Graduation season is an exciting time filled with celebrations, caps and gowns, and a lot of emotions. Whether it’s high school or college, graduating is a significant milestone that deserves to be recognized and celebrated with the people who’ve supported you along the way.
Part of your celebration may include graduation announcements, open house invitations, and thank-you cards. Let's walk through some graduation card guidelines to help you navigate this season with ease.
Also, to all of my senior photography clients, I’ve made it even more stress free for you - I've created a simple ordering process this year to help your order your graduation cards more efficiently. Just send me an email at tracy@tracycaffreyphotography.com to get started and I can send you all of the details. As one of my past clients said, "Working with you on these cards was such a time (and stress) saver."
Graduation Announcements vs. Open House Invitations: When to Send
Knowing the difference between graduation announcements and open house invitations can help you share your news smoothly. Here’s a breakdown:
Graduation Announcements:
Send these two to three weeks before graduation and up to four weeks after to share the news with family and friends who won’t be attending the ceremony.
Announcements are often used when you’re not having a party and just want to update people about your achievement. These typically include your name, school, and graduation date—keeping things simple and to the point.
Open House Invitations:
Send these three to four weeks before the open house or party to give people enough time to plan.
Include essential details like the date, time, location, and whether it’s a come-and-go style event.
RSVPs are becoming less common for open houses—most people treat these parties as casual drop-in events.
While Facebook invitations used to be a popular choice for graduation parties, many people are moving away from the platform or not checking it as often. To avoid missed invites, it’s best not to rely solely on Facebook.
Who Should Receive a Graduation Announcement?
If you are sending a graduation only announcement, you can concentrate sending your cards to your inner circle. Here are some ideas:
Close family members: Grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins who you regularly see or keep in touch with.
Family friends: Long-time family friends who’ve watched you grow up.
Mentors and teachers: Those who have had a significant impact on your journey.
Remember, announcements are about sharing news and gifts are not expected (but, hey if they send you a gift that's so awesome; just remember to send a thank you card in response)
When to Send Thank-You Cards
Yes, you absolutely should send thank-you cards! Expressing gratitude is not just polite—it’s meaningful. Send a thank-you note to anyone who:
Attended your open house or sent a gift (even if they didn’t attend)
Offered their congratulations in a meaningful way (such as a handwritten note or a phone call)
Aim to send thank-you cards within two to three weeks after your graduation or party. The sooner, the better. If you received gifts by mail before your actual graduation date, you can send thank-you notes as soon as you open them—no need to wait.
What to Write in a Thank-You Card
A heartfelt, personalized message goes a long way. It may seem old fashioned but think of who you are sending it to - I'm going to guess they will still be appreciate you acknowledge their gift. Here's a simple structure to follow:
Greet the person: “Dear Aunt Emily,”
Express gratitude: “Thank you so much for the generous gift and for celebrating this special moment with me.”
Be specific: “Your gift card will definitely help me get everything I need for college this fall!”
Close warmly: “Looking forward to seeing you soon! With love, [Your Name]”
If someone gives you cash or a check, it’s best to refer to it as a “generous gift” rather than stating the amount.
Do You Need to Send a Thank-You for Just an Announcement Response?
If someone sends a card or a note in response to your announcement but doesn’t include a gift, a simple thank-you text or message is thoughtful but not required. However, if they send a gift, a thank-you card is a must.
Final Tips for Graduation Card Etiquette
Handwritten thank you cards are best: Whenever possible, write your thank-you notes by hand for a more personal touch.
Stay organized: Keep a list of who gave what to ensure no one is overlooked.
Proofread: Typos can detract from your thoughtful message—double-check before sending!
Graduation is a milestone worth celebrating, and keeping the process of sending cards stress-free can help you focus on what truly matters—making memories with the people who support you. Whether you’re sending out announcements, open house invitations, or thank-you cards, a thoughtful approach shows your appreciation for the people who have been there along the way. I hope these tips help you feel confident and organized as you navigate this exciting time. And if you’re one of my senior clients, I’m here to make the process even easier—just reach out and let’s get started on creating cards that capture your accomplishment beautifully. Congratulations, graduates!
If you would like to order graduation cards or announcements, please contact me by April 15 at tracy@tracycaffreyphotography.com
Comments