What is proper etiquette regarding college graduation announcements?

I think you might be getting some false info. here, so just to add my 2 cents: Announcements are not invitations. When you receive an announcement for a graduation, it is just that, an announcement. I've known several people who were under the false impression they were invited to a graduation, when in fact, it was just an announcement OF the graduation. As I'm sure you know, most colleges only allow 2-4 persons to attend the actual ceremony....you don't need everyone and thier mother thinking they are invited! Anyway, announcements are best sent 1-2 weeks before the event. Any pictures should be sent after the actual graduation. Most colleges have you take a formal portrait with a black cape your senior year, then there is a photo taken at the graduation with cap and gown. Either of these would be fine to send out with a thank you note, or with a personal note to whomever you wish. The main idea is that the photo be of your academic/scholarly life, not you on the beach at spring break. Congrats to you!

Graduation Announcement Etiquette

RE:

What is proper etiquette regarding college graduation announcements?

Do I need to get a professional photo taken to send along with the announcement? Is it proper etiquette to even send a photo? How soon before graduation are announcements supposed to be sent?

I am the first person in my family to graduate college so this is new to us. Thanks.

Good for you....many congratulations...keep working hard so you actually graduate (my niece let up her effort and guess what..she walked in the group but didn't actually graduate, had to make up a failed class!)..

Anyway....save the pictures for thank you cards! Because when you send the announcement, which should be sent to arrive about 2 weeks before graduation, or later, you may receive some gifts and one of the nicest ways to say thank you with a note is a picture of you at graduation! Also....anyone who will actually be ATTENDING the graduation obviously needs the announcement and schedule well in advance, but you shouldn't mail the announcements in general more than two weeks prior to graduation. GOOD LUCK and WALK PROUDLY.

I would send them out 3-4 weeks before, a photo would be nice and I would send them to close family and friends. My oldest is getting ready to graduate high school and I have always felt a graduation invitation should be responded to with a monetary gift, so I am mailing them to only immediate family and close friends.

No photo, and if you want a large number of people to attend I recommend 2 months notice because many high school graduations and spring weddings take place in May. This will also give people ample time to RSVP.

Normally, photos are enclosed with the announcement, but there's no rule that you have to. I would send them 3 weeks before you graduate. Congratulations on your diploma!