Graduation season is full of exciting moments, but it can also bring a few “Wait… do I really need this?” questions. One of the biggest ones we hear: What’s the difference between a graduation announcement and a party invitation? And do you actually need to send both?
Let’s break it down.
What’s a Graduation Announcement?
A graduation announcement is a formal way to share the news that someone is graduating. It usually includes:
– The graduate’s full name
– School name and graduation year
– Degree (if applicable)
– Graduation date
It’s not asking anyone to attend an event—it’s just sharing a proud moment. Think of it like a birth announcement or holiday card.
What’s a Graduation Party Invitation?
This one is an invite to a celebration. It’ll include:
– The graduate’s name
– Date, time, and location of the party
– RSVP info
– Any extra details (theme, dress code, etc.)
Do You Need Both?
Not always! Here’s how to decide:
You’re hosting a party:
- Send a party invitation to everyone you want to attend.
- Optional: Also send announcements to out-of-town friends or family who might not be able to come but still want to celebrate the milestone.
You’re not having a party:
- Announcements are a nice way to still share the big news with friends, extended family, or teachers who’ve been part of the journey.
You want to keep it simple:
- Go for a combo card! These double-duty designs share the graduation news and invite guests to the celebration all on one card. They’re perfect for smaller gatherings or when you want to streamline your mailing list. Just make sure the design clearly includes all the key info—both the who/what/when and a line celebrating the graduation milestone.
Tip:
If you’re ordering custom cards, double-check the wording. Make sure it’s clear whether you’re just announcing or also inviting. Combo cards should do both cleanly—no one likes confusion about whether they’re invited!
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