Is your kiddo about to graduate? It feels like just yesterday they were taking their first steps, and now boom—they’re ready to toss that cap. This calls for a celebration, and the perfect graduation announcement sets the tone.
We’ll help you create announcements that are as special as this milestone. We’ll cover:
- Creative wording ideas.
- Design tips and tricks.
- Printing and mailing advice.
- Budget-friendly options.
Creative Wording Ideas
Finding the right words can be tricky. You want your announcement to be personal, celebratory, and informative. Don’t stress—we’ve got you covered. Here are some ideas to get those creative juices flowing.
Classic & Formal
- “You’re cordially invited to celebrate the graduation of [Name] from [School Name].”
- “[Name] requests the pleasure of your company as they graduate with the class of [Year].”
- “With great joy, we announce the graduation of our son/daughter, [Name].”
Casual & Fun
- “Guess who did it? [Name] is graduating.”
- “It’s official! [Name] is a graduate.”
- “Join us as we celebrate [Name]’s big achievement.”
Personal Touches
- Include a favorite quote or inside joke. This adds a special touch.
- Mention a specific accomplishment or future plan. Show off their hard work.
- Use a photo of your graduate. A picture is worth a thousand words.
Example:
“After years of hard work (and a few all-nighters), [Name] is finally graduating. Join us for a celebration as we mark this momentous occasion and wish them well on their next adventure. They’re off to [College/Job/etc.] to study [Major/Field].”
Pro tip: Don’t be afraid to mix and match elements from different styles. The goal is to create an announcement that reflects your graduate’s personality.
Design Tips and Tricks
A well-designed announcement is a feast for the eyes. It grabs attention and sets the stage for your celebration. Here’s how to make yours stand out.
Visual Elements
- Font: Choose a font that’s easy to read but also reflects the tone of your announcement. Script fonts can be elegant, while sans-serif fonts are modern and clean. Avoid anything too decorative that makes the text difficult to decipher.
- Color: Use colors that complement your photo and the overall theme. Consider school colors or your graduate’s favorite colors. A limited color palette (2-3 colors) often looks more polished.
- Photos: Use a high-resolution photo of your graduate. A professional headshot or a candid photo that captures their personality works well. Consider using a photo from their senior year or a more recent picture that represents their current style.
- Layout: Keep the layout clean and uncluttered. Use white space effectively to guide the reader’s eye. A simple, balanced layout is often the most effective.
Printing & Paper
- Paper Stock: Choose a high-quality paper stock. Thicker paper feels more luxurious and professional. Consider textured paper for an added touch of elegance.
- Printing Method: Professional printing ensures the best quality. Consider letterpress or foil stamping for a truly special announcement (if your budget allows). Online printing services offer a good balance of quality and affordability.
Imagine a card with a crisp white background, a deep blue script font for the graduate’s name, and a modern sans-serif font for the other details. A professional headshot is placed on the left side, and the text is neatly aligned on the right. The card is printed on thick, textured paper, giving it a luxurious feel.
Pro tip: Use online design tools like Canva or Adobe Express to create your announcements. These tools offer templates and design elements that make it easy to create professional-looking announcements, even if you’re not a designer.
Printing and Mailing Advice
You’ve designed the perfect announcement—now it’s time to get them printed and sent. Here’s what you need to know.
Printing
- DIY vs. Professional: If you’re on a tight budget, you can print your announcements at home. However, professional printing offers better quality and more paper options. Online printing services like Basic Invite offer a wide selection of styles, including beautiful graduation photo cards.
- Proofs: Always order a proof before printing your entire batch. This allows you to catch any errors and make adjustments.
- Quantity: Order slightly more announcements than you think you need. You’ll likely have last-minute additions to your guest list.
Mailing
- Envelopes: Use high-quality envelopes that complement your announcements. Consider addressing them by hand for a personal touch.
- Postage: Weigh your announcements before purchasing postage. Oversized or heavier cards may require additional postage.
- Timing: Mail your announcements 4-6 weeks before the graduation ceremony. This gives your guests plenty of time to RSVP. For specialized announcements, like nurse graduation invitations, which may have a smaller target audience, you might want to send them a bit earlier.
- Return Address: Include a return address on your envelopes. This ensures that any undeliverable mail is returned to you.
You carefully select a heavy card stock for your announcements. You upload your design to an online printing service and order proof. Once you’re happy with the proof, you place your full order. You then purchase matching envelopes and hand-address them with a calligraphy pen. You carefully weigh each envelope to ensure you have the correct postage.
Pro tip: Consider using a service like USPS Every Door Direct Mail for bulk mailing. This can save you time and money if you’re sending a large number of announcements.
Budget-Friendly Options
Graduation can be expensive. Luckily, you can create beautiful announcements without breaking the bank. Here are some tips for saving money.
DIY Approach
- Design it Yourself: Use free design tools like Canva or create your own design using word processing software. There are tons of free templates available online.
- Print at Home: Print your announcements on your home printer. This is the most cost-effective option, but be mindful of ink costs and paper quality.
- Simple Design: Keep your design simple and elegant. Avoid expensive printing techniques like letterpress or foil stamping.
Smart Shopping
- Online Printing Services: Online printing services often offer discounts and coupons. Shop around and compare prices before placing your order.
- Bulk Discounts: Many printing services offer bulk discounts. Order a larger quantity to save money per card.
- Postcard Style: Consider a postcard-style announcement. This eliminates the need for envelopes, saving you both time and money.
Creative Alternatives
- Digital Announcements: Send digital announcements via email or social media. This is a free and eco-friendly option.
- Photo Sharing: Create a digital photo album or slideshow to share with family and friends. This is a great way to showcase your graduate’s accomplishments.
Ask your local print shop if they offer student discounts. Many businesses offer discounts to students and educators.
Ready to Celebrate Your Child’s Graduation in Style?
Creating memorable graduation announcements is a special way to honor your graduate’s hard work and celebrate their achievements. With a little planning and creativity, you can design announcements that reflect their personality and capture the excitement of this milestone.
Here are the key takeaways:
- Personalize your wording to reflect your graduation.
- Choose a design that’s visually appealing and easy to read.
- Consider your budget and explore different printing options.
- Mail your announcements in plenty of time for your guests to RSVP.
Creating personalized graduation announcements is a breeze. You can find inspiration and easy-to-use templates online to create your perfect announcement.