They've studied hard for the last few years and finally their big day is here. It can be tricky to know what to write in a graduation card, so that's where we come in. We hear you asking, "What is a nice message for a graduation card?" That's why we've gathered a list of graduation messages, well wishes and quotes, from funny to sentimental.
Whether you're looking for inspirational quotes to add to your son or daughter's graduation card, or it's a message for a brother, sister or grandchild when you cannot be at their graduation, we've got you covered. Perhaps you need a sweet message for a friend's graduation, or a funny graduation message to make your bestie chuckle. It's so important to get the tone right when writing in a graduation card, so read on for our top tips.
Short and Sweet Graduation Messages
- Happy Graduation Day!
- With love and pride today and always.
- The tassel was worth the hassle!
- Adventure awaits!
- Congratulations, you smashed it!
- You did it! Congrats!
- Nothing can stop you now.
- Dream big, Name! You can achieve anything you put your mind to.
- Well done! Such a brilliant achievement.
- Oh, the places you’ll go! Congrats on your graduation
- So proud of you!
- Congratulations! No one deserves this more.
- Here's to your next adventure.
- Enjoy your special day because you’ve earned it!
- This calls for a celebration! Congratulations!
- As you exit this period of hard work, remember to take the time to relax!
- It means so much to be a part of your graduation day!
Sentimental Graduation Wishes
- Your graduation is a testament to your hard work and dedication. Congratulations to the hardest-working person I know.
- Be proud of this moment, and know you deserve all the successes you work toward.
- The greatest gift you can give someone is believing in them. And you have a whole team of people who believe in you.
- Take pictures. Take your time celebrating. Take it easy for a while. Then get ready to take on the world!
- You will never know what you're capable of unless you try.
- I'm so happy to share in the joy and excitement of your big day.
- This milestone is just a steppingstone for more successes to come!
- Graduation isn’t the end of a tough journey. It is the beginning of a beautiful one. Enjoy every moment.
- My dear friend, you can achieve anything you want in life. Believe in yourself the same way we believe in you.
Inspirational Graduation Quotes
- "Don't be afraid. Be focused. Be determined. Be hopeful. Be empowered." —Michelle Obama
- "You’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think." — Carter Crocker, Pooh's Grand Adventure: The Search for Christopher Robin
- "It is in your hands to create a better world for all who live in it.” —Nelson Mandela
- “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” — Eleanor Roosevelt
- “Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life.” — Steve Jobs
- “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.” — Henry David Thoreau
- "Follow your passion. It will lead you to your purpose." — Oprah Winfrey
- “Education is our passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today.” — Malcolm X
- “I encourage you to live with life. Be courageous, adventurous. Give us a tomorrow, more than we deserve.” — Maya Angelou
- “Your imagination is your preview of life’s coming attractions.” — Albert Einstein
Funny Graduation Messages
- All that work for a piece of paper? Congratulations on your graduation!
- What now? That is the question.
- I can’t wait to hear your name horribly mispronounced at the graduation ceremony.
- Now that you've got to start repaying your student loan, do you wish you'd chosen a more useful subject? Seriously though, super happy for you! Congrats!
- Did you ever think this day would come? Neither did we!
- My deepest condolences on the end of your college life.
- Happy Graduation, now go get a job
- Congrats on a new super expensive piece of paper.
- Despite losing my bet, congratulations on your graduation.
- Let the adulting begin!
- As you graduate, let's just take a moment to express gratitude for those that helped you on this journey- Google, Wikipedia, coffee and energy drinks.
- You did it! Now go walk across that stage, in your weird hat and wizard robe, into your future.
- Welcome to the real world. Trust me, it’s not what you think.
Sweet Graduation Wishes for Friends
- It’s a beautiful thing, watching my friend grow up and get one step closer to her dreams. Congratulations.
- To my friend, you are an inspiration and example to me and everyone else alike. Well done and congratulations on this amazing achievement.
- I am so proud of you on your journey so far, and so excited for your future! May we face it together with laughter and joy.
- I’m beyond proud to be friends with someone so smart. Congratulations on your graduation.
- It's been an honour to be with you on this rollercoaster of a journey. Thanks for an unforgettable three years at university together. Now it's on to the next chapter and I can't wait to see what comes next for us both!
- You've come so far! It feels like only yesterday that we were at school, but look at you now! Congratulations to my incredible friend.
Our Top Tips for Graduation Cards
1- Make it personal. Include specific achievements or special memories.
2- Add a quote or short, meaningful saying.
3- Base your choices on what sort of person they are. It sounds obvious, but think about whether they will appreciate a funny card, or is something more sentimental appropriate? Are they into bright, bold colours or are they more of a pastels person?
4- If you're not able to make it to their special day and they invited you, acknowledge this with a little "I'm so sorry I can't be with you to celebrate. Have a drink for me!" or "Wishing I could be there, we'll celebrate next time I see you"
And if you're after a unique, special graduation card, made in the UK by excellent humans, look no further! Here is the link to our collection of graduation cards.