Pinning and Graduation

[kaylee_2003]

I am graduating in a couple weeks which I am excited about. The pinning is at 3pm and the graduation is at 730 the same day. They leave us enough time for dinner in between. However, I am wondering if I should invite people to both of them? I realize that it would make a really long day for some of my guests. Also, is there a polite way to say that someone can join us for dinner but they have to pay for themselves? My dad is taking me out to dinner between the two ceremonies but is only paying for me.

[kck605]

My graduation and pinning are one and the same, very convenient.

But in that situation, I would just invite close friends and family to both and everybody else to the graduation only. And you can just say "dinner on your own" and let them know where you will be dining. I hope this helps.

[NFB2008]

If I invited any of my family to dinner, I know they would not expect a free meal. I'm not really sure how it's impolite to say, "hey, we are going to get some dinner. You are welcome to come along" and then not paying. That's ridiculous. And why would they think a brand new grad has the money for that?

[trepinCT]

dont invite people to dinner unless you are going to pay for it..unless you approach it this way " a bunch of us are going to dinner between ceremonies,nothing formal, pay our own way, we will be at XYZ if you want to join us"

[Jules A, MSN]

If I invited any of my family to dinner, I know they would not expect a free meal. I'm not really sure how it's impolite to say, "hey, we are going to get some dinner. You are welcome to come along" and then not paying. That's ridiculous. And why would they think a brand new grad has the money for that?

Ha, my family expects whoever invites to pick up the check but we have always treated each other so its cool.

Very few people will have the time or inclination to attend both and in my opinion inviting people to your graduation but not being willing to buy their meal, no matter how simple, is just rude especially because I'm sure they will feel obligated to bring a gift.

[Dragonfly38RN]

Instead of going out to dinner, you could invite people over to your house or your dad's house in between the 2 ceremonies and set out cheese and crackers, etc. maybe order some pizzas...any kind of munchies. People that truly care about you won't expect a gourmet feast. Remember, this shouldn't be a stressful time for you, it's time to celebrate!!

[NoviceRN10]

If you are wanting to make it a celebration, I would just have an inexpensive casual lunch at your home (or your dad's). Serve subs and chips, simple and won't break the bank. Invite friends/family to your pinning only. After the pinning they go home, you go home. Then you can go with your immediate family to the graduation ceremony later (go out to eat with your dad beforehand). Or you could just invite people to the pinning and call it good. I went to my friend's pinning and didn't go out and celebrate with her before or afterwards.

[futurecnm]

Yeah, maybe skip the whole restaurant and have something at your house. I think it may be awkward if someone thinks you are inviting them to a dinner "celebration" rather than just everyone going out and picking up their own tab.

[coolpeach]

I agree with the above posters that you should invite everyone back to someone's home in between for a finger sandwich, or even a hot dog cookout kind of situation.

You could word the invitations to say you are having X followed by a short graduation party at the house, and ending with Y. You would love to see everyone at all three events, but hope that everyone can make it to at least one to celebrate this wonderful day with you.

This way no one feels pressured to come to all three events, and if they cannot come to all they will still feel welcome to come to at least one. People who do not feel comfortable coming to the ceremonies might feel comfortable just dropping by for the party. Because the party is inexpensive you can invite everyone including people you are NOT inviting to the cermonies. I would include co-workers, neighbors, etc.

The good news is most everyone who comes to a graduation party comes baring gifts which is usually cash. In the end it will pay for itself and you get to celebrate with all the people you know and love without breaking your checkbook.

[kaylee_2003]

Those are excellant ideas. However, I live over an hour away from where the ceremonies are being held, and thus cannot come back to my house. To be able to eat dinner, I must go out. there is onlly about an hour and a half between the two events.

[marie73]

My pinning is on Friday night 7:00 and graduation is Saturday at 4:30. I sent out invitations to everyone listing both events so they could choose which one they would like to come too. I also sent out invitations for a cook-out on Saturday before graduation. We are going to smoke some briskets, and have potatoe salad, coleslaw, and extra fixings. A good down home BBQ celebration!

I know that most people will come to the cookout and then go to graduation. The people that mean the most to me though are definitely coming to pinning also so it works out well for me!

[trepinCT]

Pinning should be for your closest family and friends, its a personal, intimate ceremony, a lot of schools around here limit how many guests could come per student because of space issues..invite the rest to the graduation only..if you must invite everyone you should pick up the tab..if you cant, then don't invite them to pinning or ask your dad to treat you another time..besides an hour and a half isint that much time to head out with a large group to eat dinner and get to graduation in time.

[tachybradyRN]

When I graduate, I'm planning on inviting everyone to the graduation/dinner but only close family (i.e. my mom, dad, and sister), my boyfriend and his parents to the pinning. It's much more personal for me. Just my opinion.

CONGRATULATIONS :)

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