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.

Styles of Graduation Announcements, Graduation Invitations, and Graduation Party Announcements

• Traditional Graduation Announcements: These graduation announcements often feature text in more formal fonts.
• Rustic Graduation Announcements: With the rustic graduation announcements, subtle natural motifs, such as flowers and leaves, are used as elegant design accents.
• Modern Graduation Announcements: These designs use contemporary fonts and minimalist design details surrounding the text.
• Classic Graduation Announcements: If you want a clean and adaptable design, our classic graduation announcements will be perfect for you.
• Foil Graduation Announcements: These beautiful glossy cards are sure to add an extra bit of pizzazz to your graduation!

Ordering is as Easy as 1, 2, Tree

1. Select the design

While you’re finding out your graduation details, you can start browsing graduation cards to see what graduation theme you most prefer. Here are some things to think about as you look for the perfect graduation announcement design:

• Photos: Do you want to feature graduation photos or would you rather keep the graduate’s details front and center with no photo? Alternatively, you can have a combination with details on the front and a graduation photo on the back of the announcement.
• Style: Choose the graduation theme and style of the announcement, from formal and traditional graduation announcements to less serious themes for fun graduation announcements.
• Colors: As with most Paper Culture designs, you can use our free designer assistance to request color changes either to match your school colors or your overall graduation theme.
• Size: Paper Culture offers a variety of graduation announcement card sizes to cater to your personal preferences.
• Paper: Paper Culture offers three luxe and eco-friendly paper options all made with 100% recycled paper which means your graduation invitations will help, not hurt, the planet.

2. Personalize your Graduation Announcements

• Once you’ve selected your design, just upload your photos and personalize the copy. We also have alternative back template options if you want to add more graduation photos and details to the announcement.
• If you would like our designers to help with further custom changes, request our free designer assistance ahead of your purchase.
• Finalize and approve your digital proof.

3. Place your order and dedicate a tree!   

• Once you have your final design, select the quantity you want and optional addressing services which include printed envelopes and our Mailed for You service where we address, stamp, and mail your cards for a small fee.
• Place your order and dedicate the tree we’ll plant for you. Your tree will be planted in a forest where it’s needed most and you can write a dedication for your tree if you’d like!

What should I include in a graduation announcement? Include the graduate’s full name, school name, and graduation year. If applicable, mention the degree or honors earned, along with the date of the graduation ceremony. You may also want to include future plans, like a college acceptance or job placement. For announcements doubling as party invites, be sure to list event details such as time, location, and RSVP information. Adding a favorite quote or personal note can make the card even more meaningful.

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.

What is the proper etiquette for sending graduation announcements? Announcements can be sent to family, friends, mentors, and anyone who supported you on your journey. Use full names and formal titles on envelopes. If you're not inviting guests to an event, make it clear the card is for announcement purposes only. Most importantly, keep the tone genuine and celebratory.

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.

How can I personalize my graduation announcements? Choose your favorite design, then upload photos, edit the text, and adjust fonts or colors. You can also change the layout on the back to include more images or a personal message. For a completely custom look, use Paper Culture’s free design assistance or upload your own DIY layout. Adding personal touches like a dedication or quote helps make it one-of-a-kind. No two graduates are the same and your announcement shouldn’t be either.

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 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.

Can I send digital graduation announcements? While Paper Culture specializes in printed announcements, digital versions can be sent to complement your printed cards. Many graduates use printed invitations for close family and digital copies for friends or classmates. If you prefer to stick with print, our Mailed for You service makes sending easy—we'll address, stamp, and mail your cards for you. A tangible card often feels more personal and is more likely to be saved as a keepsake.

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.

What is the history of graduation announcements? Graduation announcements trace back to 19th-century Europe and the U.S., when handwritten or printed cards were sent to announce academic achievements. They became more common in the 20th century with the rise of formal schooling milestones. Today, they serve as both personal mementos and functional invitations. At Paper Culture, we continue this tradition with sustainable, modern designs that honor the past while celebrating the future.

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 are creative ideas for graduation announcements? Try using a favorite quote, fun headline, or themed card layout to make your graduation announcement stand out. Add a QR code that links to a digital slideshow or memory video. Include a collage of senior year moments or shout-outs to favorite teachers and mentors. Consider pairing your announcement with a small personalized gift for family members. Creativity adds character and turns your announcement into a cherished keepsake.

Graduation is a huge achievement—let it shine with custom announcements that are as memorable as your journey. From high school to graduate school, Paper Culture is here to help you create meaningful, eco-friendly graduation invitations and announcements that capture your moment in style. Add matching photo books, framed prints, and personalized gifts to round out your celebration and share the joy with everyone who helped you get there.