Sending Graduation Announcements

So, its graduation day and its time to let everyone know that you are a proud graduate. Now that all those seemingly endless years of toil and hard work have finally paid off, it’s finally time to celebrate. First things first, start by sending out graduation invitations and announcements to all your near and dear ones. Most colleges and high schools impose certain graduation day restrictions like limiting the number of spectators that a student may invite for the ceremony. This is because of shortage of space. So if you’re finding it hard to make a guest list, and you don’t know the correct procedure of sending out graduation announcements, here are a few tips to help you get started:

It is very important to send out graduation announcements to all your family members and close friends who would otherwise also be invited for the function. Graduation announcements and invitations are sent to family members and close friends so that they can share in the good news of your accomplishment. Make sure you invite all these individuals to join in the festivities that generally take place like luncheons, parties, to name a few. It is also very important to send invitations to family and friends who stay far away. Keep in mind; a graduation announcement is not necessarily a graduation invitation. Since most schools and colleges limit the seating arrangements, you are required to enclose an admission ticket in the graduation announcements of those who are attending the ceremony.

When addressing the envelopes, keep in mind that the outer envelope that has the gummed flap is the actual mailing envelope. Using blue or black ink, this envelope should be hand-addressed. Writing should be formal and it is not advisable to use abbreviations, except of course in the title.

For example –

Mr. and Mrs. John Doe
1773 South Kensington Street
Fleet Park, Philadelphia 13246

The inner envelope, on the other hand, does not have a gummed flap and must contain the graduation pictures, announcements, etc. this envelope should be informally addressed.

For instance –

# Dad and Mom
# Ronnie and Jake
# Uncle Tim

If your announcement includes the cardholder feature, then you can place your card in the holder. If it doesn’t, then you must place the card in the fold of the graduation announcement so that your name is facing away from the text. With the folded corner inserted first, your announcement should be placed inside the smaller envelope. The front of the announcement should face the flap, which can be fastened using a seal. If you do not wish to use a seal, leave the flap hanging out. With the flap facing the side of the mailing address, this smaller envelope will then be placed inside the mailing envelope

So, you don’t know when to send the announcements? Well, if your graduation announcement is also being sent as a graduation invitation to the ceremony or party, then it should be sent at least a week or two weeks in advance. If it is only serving as an announcement, still, it is appropriate to send it at least two weeks beforehand.

Do not expect gifts from everyone who has received your announcements, but it is always good to send out thank you notes to those who do send you gifts.

So, you are eagerly waiting for that day when you can finally walk down the stage in your black cap and gown to collect your well-deserved degree or diploma in front of your friends and family. In your excitement, don’t forget to order a large supply of announcements well in advance!