{"id":12927,"date":"2014-03-06T11:14:10","date_gmt":"2014-03-06T18:14:10","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.paperdirect.com\/blog\/?p=12927"},"modified":"2026-03-19T13:05:33","modified_gmt":"2026-03-19T18:05:33","slug":"what-to-put-on-graduation-announcements","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.paperdirect.com\/blog\/2014\/03\/what-to-put-on-graduation-announcements\/","title":{"rendered":"What to Put on Graduation Announcements"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"227\" height=\"300\" src=\"\/blog\/media\/Somerset-Foil-Invitations1-227x300.jpg\" alt=\"Somerset Foil Invitations by PaperDirect\" class=\"wp-image-12979\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.paperdirect.com\/blog\/media\/Somerset-Foil-Invitations1-227x300.jpg 227w, https:\/\/www.paperdirect.com\/blog\/media\/Somerset-Foil-Invitations1-113x150.jpg 113w, https:\/\/www.paperdirect.com\/blog\/media\/Somerset-Foil-Invitations1-265x350.jpg 265w, https:\/\/www.paperdirect.com\/blog\/media\/Somerset-Foil-Invitations1.jpg 303w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 227px) 100vw, 227px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Graduation is a once-in-a-lifetime milestone\u2014and sharing the news with family and friends makes it even more meaningful. But once you sit down to write your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.paperdirect.com\/invitations\/formal-invitations\" title=\"\">announcement,<\/a> it&#8217;s easy to feel stuck. What details do you include? How formal should the wording be? Can you add a personal touch without going overboard?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether you&#8217;re a proud parent crafting the perfect keepsake or a graduate putting your own spin on things, this guide covers everything you need to know. From essential details to heartfelt finishing touches, here&#8217;s exactly what to put on graduation announcements to make them truly unforgettable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Include the Essentials<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Start with the basics. Every <a href=\"https:\/\/www.paperdirect.com\/invitations\/formal-invitations\" title=\"\">announcement<\/a> should clearly communicate the who, what, when, and where of the big day. Here&#8217;s what to include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Graduate&#8217;s full name<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>School name and location<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Degree, diploma, or grade level<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Date and time of the ceremony<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Venue name (if guests are invited to attend)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Example:<\/strong><br><em>The Smith Family proudly announces the graduation of<\/em><br><em>Emma Louise Smith<\/em><br><em>from Lincoln High School<\/em><br><em>on Saturday, May 24th, 2025, at 2:00 p.m.<\/em><br><em>Lincoln Auditorium \u2013 Springfield, Illinois<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pro Tip:<\/strong> Always double-check spelling, dates, and titles before sending to print. A small typo on a keepsake announcement is hard to overlook.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>PaperDirect&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.paperdirect.com\/Graduation\">Graduation Announcement Templates<\/a> make it easy to customize these essentials with your school name, event details, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Add A Personal Touch<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"227\" height=\"300\" src=\"\/blog\/media\/Simpatico-Silver-Foil-Invitations-227x300.jpg\" alt=\"Simpatico Silver Foil Invitations by PaperDirect\" class=\"wp-image-12974\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.paperdirect.com\/blog\/media\/Simpatico-Silver-Foil-Invitations-227x300.jpg 227w, https:\/\/www.paperdirect.com\/blog\/media\/Simpatico-Silver-Foil-Invitations-113x150.jpg 113w, https:\/\/www.paperdirect.com\/blog\/media\/Simpatico-Silver-Foil-Invitations-265x350.jpg 265w, https:\/\/www.paperdirect.com\/blog\/media\/Simpatico-Silver-Foil-Invitations.jpg 303w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 227px) 100vw, 227px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>The essentials get the information across\u2014but personalization is what makes an announcement worth keeping. Here are a few ways to make yours stand out:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Include a favorite quote or meaningful Bible verse<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Add a senior portrait or photo collage<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mention future plans (college, trade school, military, or career)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Write a short thank-you message or personal reflection<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Example:<\/strong><br><em>&#8220;The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.&#8221; \u2013 Eleanor Roosevelt<\/em><br><em>Emma will attend State University this fall to study Biology.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For an elegant way to highlight names or quotes, consider PaperDirect&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.paperdirect.com\/Graduation\">Foil-Stamped Invitations<\/a>\u2014a beautiful finishing touch that elevates the entire design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Choose the Right Format<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Graduation announcements come in several formats. The right one depends on your audience, timeline, and personal style.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Format<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Best For<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Pros<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Cons<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Printed (Traditional)<\/td><td>Family, keepsakes, formal events<\/td><td>Elegant, tangible, long-lasting<\/td><td>Requires printing and postage<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Digital (E-Announcements)<\/td><td>Distant relatives, classmates<\/td><td>Fast, cost-effective, shareable<\/td><td>Less personal<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Hybrid (Printed + Digital)<\/td><td>Large guest lists<\/td><td>Combines ease with formality<\/td><td>Requires managing both formats<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pro Tip:<\/strong> Printed announcements make perfect keepsakes for scrapbooks and memory boxes\u2014something a digital file simply can&#8217;t replicate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Craft the Perfect Wording<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The wording sets the entire tone of your announcement. Depending on the graduate&#8217;s personality and the occasion, you might lean formal, casual, or somewhere in between.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Formal example:<\/strong><br><em>Mr. and Mrs. William Carter<\/em><br><em>proudly announce the graduation of their daughter<\/em><br><em>Sophia Grace Carter<\/em><br><em>from Jefferson High School<\/em><br><em>Commencement Ceremony: June 2, 2025 \u2013 6:00 p.m.<\/em><br><em>Jefferson Stadium<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Casual example:<\/strong><br><em>We&#8217;re thrilled to share the news!<\/em><br><em>Aiden Taylor is graduating from Central High School.<\/em><br><em>Join us as we celebrate his accomplishments on May 28th.