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Announcing your graduation

Let everyone know that you're about to graduate. We've put together some guidelines to help you when sending your graduation announcements:

The inner envelope holds the announcement. You can address this informally, such as "Grandma" or "Uncle John"
If you're hosting a graduation party, consider inserting your party invitation and open house card into the announcement. You can also mail them separately.
Formally address the mailing envelope by hand. Use titles like "Ms." or "Dr." Spell out words completely, rather than using abbreviations, like "Street" rather than "St."
Slip the announcement, fold first and face up, into the small inner envelope. Do not lick or tuck in the inner envelope flap.
Slip the inner envelope into the mailing envelope, so that both flaps face the same way.
Write your return address on the envelope flap or use pre-printed return address labels. Out-of-town friends and family might use this to send cards and gifts.
If you're sending some announcements just to spread the news and want to eliminate any obligation for gift giving, write "No gifts please" at the bottom of the announcement.
Mail your announcement via first class mail. They should arrive at least two weeks prior to graduation day.

Address correspondence to a woman who keeps her maiden name as "Ms. Mary Smith." If Mary Smith uses her married name, she should be addressed as "Mrs. John Doe."
Some married couples join their last names with a hyphen. Customarily, the woman's name comes first, so correspondence is address to "Mr. and Mrs. John Smith-Doe."
When a woman's husband dies, she usually does not change her name and therefore continues to be "Mrs. Adam White," ("Mrs. Jane White" would indicate that she's divorced).
"Ms." is a term that applies to a single or married woman. So when in doubt, "Ms." is always appropriate.

Name Cards are the socially correct way to personalize your announcements. You'll need one for each announcement.
Spell out your entire name. If you're a junior, the card can say "Jr." or "Junior." If you're a second, use "2nd" or "II." You may also use "Ms." "Mr." or "Miss".