After years of hard work, late nights studying, and early mornings attending classes, graduation is a day of celebration and recognition for their efforts. As the day approaches, students may wonder whether graduation announcements are necessary.
Some may argue that it’s a tradition and a way to inform friends and family of their achievements. Yet, others may view it as an unnecessary expense.
This article will explore whether graduation announcements are necessary, weighing the pros and cons to help students make informed decisions.
The Purpose Of Graduation Announcements
The purpose of graduation announcements is to inform family, friends, and acquaintances that a student has completed their academic program and will be graduating.
Graduation announcements are typically sent to share this achievement and celebrate the student’s hard work and dedication. They also serve as a way to invite recipients to share in the excitement of the occasion and to attend graduation ceremonies or other related events.
Additionally, graduation announcements can be a way for students to express gratitude and appreciation to those who have supported them throughout their academic journey.
Announcements Vs. Invitations
Graduation announcements and invitations are similar in some ways but differ in their primary purpose and audience.
A graduation announcement informs recipients that a student will be graduating. The primary purpose of a graduation announcement is to share this achievement with family, friends, and acquaintances.
On the other hand, a graduation invitation is specifically designed to invite recipients to attend the graduation ceremony or related events.
The invitation typically includes all the details about the event, such as the date, time, location, and any special instructions or dress code. The primary purpose of a graduation invitation is to request the recipient’s presence at the graduation ceremony.
Who To Send It To
The list of people to receive graduation announcements can vary depending on the individual and their circumstances. Generally, students send graduation announcements to family members, close friends, and mentors who have played a significant role in their academic journey.
Potential recipients might include former teachers or professors, coaches, clergy members, and community leaders.
It is common for students to send graduation announcements to those who may not be able to attend the graduation ceremony but would still appreciate knowing about the achievement. This can include distant relatives, family friends, or colleagues.
Ultimately, the decision of who to include on the list of recipients is up to the individual. Students should consider their personal relationships and the impact each person has had on their academic journey when deciding who to send announcements to.
What It Should Include
Regarding graduation announcements, several key pieces of information should be included to ensure that recipients are adequately informed about the graduate’s achievement.
While some argue that graduation announcements are unnecessary, including the following information can help make the announcement more meaningful and informative.
The Graduate’s Full Name. This should be prominently displayed on the announcement to ensure recipients know who is graduating.
The Type Of Degree/ Certificate Earned. This helps clarify the level of achievement and the field of study.
The Name Of The Institution. This is important for providing context and recognition for the institution where the graduate studied.
Any Additional Information/Accomplishments. This might include honors or awards received, future plans or goals, or a brief thank-you message to family and friends.
Including these details in a graduation announcement helps convey the significance of the achievement. It allows recipients to feel more connected to the graduate’s success.
Therefore, graduation announcements are necessary to ensure that recipients are fully informed about the graduate’s accomplishment and can celebrate this important milestone together.
When To Send Them
The best time to send graduation announcements is 2-4 weeks before the graduation ceremony. This will give your friends and family plenty of time to receive the announcement and RSVP to any graduation parties or events you may be hosting.
Suppose you are sending out announcements after the ceremony. In that case, it is still considered acceptable up to 6 weeks after the event. Let’s look at a detailed timeline for when to send out graduation announcements.
2-3 weeks before the ceremony: If your announcements include an invitation to a graduation party, this is the ideal time to send them out. This will give your guests plenty of time to mark the date on their calendars and make travel arrangements if necessary.
1-2 weeks before the ceremony: If your announcements do not include an invitation to a graduation party, you can still send them out this early. This is an excellent time to send them out if you want to inform your friends and family about your graduation.
Within 4 weeks after the ceremony: If you missed the deadline for sending out announcements before the ceremony, you can still send them out within four weeks after the event. This is a good option if you want to share your graduation news with friends and family who could not attend the ceremony.
No matter when you choose to send out your graduation announcements, make sure they are well-designed and informative. Include your name, the name of your school, the date of your graduation, and any other relevant information. You may also include a photo of yourself if desired.
Typical Cost
The cost of graduation announcements can vary depending on several factors, including the number of announcements you order, the size and type of card you choose, and the printing company you use.
Generally, you can expect to pay between $0.50 and $2.00 per announcement. Consider doing the following to save money on graduation announcements.
- Order your announcements in bulk. The more announcements you order, the less you’ll pay per announcement.
- Choose a simple design. Simple designs are less expensive to print than more elaborate designs.
- Use a discount code. Many printing companies offer discount codes to save money on your order.
- Shop around. Compare prices from different printing companies before you make a decision.
With a bit of planning, you can find affordable graduation announcements that will help you celebrate your significant accomplishment.
Alternative/Digital Graduation Announcements
There are several alternative ways to share your graduation news besides sending traditional announcements. Here are a few ideas.
Share your graduation news on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn. You can post photos, videos, or a status update to inform your friends and family about your achievement.
Create a short video message announcing your graduation and share it with your loved ones via email or social media.
Due to the pandemic, many schools host virtual graduation ceremonies, which can be a great alternative to traditional ceremonies. You can invite your friends and family to attend the virtual ceremony and celebrate together.
You can create personalized e-cards announcing your graduation and send them to your loved ones via email or social media. You can use websites like Canva or Adobe Spark to design your own e-card.
Host a graduation party and invite your friends and family to celebrate your achievement. You can do it virtually or in person, depending on your preference and the current situation in your area. Check out my other article to find out what to do for your college graduation!
These are just a few alternatives to traditional graduation announcements. Choose the one that suits you the best and celebrate your achievement in style!
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, graduation announcements are necessary to share the news of your academic achievement with your friends and family. They are a great way to acknowledge your hard work and dedication throughout your academic journey.
By sending graduation announcements, you can celebrate your milestone with your loved ones, and they can feel proud of your accomplishments.
Additionally, graduation announcements serve as a way to inform your network of your future plans and career aspirations. They can also help you network and make connections that can benefit your future career.
In summary, graduation announcements are a crucial part of the graduation process and necessary to share your academic success with the world.
