Who to Send Graduation Announcements To (and How Many Should You Order?)
Featured Graduation Announcement: Best Photos
Graduation announcements are one of those things everyone knows they should send… but almost no one knows exactly who should get one — or how many to order without wildly over- or under-estimating.
Friends? Family? Teachers? Your mom’s book club friend who’s known you since kindergarten?
If you’re wondering who to send graduation announcements to and how many you should order, you’re not alone. Let’s break it all down in a way that’s easy, stress-free, and maybe even a little fun.
First Things First: What Is a Graduation Announcement?
A graduation announcement is your way of sharing the big news: “We did it!”
Unlike a party invitation, an announcement doesn’t require a response — it’s simply a joyful update sent to the people who’ve supported your graduate along the way.
That said, graduation announcements can do double duty. Many families choose to include:
- Graduation party details
- Open house information
- A link or QR code to celebration info
More on that later.
Who to Send Graduation Announcements To
When in doubt, the best rule of thumb is this: If someone has played a meaningful role in your grad’s life, they’re announcement-worthy.
Here’s a helpful breakdown.
Immediate & Extended Family (A Must-Send)
This one’s a no-brainer. Family members are usually first on the list.
Send graduation announcements to:
- Grandparents
- Aunts and uncles
- Cousins
- Godparents
- Close family friends who feel like family
Even if you’re not seeing them at a graduation party, they’ll appreciate being included — and many love saving announcements as keepsakes.
Tip: One announcement per household is plenty.
Friends (Yes, Even If They’re at the Ceremony)
Friends — especially close ones — should absolutely receive graduation announcements.
This includes:
- Childhood friends
- School friends
- Neighbors
- Friends who’ve moved away
- Friends you don’t see often but still care about
For high school seniors, announcements are often shared with friends as keepsakes or handed out at school — which is why ordering extras is smart.
Teachers, Coaches & Mentors (Highly Recommended)
Teachers, coaches, and mentors are some of the most meaningful people to include — and they’re often the most touched to receive one.
Consider sending graduation announcements to:
- Favorite teachers
- Coaches
- Counselors
- Music, dance, or theater instructors
- Tutors or mentors
A graduation announcement is a lovely way to say thank you and let them know they made a difference.
Extra thoughtful: Add a short handwritten note inside.
Your Parents’ Friends (Yes, Really)
This category surprises people — but it’s more common than you think.
Your parents’ friends may include:
- Close family friends
- Coworkers
- Neighbors
- Friends who’ve watched your grad grow up
If someone has celebrated birthdays, recitals, games, or milestones over the years, they’ll likely love receiving an announcement.
Coaches, Teammates & Activity Leaders
Graduation announcements are especially meaningful for grads who’ve spent years in activities.
Send to:
- Sports teammates (especially if not everyone is invited to the party)
- Dance studios or team families
- Club advisors
- Volunteer coordinators
These are people who’ve been part of your grad’s journey — and announcements help close that chapter beautifully.
How Many Graduation Announcements Should You Order?
Now for the big question: How many graduation announcements do you actually need?
Here’s the golden rule:
Order One Announcement Per Household
You don’t need one per person — one per household is perfect. A family of five? One announcement. A couple? One announcement.
A Simple Graduation Announcement Counting Formula
To estimate how many to order, start here:
- Count family households
- Add friends’ households
- Add teachers, coaches, and mentors
- Add parents’ friends
- Add extras (trust us on this one)
Most families land somewhere between 25–75 graduation announcements, depending on how large their circle is.
Why You Should Always Order Extras
This is where many families get caught short.
Order extra graduation announcements for:
- Handing out at school
- Giving to friends in person
- Last-minute additions
- Keepsakes for scrapbooks or memory boxes
- Forgetting someone (it happens!)
Pear Tree tip: Ordering a few extra announcements now is much easier (and more affordable) than placing a second order later.
How Many Extras Should You Order?
A good rule of thumb:
- Add 10–15 extra announcements to your total
- More if your grad plans to hand them out at school
High school seniors, especially, love sharing announcements with friends — even if those friends also get one in the mail. If you don’t want to hand out your larger announcements at school, check out our pocket-size mini graduation party invitations instead!
Can Graduation Announcements Include Party Information?
Absolutely — and it’s very common.
Many families include:
- Graduation open house details
- Party date, time, and location
- A small enclosure card
- A QR code linking to party info
This keeps everything streamlined and ensures guests don’t miss important details.
Helpful note: Graduation announcements don’t require RSVPs, even if party info is included.
When Should You Mail Graduation Announcements?
Timing matters — but it doesn’t have to be stressful.
General guidelines:
- Mail announcements 2–3 weeks before graduation
- Or up to 2 weeks after graduation
If your announcement includes party information, aim to mail it 3–4 weeks before the event so guests have time to plan.
Common Graduation Announcement Questions (Answered!)
Do I Have to Send One to Everyone Invited to the Party?
Not necessarily — but it’s very common. Announcements work well for guests who can’t attend, too.
What If Someone Sends a Gift?
Graduation announcements don’t ask for gifts — but if someone chooses to send one, a thank-you note is always appreciated.
Should College Grads Send Announcements Too?
Yes! College graduation announcements are just as meaningful and often shared with professors, mentors, and family who supported the journey.
When in Doubt, Send One
If you’re unsure whether someone should receive a graduation announcement, here’s the simplest advice:
If they’d be happy to receive it, send it.
Graduation announcements are about sharing joy, celebrating hard work, and honoring the people who helped make it all possible. And with a little planning (and a few extras), ordering the right amount is easy.
Pear Tree graduation announcements make it simple to share your big moment — beautifully, thoughtfully, and in a way that feels just right.