How to Write Graduation Invitations

There are entire sections in any store dedicated to graduation cards. Sappy cards, funny cards, cards that get right to the point and have a slot in them for money. The invitations are the same way. Some of the most profound things I've read from my family members have been in my graduation cards and can be used on invitations as well. Here are a few of them.

I'm proud of you. I don't know about anyone else, but I didn't hear this much growing up. Finally hearing it when I graduated high school was a little startling, and had a strong effect on me. If you're writing something in a graduation card for someone, and you're proud of them, let them know. Giving examples of what you're proud of is also good, because it shows that you're not just expressing a general sentiment. It doesn't matter that it's in an invitation and not a card, because every one of those graduates should hear this.

Life lessons. At this point in a high school graduate's life, they'll probably listen to wisdom from their elders more than they would have when they were in high school, and more than if they were already in college or the work force. Take this opportunity to tell them something important you learned, and hope that they might learn from it as well. This is a transitional period for them, so everything is topsy turvy and they are looking for information, if not advice. Make it short, but poignant, and it'll go over well on an invitation.

Nostalgia. Don't embarrass anyone, but telling childhood stories can be fun. Your invitation will catch eyes if it's funny, and this is a sure way to make it that way.

Of course, your invitations need all the typical information on them. Time, place, purpose, dress code if you have one, what you'll be doing at the party, directions, a number to RSVP at, and all of that sort of thing. For something more formal, try "The parents of Joe Graduate proudly invite you to an evening dinner..." If you're just having a barbecue, go for a flier approach as opposed to formal invitations. If it's a family affair, then aim the mood of the invitations at celebrating the graduate's accomplishment. If it's a party for the graduates, then the invitations should reflect that as well. As with any other writing, write for your audience.

Congratulations, graduates!