 1pm until 5pm."

On the other hand, if you are doing something more formal, you could list everyone in the "given by" or "RSVP" section in a mannor as follows:

Mr. & Mrs. (Mom's last name)@ ###-###-#### or ____@____.com
&
Mr. & Mrs. (Dad's last name)@ ###-###-#### or ____@____.com

Get it?

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B.,

As I have just completed my degree in Bridal Consultanting & Party Planning we were taught that invitations that have divorced parents should read as follows:

The families of Graduates Name
would like to invite you to a party
in honor of Graduates Name celebrating he/she graduation from high school or college name.

And since the party is being held at your home then your email or phone number should be listed on the invitation. Having more than one contact person will make thing complicated. And the family members from your husbands side will understand. Some people will RSVP at the last minute so make sure when you are planning for the food add a couple of extra to your count. If you have any more questions please email me at ____@____.com.

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