Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Basic life rule, don't invite people unless your are prepared to pay for them. I wouldn't even think of asking them to pay for anything.

What planet are you from? This is not a “basic life rule” anywhere.

+1
we had 200 people at our wedding and we paid for everything at the event itself (open bar, etc.) but we didn't pay for 200 hotel rooms, the guests were on their own for that, and for airfare, etc.

This was me - my niece graduated out of town from where I lived. I received the invite, and decided to go and paid for my own transportation and hotel because that is what a normal person would do. They had a party with food, but otherwise, I knew whatever I did or ate I would have to pay for. Seriously, what world is everyone living in here

I would not expect someone else to pay for me to go to something like this. All I would expect is there's some food at a reception or party or dinner in celebration of the graduate.

Whole post is confusing; these family friends are close enough to attend your child’s graduation but not close enough for you to sort out cost? “Watch party” in a hotel? Is this like the only grandchild in the family, or first college graduate? No shade, just hard to provide advice as circumstances seem unique. OP can you clarify?

I would never invite anyone to my kids' graduation. DH and I come from continental Europe where those things are not important, whether it's high school or university.

Which allows me to make the distinction that if attending was their suggestion, you owe them an invite to the celebratory meal after the event, but nothing else. If you invited them, then perhaps something more is necessary.

I can't imagine traveling for a graduation of someone who isn't related to me. There probably won't even be room for them at the ceremony so it's just a matter of a backyard party.

Graduation Celebration - Out of Town:

This is a celebration of achievement not a union of families.

It is plausible to recognize that IF - IF family members are interested in participating in the graduation celebration, then they will be invited.

Beware -  Out of Town Graduations are a courtesy invite should the the guest is able to attend.

Once present - meals/entertainment should be provided.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I kinda find it silly for anyone to spend money on flights and hotels to attend a high school/college graduation, unless no one else in the family ever graduated before.

Then you shouldn't do it. These people, however, value spending time with each other and celebrating the big milestones in their young people's lives so this is how they choose to spend their money and time.

OP and many posters mentioned money issues. Yes, it’s all good if it works out for both sides but putting pressure on someone to come or pressure on host to house everyone can make it problematic.

Anonymous wrote:I kinda find it silly for anyone to spend money on flights and hotels to attend a high school/college graduation, unless no one else in the family ever graduated before.

Then you shouldn't do it. These people, however, value spending time with each other and celebrating the big milestones in their young people's lives so this is how they choose to spend their money and time.

An invitation is not a summons. They are choosing to come because they are proud of your kid.

No you do not pay for rooms or travel. If it so many days, yo plan free/low cost activities and have people to your home for dinner. The day of the ceremony you pay for a restaurant meal for the group - unless you are having a party at your home. The meal or party is like the wedding reception.

Make sure you have tickets to graduation. Most schools only give you 2-4.

This is like being invited to a wedding or bar mitzvah. I am assuming you invited them, and they didn't just offer to come?
In this case, you might offer to help find them accommodations. I don't think they would assume you would pay for them.
But it would be nice if you hosted a dinner or maybe a dinner and brunch, especially since they came to spend time with your family.

Anonymous wrote:Do you have enough tickets for everyone?

In this area, they all won't be able to attend the ceremony.

Most HS caps the number per student that may attend due to space, but maybe you are farther out where they don't do that.

I kinda find it silly for anyone to spend money on flights and hotels to attend a high school/college graduation, unless no one else in the family ever graduated before.