When a graduate finishes school, families often wonder: do we send announcements, invitations, or both? The two sound similar but serve different purposes, and choosing the right one helps avoid awkward moments, like a relative across the country feeling they're expected to attend a party, or a neighbor missing the open house. This guide explains the difference, who gets which, wording examples, and timing.
The difference in one sentence
A graduation announcement shares the news of an achievement; a graduation invitation asks people to attend a ceremony or party.
| Announcement | Invitation | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Share the news | Invite to an event |
| Includes | Name, school, degree, date | Event date, time, place, RSVP |
| Who gets it | Wide circle, including far-away family | People you expect could attend |
| RSVP? | No | Yes |
| When sent | Around or just after graduation | 3–4 weeks before the event |
Does an announcement obligate a gift?
No. A graduation announcement is a way to share good news, not a request for gifts. Some recipients will choose to send a card or gift, and the graduate should thank them, but nobody should feel obligated. That's why announcements are a good fit for distant relatives, family friends, and mentors who may not be able to attend.
Ceremony invitations
Many schools limit the number of commencement tickets per graduate, so formal ceremony invitations go only to those who have tickets: usually parents, grandparents, and siblings. Everyone else can be invited to the party or sent an announcement. Some schools offer a livestream of the ceremony, which you can share with family far away.
Who should receive what?
- Ceremony invitation: those with tickets, typically immediate family.
- Party invitation: local friends, family, teammates, teachers, and neighbors.
- Announcement: extended family, family friends, mentors, and anyone far away.
- Both (announcement plus party invitation): close family who live nearby, if you like.
Graduation announcement wording
High school
Proudly announcing the graduation of Olivia Grace Martin, Roosevelt High School, Class of 2027. Olivia will attend Arizona State University in the fall.
College
With great pride, we announce that James Robert Lee has graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Business Administration. May 2027.
Nursing
She's officially a nurse! Hannah Clarke, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Duke University, Class of 2027.
Graduate degree
Please share in our pride as we announce that Daniel Kim has earned his Master of Science in Computer Engineering from Georgia Tech.
With a livestream
Watch Maria walk across the stage! The commencement ceremony will be livestreamed on May 22 at 10 AM Central.
Bilingual
¡Con mucho orgullo! Announcing the graduation of Sofía Ramírez / Anunciamos la graduación de Sofía Ramírez, Clase de 2027.
Graduation invitation wording
Please join us in celebrating Olivia's graduation at an open house on Saturday, June 5, from 1–5 PM, 18 Cedar Drive.
For many more invitation examples, see our graduation party invitation wording guide and graduation open house ideas.
When to send
- Announcements: within a couple of weeks before or after graduation. Sending before the ceremony is fine, as long as graduation is certain.
- Party invitations: 3–4 weeks before the party.
- Ceremony invitations: as soon as tickets are confirmed.
A proud graduation announcement
Our Proud Graduate graduation announcement is designed in ivory, navy, and crimson: a hand-drawn mortarboard and diploma with a gold seal above the class year, the graduate's name and degree, and confetti bursting across the screen once family and friends open the envelope. A music-box arrangement of Ode to Joy (a public-domain melody) plays in the browser (guests can mute it), and an English/Spanish switch is included.
The Signature version is a private link with an envelope and wax seal, confetti, music, the graduate's name, school, and degree, a countdown to the ceremony with map and add-to-calendar, and an optional livestream link. The Essential version is a print-ready 5×7 PDF and phone-ready PNG (a still image). It's perfect for high school, college, nursing, master's, law, and PhD graduations. Want guests to RSVP to a party too? Pair it with Tassel Toss. See pricing.
Related designs
- Tassel Toss, a graduation party invitation with RSVP.
- Cap & Laurel, a classic graduation invitation.
- Hello Little One, a birth announcement.
Browse graduation announcements and all graduation invitations.
Frequently asked questions
Does a graduation announcement mean I'm invited?
No. An announcement shares the news; an invitation asks you to attend an event.
Do I have to send a gift if I receive an announcement?
No. A card or gift is a kind gesture, but it isn't expected.
Can I include a livestream link?
Yes. Proud Graduate's Signature version includes an optional livestream link.
Can I preview Proud Graduate?
Yes. Open the Proud Graduate live demo on your phone.
Share the proud news
Make sure everyone hears about your graduate's achievement. View the Proud Graduate demo and explore the design.