Polish Your Personal Brand
GRADUATION CELEBRATION ETIQUETTE
It's that time of year when kids from preschool to University don their cap and gowns and walk confidently toward the next phases of their lives. Graduations are a time of joyous celebration, so let's discuss the answers to your most asked graduation celebration questions!
I received a graduation announcement in the mail. Do I need to send a gift?
We're only allotted six invitations to my son’s high school graduation ceremony. How should I break the news to close family members that they will not be able to attend? Is it acceptable to invite them to the party even though they cannot attend the ceremony?
It is an etiquette myth that if you receive an announcement you must send a gift. Announcements are not the same thing as an invitation to a graduation ceremony or celebration. You're not obligated to give a gift, although you may choose to do so. Whether or not you send a present, a card or note of congratulations is always appreciated.
If you’re invited to the ceremony or are attending a graduation party, good etiquette dictates you send or bring a gift for the graduate. Jewelry is a wonderful way to commemorate the occasion; be it a watch for gentlemen or pendant necklace for ladies, a meaningful book, stock certificates, luggage, or a camera. All are presents the graduate will appreciate in the years ahead. When in doubt, cold, hard cash is always appreciated. I have even seen some very clever ways to present gift cards that make a meaningful presentation for the graduate's use in their immediate future. If you can’t be there in person for the celebration, a bouquet or arrangement delivered to the graduate’s home is a lovely way to let her know you are there in spirit.
This is a common dilemma during graduation season that can be easily rectified by explaining the situation to relatives. Most will be understanding. Devise some kind of plan—perhaps draw names out of a hat. If necessary, consider inviting one member from each set of grandparents to attend. Invite everyone to attend the party after graduation and be sure to share all of the pictures.
I want to throw my son a high-school graduation party and invite his friends and our relatives. But I’m concerned his 18-year-old buddies might get rowdy and upset the aunts and uncles. Do I need to throw two parties?
High-school graduation is an exciting time for teens and parents, so there’s no reason why your relatives and son’s friends can’t celebrate together. After all, he is stepping into 'real life' now. It's a great time to practice those real world gentlemanly skills! Get your son involved in the party planning: Let him send the invitations and plan the menu. If you’re concerned about the behavior of your son and his friends, discuss this with him—ahead of time. Your son should already know the polite behavior you expect, and you should already know most of his friends. Keep your conversation positive, but make sure you cover the potential problems, such as noise level and inappropriate behavior.
We need your consent to load the translations
We use a third-party service to translate the website content that may collect data about your activity. Please review the details in the privacy policy and accept the service to view the translations.