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Keep copy short and genuine\u2014around 4\u20136 lines is ideal for a clean, readable design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Highlight Honors and Achievements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Graduation announcements are an appropriate place to mention select academic distinctions\u2014but keep it focused. A long list of achievements can feel overwhelming rather than celebratory.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"350\" height=\"259\" src=\"https:\/\/www.paperdirect.com\/blog\/media\/PD-Blog_gradannounce.gif\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-20372\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p><strong>Appropriate inclusions:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Valedictorian or Salutatorian<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&#8220;Graduating with Honors&#8221; or &#8220;Summa Cum Laude&#8221;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>National Honor Society membership<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Future plans, such as attending a specific university<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Example:<\/strong><br><em>Graduating with Honors and continuing studies at Duke University.<\/em> As a general rule, skip the full resume. The announcement should feel proud, not promotional<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Time Your Announcements Right<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Send printed graduation announcements 2\u20134 weeks before the ceremony. Here&#8217;s a quick breakdown:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Early ceremonies:<\/strong> Aim to send by late April or early May<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Summer graduations:<\/strong> Send 3\u20134 weeks before the event<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Thank-you notes:<\/strong> Send within 2 weeks of receiving gifts<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pro Tip:<\/strong> If you&#8217;re also hosting a graduation party, send the announcement and party invitation together. It saves on postage and keeps everything in one tidy package.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Consider Optional Extras<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.paperdirect.com\/Dignity-Specialty-Flat-Invitations\/-109661\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"227\" height=\"300\" src=\"\/blog\/media\/Dignity-Blue-Foil-Invitations-227x300.jpg\" alt=\"Dignity Blue Foil Invitations by PaperDirect\" class=\"wp-image-12976\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.paperdirect.com\/blog\/media\/Dignity-Blue-Foil-Invitations-227x300.jpg 227w, https:\/\/www.paperdirect.com\/blog\/media\/Dignity-Blue-Foil-Invitations-113x150.jpg 113w, https:\/\/www.paperdirect.com\/blog\/media\/Dignity-Blue-Foil-Invitations-265x350.jpg 265w, https:\/\/www.paperdirect.com\/blog\/media\/Dignity-Blue-Foil-Invitations.jpg 303w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 227px) 100vw, 227px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>A few thoughtful additions can take your announcement from standard to special:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Graduation party invitation card<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Photo insert or senior memory snapshot<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Thank-you card for post-event gestures<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>QR code linking to a senior video or digital photo album<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>PaperDirect&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.paperdirect.com\/Graduation\">Matching Graduation Invitation Sets<\/a> let you coordinate your announcements, thank-you notes, and party invites for a polished, cohesive look.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Proof, Print, and Assemble<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Before sealing a single <a href=\"https:\/\/www.paperdirect.com\/stationery\/business-stationery\/envelopes\" title=\"\">envelope,<\/a> run through this final checklist:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Are all names spelled correctly?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Is the date and time accurate?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Do photos print clearly at the chosen size?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Are return addresses correct?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pro Tip:<\/strong> Order 10\u201315 extra announcements. Last-minute additions to the guest list happen, and family members often appreciate a keepsake copy of their own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Make Your Announcement One to Remember<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"426\" src=\"https:\/\/www.paperdirect.com\/blog\/media\/PD-Blog_GradAnnouncement.gif\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-20373\" style=\"width:257px;height:auto\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.paperdirect.com\/occasions\/parties\/graduation\" title=\"\">Graduation<\/a> is a proud milestone\u2014your announcement should capture that excitement and share it beautifully. With the right details, thoughtful wording, and a design that reflects the graduate&#8217;s personality, your announcement becomes more than just a card. It becomes a keepsake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ready to bring it all together? <a href=\"https:\/\/www.paperdirect.com\/Graduation\">Shop Custom Graduation Announcements &amp; Invitations at PaperDirect<\/a> and create personalized designs that celebrate your achievement in style.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Graduation is a once-in-a-lifetime milestone\u2014and sharing the news with family and friends makes it even more meaningful. But once you<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":12979,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mi_skip_tracking":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[6,538],"tags":[433,431,233,398,432],"class_list":["post-12927","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-event-planning","category-graduation","tag-college-graduation","tag-graduation-announcements","tag-graduation-invitations","tag-high-school-graduation","tag-invitations-template"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.paperdirect.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12927"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.paperdirect.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.paperdirect.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.paperdirect.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.paperdirect.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12927"}],"version-history":[{"count":12,"href":"https:\/\/www.paperdirect.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12927\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":20507,"href":"https:\/\/www.paperdirect.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12927\/revisions\/20507"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.paperdirect.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12979"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.paperdirect.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12927"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.paperdirect.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12927"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.paperdirect.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12927"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}