Graduation Announcement and Invitation Etiquette 101

Graduation is just around the corner and many are wondering about the proper etiquette for sending out their graduation invitations and graduation announcements. Many have questions such as when do I send my graduation announcements, or what do I put on my graduation invitations?

Graduation invitation print your own

As far as when to send the graduation announcements or invitation out goes, it depends on which they are going to be. If they are invitations to the actual graduation ceremony itself then you want to give your guests at least 14 days, however four weeks would be better, especially if you are inviting guests that must travel long distances to attend. This gives them time to plan and respond to the invitation. Keep in mind that many schools and universities limit the number of people that may attend, due to seating constraints, so be sure to check with your school for any such limitations prior to sending our your invitations. Many people choose to only invite family and close friends to the actual graduation ceremony, and will then send announcements to others to let them know they have graduated.

If you are sending out announcements, to share your educational milestone, then you will probably want to plan them for anywhere between a month prior to and a month after the actual graduation ceremony takes place. Also be aware that while people receiving actual invitations to the graduation may assume a gift is required, announcements do not necessarily mean that a gift is expected. Still, you may want to add “No gifts, please” to the card, if you don’t want to put a feeling of obligation on the announcement recipients.

Some people also use the announcements as a party invitation, for those that were unable to attend the ceremony due to limits set forth by the school, and if they are being used as such they should be sent 3 to 4 weeks in advance of the party itself. Be sure to include directions and/or a map to the party venue, as well as the dress code (formal, informal, pool party, etc.).

With graduation announcements you can go formal or informal, but recipients really appreciate it when they are personal. Add your own message, school and degree information, or even a photo of yourself.

Also remember to send thank you notes to those who attended your graduation ceremony or sent gifts. Check out our site for some really cute graduation thank you cards.

The next cause for concern that new graduates experience is what do I say on the invitation or announcement. Again, you can get as formal or informal as you want. We have a page that lists some really great sample graduation invitation wording ideas that you may want to check out on our web site.

Also be sure to check out our complete line of graduation papers, including graduation invitation kits, graduation announcement kits, graduation thank you cards, graduation envelope seals and more.