For a long time, graduation announcements have been a cherished tradition. They act as formal announcements to share your achievements with your loved ones, informing them of the graduate's achievements and inviting them to celebrate together on the joyous occasion. They also serve as a bridge to their future endeavors.

However, graduation announcements serve to share your accomplishment, but they are not invitations to the ceremony. If you're planning a celebration, it’s usually best to send a separate invitation.


With digital communication and social media taking over the communication system, many people still wonder if graduation announcements are still used.

Graduation announcements remain the formal way to share one's accomplishments with a wider circle. They act as a tangible reminder of one's achievement that goes out to loved ones with a personal touch.

Additionally, graduation announcements act as historical markers, preserving memories for many years to come. They are keepsakes that families cherish, tangible reminders of the hard work, dedication, and joy that accompanied the journey to graduation day.

Crafting unique graduation announcement wording is not as easy as you think. So, What do you write on a graduation announcement? Read on to find out how to write a heartfelt graduation announcement for your upcoming big occasion.


Here's a breakdown to help you craft the perfect graduation announcement wording for different degrees and circumstances.

•  What to Write on a Graduation Announcement 

A graduation announcement wording should include details like the graduate's name, school name, degree or diploma earned and the graduation date. The message should be heartfelt to convey the pride and accomplishment of the graduate.

You can also add a personal touch by including an inspiring quote or words of gratitude. Additionally, you can also include your favorite or treasured portrait from your time at school.

• Announcing Graduation Without an Invitation

Not all graduation announcements invite attendees to a ceremony or party. Sometimes, graduates want to share news of their accomplishments without the expectation of attendance. In such a case, the announcement should convey excitement and pride without extending an invitation. For example, "Celebrating [Graduate's Name] 's Graduation from [School Name]!"

• Wording for Conferring of Degrees

Commencement ceremonies are not complete without the official degree conferral. This is a special occasion announced with dignity and pride to reflect the graduate’s achievement. 

University officials like the president or dean, use specific wording for each degree level (high school diploma, bachelor's degree, doctorate) to highlight the significance of this milestone. For example, a Bachelor's conferral might acknowledge the student's major and minor, while a Ph.D. conferral would highlight their original research contributions. The conferring act is rich in tradition and uses precise wordings to recognize the student's achievements. 

• Writing an Expected Degree Announcement

Sometimes, some students share about their upcoming milestones while acknowledging that the degree has not been achieved yet. In this case, use wordings that demonstrate confidence, ensuring your announcement wording strikes the right tone of anticipation and celebration. For example, use terms like, "Expected Graduation" or "Commencement" followed by the year."

As you share the news of your graduation with family and friends, it's also important to know how to express gratitude for the support and well wishes you receive in return. 

Whether you are thanking your family and friends for attending your graduation ceremony or just acknowledging their generosity, well-crafted thank cards will come in handy.


Proper thank-you etiquette is essential after receiving graduation gifts. Here is how you can craft the perfect wording for your thank you cards:

• General thank-you etiquette

After receiving graduation gifts from family and friends, it's important to express gratitude promptly. You should send out thank you notes within a few weeks of receiving the gifts. Doing this shows appreciation and ensures your gratitude is conveyed promptly.

Handwritten thank-you notes with a personal touch are much more appreciated than generic emails and text messages. However, if you are not in a position to send handwritten thank-you notes, an electronic one is better than no acknowledgment at all.

When writing the thank you notes, be specific and sincere. Mention the gift you received, expressing your appreciation and generosity to the giver. 

• Thank You Note for Monetary Gifts

When your loved ones send you monetary gifts, it's not about the amount. It's about the support and sentiment behind the gesture

Your thank you note, in this case, should be personalized, brief, and heartfelt to convert a genuine appreciation. Focus on how the gift will help you with your future endeavors rather than the specific amount. For example, "Your generous gift will be a huge help as I [mention future plans, e.g., move to a new city for a job]."

Before your graduation day arrives, there is the exciting task of letting your family and friends know about your big achievement. This section will guide you through the proper graduation announcement etiquette.

Here are some graduation announcement etiquette you should follow when announcing your upcoming graduation.

• Proper Etiquette for Sending Out Announcements

Timing is crucial when sending out graduation announcements. They should be sent out two to four weeks before the graduation, to allow the recipients enough time to plan. Use formal titles and double-check the addresses for accuracy.

On the graduation announcement wording, include a personal note expressing gratitude for support. You should also keep a record of the announcements sent to ensure no one is left out.

• Handwriting vs. Printed Announcements

HHandwritten graduation announcements offer a warm, personal touch and allow tailored messages. However, they can be time-consuming for larger guest lists.

On the other hand, printed graduation announcements provide an efficient and consistent look suitable for formal announcements or larger guest lists. You can also combine both by adding handwritten notes to printed announcements to strike a balance of a personal touch with the efficiency of printed cards.

• The Do's and Don'ts of Recipient Lists

You should keep your recipient list to those who have played a big role in your education journey. Sending announcements to those you don't have a meaningful relationship with may look like soliciting gifts.

Here are some do's and don'ts for the recipient list:

• Include close family members like parents, grandparents, siblings and close friends
• You can also include your extended family you are close with like aunts, uncles and cousins
• Your recipient list should also include close friends, especially those who supported you through your education journey.
• Include your mentors, advisors or professors who had a significant impact
• Your list should also include employers or colleagues

• Don't include distant relatives or family friends you rarely interact with
• Refrain from adding casual acquaintances or schoolmates you weren't close with
• Don't include people you've lost touch with over the years should not be on your graduation recipient list

Create heartfelt messages that resonate with graduates' achievements and aspirations as they mark their big transition. The right wording celebrates this milestone while inspiring the graduates' future path.

You should use the right words to celebrate the graduate's achievements. Writing thoughtful messages have the power to inspire them as they start a new chapter of their life.

• Congratulatory Messages for Graduates

You should tailor your congratulatory message to the graduate's level of education and tone to match the graduate's personality. High school graduates should be congratulated on the stepping stone and the exciting journey ahead. While you should recognize the hard work and dedication of college graduates throughout their college years.

• Inspirational Messages for Graduates

Offer words of encouragement and motivation to graduates as they look forward to starting their new chapter. It's okay to share inspirational graduation quotes encouraging them to pursue their passion, overcome challenges and their potential for future success.

• Unique Ways to Say Congratulations

Get creative by writing funny poems, sharing a memorable moment from your school journey, or creating a personalized playlist to celebrate the graduate’s achievement. You can also include personalized well wishes or advice for their journey ahead.

Graduation is a milestone worth celebrating. When sending out your graduation announcement to your family and friends, it is important to use proper graduation announcement wording and proper etiquette to celebrate your achievements and pride as you enter a new chapter of your life.

Now that you're armed with how to send and craft graduation announcement wording, it's time to celebrate your big achievement. 

If you are looking forward to your graduation day, our graduation announcement cards will help you send customized announcements to celebrate your achievement. With our graduation announcement cards, you can share this joyous moment with friends and family in a personalized and meaningful way.