Browse For Your High School or College in Chicago, Illinois

Senior photos are done typically well before the commencement itself – often as early as the summer before graduation. If you’re looking for a photographer, PurpleTrail has recommendations ranging from large studios to small, up-and-coming (and often less expensive) independent photographers. Just ask us! Senior photoshoots can be focused on the student’s hobbies, style and can even include friends and/or teammates. And, there are lots of great places in Chicago to take graduation photos, so get creative! These special photos will document this stage of your son or daughter’s life and can be used for decorations, gifts, presents and keepsakes before and after the big event.

In the City of Chicago SD 299 and others, May and June can be very busy with holidays such as Mother’s Day, Memorial Day and Father’s Day competing for time and attention on already packed schedules. Save-the-Date cards are an easy way to ensure that guests can attend the graduation ceremony itself or the party afterwards. This is particularly important for out-of-town guests to Chicago who need to make travel arrangements.

Graduation announcements for “AC” students or those from any other schools in the local area inform recipients of their proud achievement.. It’s important to ensure that they aren’t misconstrued as an unintended invitation to either the commencement ceremony or graduation party. They simply extend good news and can be paired with a personal message to give thanks to someone for their support. Announcements typically feature name, school name, degree, major, minor, accolades, honors or concentrations. Our graduation booklets and tri-fold graduation announcements are a popular announcement formats that allow grads to also include: additional photos; a personal note of gratitude; a poem, verse or motto; and/or a list of favorite memories or hopes for the future.

These graduation party invitations may serve as announcements as well, but should primarily be used to request someone’s presence at the commencement ceremony. Due to seating limitations at many City of Chicago SD 299 and other graduation venues , it’s important to use clear language to invite guests to the commencement ceremony. Clearly outlining if the guest is invited to the ceremony, party, or both will eliminate any uncertainties and possible misunderstandings.

An open house is typically an inclusive, everyone-is-invited, come-and-go-as-you-please event to celebrate the graduate. A more structured graduation party is for close friends, acquaintances and special guests. Invitations for either can be mailed separately from the graduation announcement, or as a combined announcement and invitation.

It is also a good idea to make it clear whether or not a meal is planned and enclose directions so it’s easy for guests to find the location. It’s customary to mail graduation party invitations at least two weeks ahead of time. After you’ve designed your invitation, allow some time for printing. If you’re in a pinch, PurpleTrail offers both expedited shipping and printing, with standard turnaround times in as little as 3 days.

Sharing stories and memories is an important tradition for any graduation party. A fun thing to start with is to sit down and organize photos with your grad. This will allow him or her to pick the photos they are most proud of…and eliminate some others! Displays of photos, awards, trophies as well as a video slideshow are all great ways to make your grad feel like the guest of honor.

An indoor or outdoor photo party banner is a great way to greet guests and congratulate the grad featuring high school colors such as Royal and Gold. Posters can also be designed to show off senior photos or snapshots of sports or activities.

Customized tshirts, and/or hats can make a graduation event or trip a little more memorable for club or group of students. Recognize their graduation year or just create something silly and fun.

It’s important for recent grads to start out on the right foot by getting thank yous in the mail within two weeks after graduation in the 60609 zip code -- a month at the longest. Make it easier for them by giving them personalized thank you notes coordinated with their graduation stationery. Email is fine, but hand written thank yous are customary. Encourage them to mention and gift and how they plan to use it. Personalized return address labels make it easy and look smart as well.

You’ll want to preserve the memories of this special time. A photobook is a great way to archive all their graduation memories. Or a photobook of all heir high school or college years will help them remember the good times and can conveniently accompany them onto college or the next stage of their life. A custom canvas print , metal print, mug or pillow featuring graduation photos can proudly be displayed in their new dorm or apartment – or at mom’s house!