For English majors, writing graduation invitations may feel like second nature. For others, it can be a task more dreadful than final exams. As seniors prepare for the moment they've been longing for since coming to the University of Memphis, properly inviting family and friends is imperative.
U of M Assistant English Professor William Duffy described the first step as differentiating between announcements and actual invitations.
"Traditionally, graduates will send graduation announcements to friends and family, which more or less does exactly that- it announces your forthcoming graduation," Duffy said.
According to him, an invitation is something different altogether as it actually invites the recipients to attend the graduation.
After deciding which one to send, he recommends carefully constructing an announcement.
"Specify what exactly the recipient is being invited to," Duffy said.
He advised that students make sure to include instructions for recipients to receive their tickets if they are indeed invited to the actual ceremony, where they should go, the date and the time.
Duffy stated that if it is a graduation party that students are referring to in their invitations, make sure to make that evident.
"In the end, though, language is key. It would be confusing in a graduation announcement to invite recipients to celebrate with you. So choose wording that is clear, and on a formal occasion like a graduation," Duffy said.
As far as purchasing invitations goes, there are many websites that enable students to select and personalize various packages.
The U of M Commencement office listed the University Store, Balfour and Jostens as the best ordering options.
The University Bookstore only carries a package of 10 for $12.95 that does not enable customization.
Balfour has a Basic Package with 25 announcements for $95.50, an Essential Package with 35 announcements for $126.75 and a Deluxe Package with 50 announcements for $177.75.
Jostens offers a Basic Package with 25 announcements for $64.95, an Essential Package with 25 announcements, tissue inserts and a certificate of appreciation for $83.95 and a Deluxe Package with 50 announcements for $145.95.
Shutterfly, a website that offers a variety of customizable options, allows students to add a personal flair to their invitations.
Some students even choose local stationery shops and venues, such as Shara's Paperie Studio, to go that extra mile.
Shara's Paperie Studio, a local stationery shop, allows students to personalize their invitations at a local store. Shara Vanziger, who owns and operates the Studio, believes it is important for students to add their own personal touch to their graduation invitations.
"I think its better to personalize your invitations rather than opting for the cookie-cutter Jostens invitation," Vanziger said.
According to her, the price starts at about $2 an invitation, and it goes up from there.
"You've worked hard for this moment, you've put in a lot of blood, sweat and tears to get to this point in your life," Vanziger said. "You want an invitation that says, Hey! I made it-something with a little charisma."
