Graduation Announcements

Graduation is more than a ceremony—it's a milestone worth celebrating. Whether you're marking the end of high school, college, or graduate school, our graduation announcements and graduation invitations help you share the achievement with pride. From traditional and formal designs to modern, rustic, or foil-stamped cards, Paper Culture offers something for every graduate.

All of our graduation cards are printed on 100% post-consumer recycled paper. Want to go beyond the announcement? Capture the memories in a custom graduation photo book, or gift a keepsake framed print of your big day. With optional mailing services and free designer assistance, your announcement experience can be as stress-free and personalized as possible.

GENERAL QUESTIONS

When should I send graduation announcements? Graduation announcements should ideally be sent out two to four weeks before the graduation ceremony. If you're including an invitation to a graduation party, send it at least a month in advance so guests can RSVP. For college graduations or destination celebrations, consider mailing them earlier to allow for travel planning. Ordering your Paper Culture graduation invitations 6 to 8 weeks ahead of time gives you ample time for customization and delivery.

How do I choose a graduation announcement design? Start by deciding if you want a photo or non-photo design. Then consider your graduation theme, school colors, or the formality of the celebration. Paper Culture offers a wide range of styles including classic, rustic, foil-accented, and modern minimalist designs. With Paper Culture’s free design assistance, you can also request custom colors, fonts, or layout tweaks to match your personality or event vibe. Remember, your card should reflect who you are and what this moment means.

Can I include a personal message in my graduation announcement? Absolutely. Personal messages add warmth and make your card feel unique. You might include a thank-you to parents, a note of reflection, or a short quote that inspired you. If you're sending multiple cards, you can also write a custom message on the back using our alternate layout options. A personal touch turns your announcement into a lasting keepsake.

Should I include a photo in my graduation announcement? Including a photo is highly encouraged—it lets your personality shine and helps recipients feel more connected. Choose a high-resolution senior portrait, cap-and-gown photo, or a casual snapshot that captures your style. Paper Culture offers photo and non-photo graduation cards to match any preference. If you'd like to preserve your photo in a lasting format, consider a framed print or photo book as a gift or keepsake.

What are the most popular graduation announcement styles? Top trends include traditional layouts, modern minimalist layouts, foil-accented text, rustic florals, and collage-style photo cards. Formal serif fonts and clean borders are popular for traditional designs, while bold typography and playful colors define more casual cards. Our graduation collection features something for every taste—from sophisticated to celebratory. You can browse by style or let our design team guide you with ideas.

What are eco-friendly graduation announcement options? All Paper Culture graduation announcements are printed on 100% post-consumer recycled paper. We also plant a tree with every order and use carbon-neutral production methods. Choosing eco-friendly cards helps you celebrate responsibly while making a positive impact. You can feel good knowing your graduation milestone contributes to a greener future.

How do I address graduation announcements to family and friends? Use full names and formal titles when addressing envelopes, especially for older recipients. For casual friends, less formal addressing is fine. Double-check spelling and make sure to include apartment numbers or full ZIP codes. If you're sending out graduation party invitations and inviting someone with a plus-one, clarify that with "and guest" or list both names. Taking the time to address announcements thoughtfully shows care and respect.

Can I include an RSVP in my graduation announcement? If you're hosting a graduation party, it's a great idea to include RSVP info. You can use a separate insert card or add the RSVP details directly on the back. Make sure to include a deadline and contact method such as phone or email. Keeping it clear helps you plan food, seating, and logistics more easily. 

What should I write in a graduation announcement? Keep it clear and heartfelt. Include essential details like your name, school, and graduation year. Then consider adding a short message that reflects your personality or plans. This could be an inspirational quote, a note of gratitude, or a simple expression of excitement. Let your tone match the design—whether formal, funny, or sincere.

What is the difference between a graduation announcement and a graduation invitation? Graduation announcements share the achievement — the graduate’s name, school, and class year. They’re often sent to extended family or friends who won’t attend the ceremony but still want to celebrate the news. Graduation invitations nclude all details about a specific event — date, time, location, RSVP info, and often serve as a celebration invitation post-ceremony.

Does Paper Culture offer all types of graduation announcements? Yes, we offer designs for every milestone — from senior graduation announcements for high school and college to middle school promotions and graduate degree announcements.

SENIOR GRADUATION ANNOUNCEMENT WORDING & ETIQUETTE

What to Include in Your Graduation Card
Essential Details for 2026 Graduation Announcements
Include:

• The graduate’s full name
• Class of 2026
• Name of the school or program
• Degree or honors (if applicable)
• Optional personal message or quote

Key Information for Graduation Invitations

Make sure to clearly state:

• Who is graduating
• What the celebration is (party, reception, open house)
• Date & time
• Location of event
• RSVP instructions (email, phone, link)
  
  

With Paper Culture's graduation card templates, you can customize and personalize so you can include both the achievement and party details.

Explore our Graduation Wording and Etiquette article for expert tips and inspiration, including graduation announcement sample wording.