What To Write On Graduation Announcement
Congratulations! You’ve reached a significant milestone, and now it’s time to share your accomplishment with the world. Crafting the perfect graduation announcement is a delicate art. It needs to be informative, celebratory, and reflect the graduate’s personality. But where do you even begin? This guide will provide you with a comprehensive roadmap to help you write a graduation announcement that shines.
Crafting the Perfect Graduation Announcement: The Essentials
Before diving into the specifics, let’s cover the foundational elements. A strong graduation announcement effectively communicates key information while maintaining a tone appropriate for the occasion.
The Core Components: Information You Absolutely Need
Every graduation announcement needs a few essential pieces of information to be successful. This includes:
- The Graduate’s Name: This seems obvious, but ensure it’s the full legal name and spelled correctly.
- The Degree Earned: Be specific. Did they get a Bachelor of Arts, a Master of Science, or a Doctoral degree? Include the major or field of study.
- The University or Institution: Name the school attended.
- Graduation Date: Include the month, day, and year of graduation.
- Optional Information: Consider adding the name of the high school (if applicable), any honors received (e.g., Summa Cum Laude), and any future plans (e.g., employment, further education).
Choosing the Right Tone: Formal, Informal, or Somewhere in Between?
The tone of your announcement sets the mood. Consider the graduate’s personality and the audience you’re addressing. A formal announcement is appropriate for a more traditional setting and a wider audience. An informal announcement, perhaps with a more personal touch, is suitable for closer family and friends. Finding the right balance is key.
Getting Creative: Personalizing Your Graduation Announcement
Now for the fun part! How can you make your announcement truly unique and memorable?
Adding a Personal Touch: Injecting Personality and Style
This is where you let the graduate’s personality shine through. Think about their interests, hobbies, and accomplishments. You could include a favorite quote, a short anecdote, or a personal message from the graduate. Using a unique font, a photograph, or even a custom design can also help personalize the announcement.
The Power of a Photo: Selecting the Perfect Image
A picture is worth a thousand words, especially in a graduation announcement. Choose a high-quality photo that captures the graduate at their best. Consider a professional portrait, a candid shot on campus, or a picture that reflects their personality and interests. Make sure the image is clear, well-lit, and appropriate for the occasion.
Writing the Body: The Heart of Your Announcement
The body of your announcement is where you communicate the essential information while adding a personal touch.
Structuring Your Message: From Simple to Detailed
There are many ways to structure your message. Here are a few options:
- Simple and Sweet: “We are delighted to announce the graduation of [Graduate’s Name] from [University] with a degree in [Major] on [Date].”
- More Detailed: “With great pride, [Family Name] announces the graduation of [Graduate’s Name] from [University] with a [Degree] in [Major]. [He/She] will be pursuing [Future Plans].”
- Personalized: “[Graduate’s Name] has earned a [Degree] in [Major] from [University]! We are so proud of [him/her] for [mention a specific achievement]. [He/She] plans to [Future Plans].”
Choosing the Right Words: Crafting a Memorable Message
The words you choose are crucial. Use clear, concise language. Avoid jargon or overly complex phrasing. Focus on celebrating the achievement and looking forward to the future. Be genuine and sincere in your message.
Beyond the Basics: Additional Information to Consider
While the core components are essential, you can also include additional information to enhance your announcement.
Including Honors and Awards: Recognizing Achievements
If the graduate received any honors, such as Summa Cum Laude, Dean’s List, or specific awards, be sure to include them. This is a great way to acknowledge their hard work and dedication.
Announcing Future Plans: Sharing the Next Chapter
What’s next for the graduate? Are they starting a new job, continuing their education, or traveling the world? Include these details to give your audience a glimpse into the future.
Formatting and Design: Making Your Announcement Visually Appealing
The visual presentation is just as important as the written content.
Selecting the Right Font: Choosing Readability and Style
Choose a font that is easy to read and complements the overall tone of your announcement. Avoid overly ornate or difficult-to-read fonts. Consider using a classic font like Times New Roman or a more modern font like Arial.
Layout and Design: Creating a Visually Appealing Announcement
The layout and design of your announcement should be clean, organized, and visually appealing. Use ample white space, consistent formatting, and a well-chosen color scheme. Consider using design software or templates to create a professional-looking announcement.
Distribution and Delivery: Getting Your Announcement Out There
Once your announcement is complete, it’s time to share it with the world.
Choosing Your Delivery Method: Print, Digital, or Both?
Consider your audience and your budget when choosing your delivery method. Printed announcements are a classic choice and can be mailed to family and friends. Digital announcements can be sent via email or shared on social media. You can also use a combination of both.
Addressing and Mailing Printed Announcements: Tips for a Professional Look
If you’re mailing printed announcements, be sure to address the envelopes correctly and use appropriate postage. Consider using a return address label for a professional touch.
FAQs: Addressing Common Questions
This section answers commonly asked questions about writing and sending graduation announcements.
What if the graduate isn’t sure of their exact plans after graduation?
It’s perfectly acceptable to say something like, " [Graduate’s Name] is exploring exciting opportunities in [Field of Study]." You don’t need to have all the answers; simply sharing the general direction is enough.
How early should I send out graduation announcements?
Aim to send your announcements out 2-4 weeks before graduation to give people ample time to see them and plan accordingly.
Can I include a gift registry on my graduation announcement?
While it is acceptable to mention a gift registry, it’s best to do so subtly. You can include it on the back of the announcement or in a separate enclosure. Make sure it is not the primary focus of the announcement.
Is it okay to send a graduation announcement to people who weren’t invited to the graduation ceremony?
Yes, absolutely. Graduation announcements are meant to be a celebration of the achievement, and they are not tied to attendance at the ceremony.
What if I’m sending announcements to people who don’t know the graduate well?
In this case, keep the message more formal and informative. Include the graduate’s full name, degree, and university, and a brief statement of accomplishment. You can include details such as honors or future plans.
Conclusion: Celebrating Success and Looking Ahead
Writing a graduation announcement is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate a significant achievement. By following these guidelines, you can create an announcement that is both informative and personal, reflecting the graduate’s hard work and dedication. Remember to include the essential information, inject personality, and choose a design that complements your message. Whether you’re sending printed announcements, digital announcements, or both, take the time to craft a message that truly honors the graduate’s success. Congratulations again to the graduate! May their future be filled with continued accomplishments and happiness.