Dear Diane,
What is the difference between a graduation invitation and a graduation announcement? I received a card from my nephew announcing his graduation, but it’s not even the end of the year. There was no formal “request” to attend so I’m confused. What does graduation etiquette call for? Do I send a gift, wait for a call, or just sit still with hurt feelings?
L.S.G.
Dear L.S.G.,
There is no need to feel hurt or offended because you weren’t invited to your nephew’s graduation (which is still a couple of months away). Most graduation ceremonies can only hold a limited number of attendees and graduates limited to a certain number of tickets. An announcement is exactly that – a message letting you know an event has taken (or in this case, about to) take place. If you are close to your nephew, by all means, send a gift or card of congratulations. Keep in mind that he may be feeling uncomfortable having to leave important people off the graduation guest list. It’s a big, and often stressful time for everyone concerned.
Best,
Diane
You may also like Graduation Party Planning. For more of Diane’s etiquette tips read her posts on Inc., subscribe to her articles on HuffPost, “like” The Protocol School of Texas on Facebook, and follow her on Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter. Buy her new book, Modern Etiquette for a Better Life.
