Exams were aced, essays were written, credits were earned—now there’s just one more thing: how to word your graduation announcements. So what should a graduation announcement say? No matter which unique design you choose, you’ll need to know what information to include on them and graduation announcement wording is simple with our trusty guide.
Written Out by Owl and Toad
Anderson by Amy Kross
Display your grad’s name somewhere prominent—it’s their time to shine! Use first, middle, and last name for a formal announcement, or go with a nickname for an informal design.
For a personal touch, include your graduate’s senior portrait or a shot of them in their cap and gown. We have a roundup of some great grad poses and ideas.
Though not always necessary, including the parents’ names is a way to show their pride. If married, you can display as Mr. and Mrs. [last name], otherwise separate full names always does the trick.
Include the full name of the school that your grad is graduating from. For the high school graduate, it’s also a good idea to include the name of the university they’re attending next.
For the college graduate, highlight their area of study and the degree they’ve earned.
Numerals work well for most styles, but you may wish to spell it out for a formal design.
Opt for a design that features a backer, where there’s space to include your grad’s accomplishments. Here you can mention their passions, sports teams, or special honors. It’s also a great place to include a personal thank you to all those who helped your grad along the way.
Include a 5.5” x 4.25” insert card along with your announcement to invite guests to your grad’s party. You can use this space to provide guests with the details and any social-distancing guidelines for the event or log-in details for a virtual party.
Once the anatomy of the card has been established, the rest of the wording for graduation announcements comes from the heart. To help you convey your excitement for the celebration, we’ve put together some sample graduation announcement wording based on age range and degree level so you can easily draft and compose your announcements this year.
Vibrant Grad designed by Pixel and Hank
Monochrome Frame designed by Kamala Nahas
When announcing your graduation from a Master’s program, you may want to feature some additional messaging or context on your announcement (as seen in our sample) as friends and extended family members may not have known you were attending night classes or continuing on for higher education.
Heartfelt Thanks designed by Amy Payne
Again, when you dedicate 2 - 6 additional years of post-college education, it is worthwhile to include some additional information regarding your next steps when composing the wording for graduation announcements. Include details like a law firm you may be practicing at, a residency program you will be starting, or a research assignment you are starting. Our vellum overlay designs are perfect for featuring this additional messaging in a stylish and professional way.
Little Note designed by Minted
Earned It designed by Ekko Studio
Use the real estate on the back of your announcement to include a more detailed message from the graduate or proud parents. Minted offers over a dozen unique design templates to choose from that can feature a scholastic timeline, message with school logo, or composed letter.
Unlike a graduation invitation that includes an event date, the graduation announcement can be sent within a wide time frame. We suggest about two weeks before graduation (when you’re sure all the requirements have been met!) to six weeks afterward, in case you prefer to include a photo of your grad in full regalia.
Given 2022 has been a strange year, you may want to send the graduation announcement to a larger audience than you would have in years past, as there has been less face-to-face socializing. Family members, both immediate and extended, will of course be thrilled to receive a graduation announcement. While it’s not necessary to send to friends in the same year of your grad, it’s a good idea to send to childhood friends who have stayed in touch. And don’t forget anyone who may have helped your grad along the way, from piano teachers or soccer coaches, to favorite teachers from elementary school.