Make it easy for guests to RSVP to a graduation party by giving them all the information they’ll need. A graduation, whether it is from preschool, high school or college, is a very important step in life that should be celebrated for the accomplishment it is. Include all the party details on the invitations and send them out well before the event to ensure proper response from your invited guests.

Write the RSVP contact information on the bottom of the graduation party invitation. Include a name and phone number. Email addresses are also acceptable, but they are more casual. If the invitation is formal, RSVP cards should be included with the invitation in the envelope. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope for the convenience of guests.

Let guests know the deadline to RSVP. Give yourself ample time to order enough food and drinks. Ask your caterer when he will need to know the final guest count. Set your RSVP deadline one week before that to allow for any last-minute or late responses. On the invitation, write, “We look forward to celebrating with you. Please reply by May 1.”

Send your invitations on time. The My Expression website notes that because graduation season is a very busy time of year, you should send the invitations to out-of-town guests four to six weeks before the party. If the event will include only in-town guests, send the invitations two to three weeks before the party.