Graduation announcements are a way to share your big achievement with family and friends. It’s a piece of paper that says "Hey, I did it! I’m graduating!" But, you can’t just scribble down "I’m graduating" on a piece of paper and call it a day. There’s a certain way to word these announcements to make them look professional and fancy. Don’t worry though, it’s not that hard! Just follow these steps and you’ll have a graduation announcement that’s sure to impress.
Step by Step Tutorial on How to Word Graduation Announcements
Before you start writing your graduation announcement, it’s important to know what you want to include. Typically, you’ll want to have the graduate’s name, the school they’re graduating from, the degree they’re receiving, and the date and time of the graduation ceremony. Now, let’s dive into the steps to get that perfect wording.
Step 1: Start with the Graduate’s Name
Begin your announcement with the graduate’s full name in bold or a larger font size.
The graduate’s name is the star of the show here. It’s the first thing people will read, so you want it to stand out. If you’re feeling fancy, you can even include a title, like "Miss" or "Mr."
Step 2: Announce the Achievement
Right after the name, include the phrase "is proud to announce her/his graduation from" or something similar.
This part of the announcement is all about making it clear that something exciting has happened. You’re not just saying you’re graduating; you’re saying it with pride!
Step 3: Include the School and Degree
Next, write down the name of the school and the degree that was earned.
This is where you get to brag a little. You worked hard for that degree, and now’s the time to show it off. Be sure to spell out the full name of the degree, like "Bachelor of Science in Biology."
Step 4: Add the Graduation Date and Time
Finish off the announcement with the date and time of the graduation ceremony.
If you’re inviting people to the ceremony, they’ll need to know when and where to show up. If it’s just an announcement and not an invitation, you can leave this part out.
After you’ve completed the above steps, you’ll have a graduation announcement that’s ready to be sent out. You can expect phone calls and messages of congratulations, and maybe even some graduation gifts!
Tips for Wording Graduation Announcements
- Keep it simple and to the point. You don’t want to confuse people with too much information.
- Use formal language to give it that official feel. This isn’t a text message to your best friend.
- If you’re struggling with the wording, there are plenty of templates online that you can use as a starting point.
- Don’t forget to proofread! A typo could turn your "Summa Cum Laude" into a "Summa Gum Lade."
- Be timely with your announcements. Sending them out a few weeks before the graduation gives people time to congratulate you and make plans to attend if they can.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to include the time and location of the graduation ceremony?
Only if the announcement is also serving as an invitation. If it’s just an announcement, you can skip that part.
If you’re inviting people to the ceremony, they’ll need to know where to go and when to be there. If not, you can save that space for more important things, like how awesome you are for graduating.
Can I add a personal message to my graduation announcement?
Absolutely! A personal touch can make your announcement even more special.
You could include a thank you message to your parents, a shout-out to your best friend, or a quote that’s meaningful to you. Just be sure to keep it relatively short; you don’t want to overshadow the main message.
How many announcements should I send out?
That’s entirely up to you and how many people you want to share your good news with.
Think about who would appreciate hearing about your accomplishment. It could be close family and friends, distant relatives, or even your old high school teachers. Just be sure to have enough for everyone on your list.
What kind of paper should I use for my announcements?
Thick, high-quality paper will make your announcements look and feel more official.
You can go to a printing shop and ask for their recommendation, or even order special graduation announcement paper online. The better the paper, the more impressive your announcement will look.
Can I send my graduation announcements electronically?
Yes, e-announcements are a thing, and they’re totally acceptable.
If you’re more of a digital person, or you just want to save some trees, go ahead and send out your announcements via email or social media. Just be sure to use a nice design to keep it looking professional.
Summary
- Start with the graduate’s name.
- Announce the achievement.
- Include the school and degree.
- Add the graduation date and time.
Conclusion
Graduation announcements are a time-honored tradition, a way to share your success with the world. They’re like the cherry on top of your academic journey, the final flourish that says, "I did it!" But they’re more than just a piece of paper; they’re a keepsake, something that you and your loved ones can hold onto for years to come. So take your time with them, make them look nice, and most importantly, make them yours. Whether you stick to tradition or add your own personal spin, your graduation announcements are a reflection of your hard work and dedication. And who knows, maybe one day they’ll be a reminder for you, when you’re out there changing the world, of where it all began. So go ahead, word your graduation announcements with pride and send them out into the world. You’ve earned it!
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.