Graduation is a milestone worth celebrating, and sharing your excitement with friends and family makes it even more special. Shutterfly graduation announcements help you capture this moment with style and personality—whether you’re finishing high school, college, or another milestone. From classic designs to modern, photo-focused layouts, there are options to suit every graduate’s personality.
Not only do graduation announcements celebrate achievements, they also serve as a keepsake for loved ones. Below, we’ve gathered answers to the most common questions about graduation announcements to make your planning easy and stress-free.
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What are graduation announcement cards?
Graduation announcement cards are personalized cards that share the news of a graduate’s achievement. They usually include the graduate’s name, school, degree or diploma, and sometimes a personal photo or message. These cards are designed to celebrate the milestone and create a keepsake for friends and family.
What is the difference between graduation announcements and graduation invitations?
Graduation invitations invite friends and family to attend a graduation ceremony, party, or celebration. Graduation announcements, on the other hand, simply share the news of your accomplishment with those who may not be able to attend. Many families send announcements after the ceremony as a keepsake.
Who should send a graduation announcement?
Graduation announcements are usually sent by the graduate or their family. If you’ve reached a big milestone—whether finishing high school, college, or another special program—sending an announcement is a lovely way to share your excitement and give friends and family a keepsake to celebrate your achievement with you.
Who do you typically send graduation announcements to?
Think of graduation announcements as a way to share your success with the people who have supported you along the way. This often includes family, close friends, teachers, and mentors. You can also send them to relatives or friends who couldn’t attend your ceremony but would enjoy celebrating your accomplishment.
How far in advance should you send graduation announcements?
The best time to send announcements is usually within a few weeks after your ceremony. That way, your loved ones can celebrate your achievement while it’s fresh and meaningful. If you want to include graduation photos, wait until after the event to ensure you feature your favorite moments.
What is the etiquette for graduation announcements?
Keep it simple and celebratory:
- Send announcements soon after your graduation.
- Include key details like your name, school, and graduation date.
- Add a personal message or quote if you like.
- Avoid asking for gifts—these cards are meant to share your accomplishment, not request presents.
What should a graduation announcement say?
A graduation announcement should include the key details your recipients need:
- The graduate’s full name
- The school or program they’re graduating from
- The degree or diploma earned
- The graduation date
You can also add a brief personal message, a favorite quote, or a note about future plans if you wish, but the essential information is what lets friends and family know about the achievement.
Can I add a photo to Shutterfly graduation announcements?
Yes! Photos make your grad announcement extra special. Shutterfly offers hundreds of templates where you can feature one or multiple photos—from your cap-and-gown shot to candid moments with friends and family—so your announcement truly reflects your personality.
How can I customize my graduation announcement?
You can customize a graduation announcement by choosing your design, adding photos, adjusting colors and fonts, writing your own message, and personalizing the back of the card. At Shutterfly, these options make it easy to create an announcement that reflects your graduate’s personality and accomplishments.
Once you’ve chosen a design, you can personalize details like:
- Photos: Add your favorite senior portraits or create a collage of memorable moments.
- Fonts & Colors: Adjust typography and colors to match your graduate’s style or school colors.
- Message: Include wording that reflects your graduate’s personality and achievements.
- Back of Card: Personalize the back of your announcement free with another photo, accomplishments, or future plans.
- Finishes & Extras: Upgrade with foil accents, specialty paper, or custom envelopes for a polished final touch.
These options make it easy to create a graduation announcement that feels personal and memorable.
Can you customize the back of a graduation announcement?
Yes. Shutterfly offers free back-of-card customization on graduation announcements, giving you extra space to personalize your card. Many families use the back to share additional details about the graduate, such as accomplishments, extracurricular activities, college plans, or a short message thanking friends and family for their support. You can also add another photo to highlight a favorite memory from your graduate’s school years.
Will Shutterfly address my graduation announcements for me?
Yes! We can help you save time in two ways:
- Free recipient address printing – You provide your list, and we’ll print the addresses on your custom envelopes.
- Print and mail – For an additional fee, we can handle everything, from addressing to mailing, directly to your recipients.
Related Resources on Graduation Announcements
Graduation is a milestone worth sharing. With the right details, recipients, and timing, your announcements can celebrate your achievement and create a keepsake your loved ones will treasure.
Additional Resources:
