Graduating from college is a major milestone worth sharing with family and friends. One of the most common questions families ask while planning graduation announcements is:
When should you send graduation announcements?
Most families mail college graduation announcements two to three weeks before the graduation ceremony. This timing allows recipients to receive the announcement close to the celebration while still giving them time to send congratulations to the graduate.
However, announcements can also be sent shortly after graduation if needed. Below is a complete guide to graduation announcement timing and etiquette.
The Best Time to Send Graduation Announcements
The most common time to send graduation announcements is two to three weeks before graduation.
Sending announcements during this time frame ensures that:
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Family and friends receive the announcement near the graduation date
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Recipients have time to send congratulatory cards or messages
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The announcement feels timely and celebratory
For example, if a college graduation ceremony takes place in mid-May, many families mail announcements in late April or early May.
Can You Send Graduation Announcements After Graduation?
Yes, graduation announcements can absolutely be sent after the ceremony.
Sometimes families wait until graduation photos are available or until final details about degrees and honors are confirmed.
Sending announcements after graduation still allows family and friends to celebrate the graduate’s accomplishment.
When Should You Order Graduation Announcements?
To ensure announcements arrive on time, it is best to order them four to six weeks before graduation.
This timeline allows time for:
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personalization and proofing
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printing and production
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addressing envelopes and mailing
Ordering early helps avoid last-minute stress during the busy graduation season.
When Should You Mail Graduation Announcements?
Once announcements arrive, most families mail them two to three weeks before the ceremony.
This timing ensures announcements arrive close to the graduation celebration.
If you are including a graduation party invitation, you may want to send announcements three to four weeks before the event so guests have enough time to plan.
Who Should Receive Graduation Announcements?
Graduation announcements are typically sent to people who supported the graduate during their academic journey.
Common recipients include:
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grandparents
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aunts and uncles
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cousins
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close family friends
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neighbors
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parents’ coworkers
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professors and mentors
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close college friends
Announcements simply share the graduate’s achievement, allowing family and friends to celebrate the milestone.
How Many Graduation Announcements Should You Send?
Most families send 25 to 75 graduation announcements depending on the size of their network of family and friends.
A typical mailing list may include:
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immediate family members
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extended relatives
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family friends
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mentors or professors
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close friends and classmates
Ordering a few extra announcements is always helpful in case additional recipients come to mind later.
Graduation Announcement Etiquette Tips
When sending graduation announcements, a few simple etiquette guidelines can help.
Send announcements even if someone cannot attend the ceremony.
Announcements are meant to share the news of the graduate’s achievement.
Announcements do not require gifts.
However, some recipients may choose to send congratulatory cards or gifts.
Keep the wording simple and celebratory.
Most announcements include the graduate’s name, university, degree, and graduation year.
Custom University Graduation Announcements
Graduation announcements are a beautiful way to celebrate a college graduate’s accomplishment and share the exciting news with family and friends.
Darlingtongrads offers custom university graduation announcements featuring hand-drawn campus landmarks and personalized graduate details. Each announcement is printed on premium cardstock and designed to become a keepsake families treasure for years to come.
Explore our collection of custom university graduation announcements and create the perfect announcement for your graduate.
For a complete overview of graduation announcement etiquette, see our College Graduation Announcements Guide.