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Graduation Planning for Parents: A Timeline for a Stress-Free Celebration

Feb 21, 2025 | By: Mette McConnell Photography

Graduation season is fast approaching, and for parents, that means balancing excitement with a long to-do list. In North Texas, most graduations take place in the third week of May, so now is the time to make sure everything is in order. From cap and gown portraits to sending invitations, staying organized will help ensure a smooth and stress-free celebration.

March: Cap and Gown Arrivals & Photo Sessions

In Texas, students purchase their cap and gown earlier in the school year, with delivery typically happening toward the end of March. Once they arrive, it’s time to schedule cap and gown portraits. These sessions are a great way to capture this special milestone and can also be used for announcements and keepsakes.

Mette McConnell Photography will be opening up booking for cap and gown sessions as soon as they are in—keep an eye on the website and social media for updates on available dates.

Late March/Early April: Plan & Order Graduation Announcements

By the end of March or early April, families should have a clearer idea of their graduation plans and parties. This is the perfect time to order graduation invitations and announcements to ensure they arrive in time for mailing.

  • Invitations are for guests attending the graduation ceremony.
  • Announcements simply share the exciting news with friends and family who may not be attending the event.

April: Send Out Invitations & Finalize Graduation Plans

As April progresses, it’s time to send invitations to those attending the ceremony. Aim to mail them at least four weeks before graduation so guests have time to make arrangements.

This is also when final plans should come together—confirm details like ticketing, venue restrictions, seating arrangements, and parking so there are no surprises on graduation day.

May: Graduation is Here!

With the big day approaching, make sure to:

  • Check graduation requirements—confirm with the school that everything is in place.
  • Enjoy the moment! This is a major milestone, and while planning is important, don’t forget to soak it all in and celebrate.

Dos and Don’ts for Parents

✅ Do: Plan ahead to avoid last-minute stress.
✅ Do: Encourage your senior to send thank-you notes for gifts and well-wishes.
✅ Do: Take lots of photos but also put the phone down and be present.

❌ Don’t: Wait until the last minute to book sessions or order announcements—availability fills up fast.
❌ Don’t: Stress over perfection—things may not go exactly as planned, and that’s okay.
❌ Don’t: Forget to celebrate! This is a once-in-a-lifetime event for your family.

By staying organized and keeping the focus on celebrating this milestone, you can make graduation season a joyful and stress-free experience for both you and your senior.

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