College Graduation Announcements - Good or Bad?

[Anonymous]

As a parent I sort of hate this situation. Our youngest and final child is graduating college soon and of course "needs" to send out her Graduation Announcements. The problem is I feel like it's putting her hand out looking for cash and sort of puts people in a weird situation. I hate having my kids sending these out because it sort of forces friends and family to send money back when maybe they can't afford to. My wife and I always send something when we received these but I'm not comfortable in basically asking for free money. Seems tacky.

I understand my kids excitement about doing this after years of studying hard but it's always been a little strange for me. Our family doesn't have a lot of relatives so our kids have never had a lot of these to send out to begin with. Some of our family members don't even reply back with a card, let alone money. How do you explain to your kids that their relatives don't even have the common decency to at least send a congratulations card.

[Anonymous]

I like them, especially when a photo of the graduate is included. I don't see them as a request for a handout unless it is a close relative or dear friend.

[Anonymous]

Bad idea. In poor taste. I would consider it a solicitation for a gift. Think about it: the people who are going to send a gift/check already know about the graduation and don't need to be told. If I only learn that someone is graduating via an announcement, then I would not know them well enough to want to send a gift.

[Anonymous]

Good!
Celebrate the accomplishment.
No need for gift. People should know get can send a card and a $10.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Bad idea. In poor taste. I would consider it a solicitation for a gift. Think about it: the people who are going to send a gift/check already know about the graduation and don't need to be told. If I only learn that someone is graduating via an announcement, then I would not know them well enough to want to send a gift.

I don't know about that, some families (extended) are lousy about communicating that one is in school to begin with, and then the grad announcement hits and it is a surprise.

[Anonymous]

I just completed my masters and sent the announcement to close family. I'm one of 2 that went to college in my generation and they all were emotionally invested in the process. I've seen the announcements stuck up on the fridge and my uncle has my graduation photo on his desk at work. Maybe limiting who all you send the announcements to would work?

[Anonymous]

OP here, I agree about limiting who she sends them to. I just sort of feel sorry for her because there aren't many relatives to send them to and half the ones she does send them to won't even have the curtesy to reply. As for sending them to family friends, I feel like she's forcing a handout from them simply because of our friendship. Of course her sending them to her own friends isn't a big deal simply because that age group doesn't expect money as gifts.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here, I agree about limiting who she sends them to. I just sort of feel sorry for her because there aren't many relatives to send them to and half the ones she does send them to won't even have the curtesy to reply. As for sending them to family friends, I feel like she's forcing a handout from them simply because of our friendship. Of course her sending them to her own friends isn't a big deal simply because that age group doesn't expect money as gifts.

Some people send a little something and those who can't or don't want to don't. Seems normal to me. I never expected congratulations on my announcements, but was grateful if I got them. Maybe some people don't want to send an empty card, I wouldn't seem them as rude.

[Anonymous]

My son is graduating this Spring and it never even occurred to me (or him) to send out announcements. Nor have I ever gotten any. Honestly, it does seem like a money grab and I would not feel comfortable doing it. But if you do, I don't think you should have any expectations of getting anything in return - even a card. Weddings, bar mitzvahs and other celebrations have a pretty well defined protocol. Graduation announcements do not (as far as I'm aware). People may not know how to respond.

[Anonymous]

Love them!

[Anonymous]

Never heard of this. I wouldn't send them. Sounds like you're asking for money.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Love them!

I love them, with a photo included. I see them like birth announcements or Christmas cards, not necessarily an obligation to act in response but often I will. It's especially nice since it's a good reminder. "I know Larla graduates this spring, wonder when it is. Don't want to forget to send a card." That announcement is a nice little kick in the pants.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Love them!

I love them, with a photo included. I see them like birth announcements or Christmas cards, not necessarily an obligation to act in response but often I will. It's especially nice since it's a good reminder. "I know Larla graduates this spring, wonder when it is. Don't want to forget to send a card." That announcement is a nice little kick in the pants.

+1. Love them, especially with a photo included. I'm actually a little offended when I don't receive them.

[Anonymous]

Ok OP I'm totally with you on this but in at least two posts you stress your concern that family members won't even reply. Maybe I'm just uncouth but I literally didn't know anyone was supposed to reply to these (unless like you said maybe a grandparent or someone would want to reach out). Otherwise, isn't an announcement just that: an announcement? Not a solicitation?

I guess I'm not clear on your intention. Are you expecting a reply (twice you said you were) or do you just want your kid to celebrate and let everyone know about the milestone?

[Anonymous]

We sent announcements for DC1s high school graduation. Most people sent gifts which made me feel guilty since that really wasn't the intent (although DC certainly appreciated the gifts). So we didn't do them for DC2s HS graduation and aren't doing it for DC1s upcoming college graduation.