Graduation announcements, while not originally viewed as a request for gifts, unfortunately have become associated in recent years with forced gift-giving. Graduation announcements should not be distributed to people other than close friends and family members, unless the notation “No gifts please” has been added. (A rough rule to follow would be this: Send announcements only to those people who already know that your son or daughter is graduating.)

The same thing goes for Graduation Invitations (which differ from the announcements only in that they include a request for attendance at the ceremony as opposed to merely announcing the impending receipt of the diploma or degree). This is particularly true because many degree-granting institutions impose limits on the number of spectators who actually may attend, and issue tickets to the graduate to be given to those select members of the family or friends who actually are expected to show up at the ceremonies.

Whether it is a traditional graduation party such as an open house or a more “organized party” such as a roast for the graduate or a buffet dinner, plan a party theme that reflects what your graduate’s plans for the future are. For example, if college is the ticket, get on the phone (or online) to that college’s bookstore and order balloons, school banners and posters, and anything else that serves both as decoration for your party as well as souvenirs for your guests. Buy fake mortarboards and fill them with flowers in the school colors for instant centerpieces.

It is easy to say that you should plan a graduation party that the graduates will actually remain at throughout the evening, but that actually never has happened.

First Communion

The First Holy Communion is becoming a main event! What began as a small get together with a small group of family and friends immediately following the First Communion exercise has now expanded to a Grand or Elaborate event.

In planning the first communion party, you might want to consider that this is not a typical child

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