Do you know the difference between graduation announcements and graduation invitations? Both are super popular for seniors but there is a difference and different etiquette for each.
Grad Invitations
An invitation is sent specifically to invite someone to something such as your graduation ceremony or a graduation party. Sometimes high schools limit the number of people each senior can invite to the actual graduation ceremony. If this is the case, be sure to explain the situation to close family and friends. There is an alternative for those who can’t attend the actual ceremony.
That is where a party comes in handy! Having a party to celebrate your graduation will allow you to invite whoever you want and those that may not have been able to attend the actual ceremony. Graduation parties can be held on the day of graduation or on the days after the actual ceremony. They are most commonly held after graduation.
Invitations should be sent out at least 3-4 weeks PRIOR to the event. This gives people plenty of notice so they can mark their calendars if they are going to attend. If you have relatives or friends living out of town, be sure to send their invitations out 4-6 weeks BEFORE the event so they can make travel arrangements.
Be sure to include your name, a photo or photos of you, time, date, location, RSVP, or regrets with where to send those.
Grad Announcements
Graduation announcements should be sent to family members, extended relatives, friends, teachers, classmates, and anyone who would be happy to celebrate this accomplishment with you. A graduation announcement is sent to let people know of your accomplishments! Graduation is such an important milestone and people who know you will want to know! And let’s face it, Mom and Dad will be so excited to share this news!
Reasons to Send Out a Graduation Announcement
To Share the News: Friends, family, relatives and anyone who has helped or supported you through the years will be excited to know and feel special that you included them.
Say Thank You: A graduation announcement can be a way of thanking those that have been in your life and watched you grow.
Keep Up With Tradition: It is a long-standing tradition to announce your graduation and is most likely the first big announcement-style correspondence you will send out.
To Network: Never turn away a chance to network because you never know who can offer an opportunity.
Create a Keepsake: A graduation invitation with your photo can be a keepsake for those that receive it. Display it on the fridge, keep it in a photo album, and look back on it to remember this special time in your life.
So what do you include in the actual graduation announcement?
- Your Full Name
- Graduation Year
- Name of High School
- Future Plans (optional)
- A photo or photos of you
Graduation announcements do not typically invite someone to an event. Therefore, you have a wider timeframe to send them out. It is acceptable to send out graduation announcements anywhere between two weeks before the graduation date and up to four weeks after the graduation ceremony.
No matter whether you send out invitations, announcements, or both, remember this is an accomplishment that is worth celebrating. The people you choose to include on your list will be excited and honored to celebrate with you!
I’m Ready to Order
I hope these etiquette tips were helpful and helped you determine which option is best for your situation. If you book a senior session with LaToya Jyadon Photography your photo gallery will have many designs to choose from. You can choose from grad announcements, open house cards, and/or thank you cards. As a special gift to you, I will email you a special discount code! This is my personal way of saying CONGRATULATIONS!
Interested In a Senior Session?
It’s not too early or too late to inquire about a senior session. We will work together to make sure you get the perfect images for those grad cards/invitations. In order to help you prepare for your senior photoshoot, here is a FREE guide just for you! I can’t wait to receive your inquiry in my inbox.
