Graduation season is upon us, and with it comes the tradition of sending out graduation invitations and announcements. Whether you’re a meticulous planner or tend to procrastinate (no judgment here!), this guide will help you navigate the ins and outs of ordering and mailing your grad cards.
When to Order, When to Mail, and What to Know
Graduation Invitations: When to Order, When to Mail, and What to Know
Graduation season is an exciting time, and sending out invitations is a key part of celebrating. Whether you’re planning a big open house or a small gathering, here’s everything you need to know to get your invitations ordered and mailed on time.
When to Order Your Graduation Invitations
To keep stress levels low, follow this timeline for ordering and sending out your invitations:
10 Weeks Before the Party: Post a save-the-date on Facebook for family and close friends. With so many graduation parties happening, this ensures your event is on their radar early.
8 Weeks Before the Party: Place your order for graduation invitations. This allows time for designing, reviewing, and printing.
6 Weeks Before the Party: Mail out invitations. This gives guests plenty of time to RSVP and plan ahead for your celebration.
What to Include in Your Graduation Invitations
Make sure your invitations provide all the essential details:
Personal Touch: A short message, favorite quote, or fun detail can make your invite feel more personal.
Graduate’s Name
School Name
Graduation Year
Date, Time, and Location of the Celebration
RSVP Instructions (if needed)
Things to Know: Etiquette and Tips
To ensure your announcements hit the mark, keep these pointers in mind:
Invitations vs. Announcements: A graduation invitation is an invite to a celebration, while an announcement is simply sharing the exciting news of graduation. If you’re hosting a party, make sure to send invitations early so guests can plan accordingly.
Wording Matters: Keep the wording clear and concise. Include your full name, school name, degree or diploma received, and graduation date. Personal touches, like a favorite quote or note of gratitude, can add warmth.
Addressing Envelopes: Handwrite addresses when possible for a personal touch. Use formal titles (Mr., Ms., Dr.) and ensure names are spelled correctly.
Including Photos: Adding a photo can make your card more personal and memorable. Choose a high-quality image that reflects your personality.
Gift Expectations: Receiving an announcement does not obligate the recipient to send a gift. However, a congratulatory note is always appreciated.
How We Help Our Seniors Stay on Track
Planning your graduation cards shouldn’t be stressful! We start the process with our seniors in January, keeping them updated monthly so they stay on task with printing their invitations. Once an order is placed, we personally review it to make sure everything looks perfect. We offer a variety of paper options, unique shapes, foil finishes, and envelopes—including pre-printed return addresses or full addressing—so there’s less work for you!
Final Thoughts
Your graduation is a big deal, and your invitations or announcements should reflect your personality and style. By planning ahead and following these tips, you’ll make sure your cards arrive right on time. If you’re still in need of the perfect senior photos to feature on your cards, let’s make it happen! Reach out to Stacy to book a session and capture images that truly represent you. Spots fill up fast, so don’t wait—contact Stacy today to get on the schedule!
For more insights and tips on preparing for graduation, check out these resources:
Congratulations on reaching this next phase of life, and happy announcing!
