We'll be attending our son's college graduation soon. This is the last of our children's college graduations so it's a celebration of no more college bills for us as well. How will we celebrate? What's important?
Each of my other son's college graduations were both similar and different. It was important to read all the information upfront in order to make good decisions about where and how to celebrate as there's typically a lot going on at college graduations no matter the size of the school.
As I think ahead, I want to remember these tips that helped to make the graduations fun.
Graduation ceremony
Know where it is, what time it starts and how many can attend. Typically if the weather is not good, there are limitations with attendance, but if the weather is great, often the ceremonies are outside and anyone can go. If attendance is limited, there is often indoor places where you can watch graduations on the big screen. When we went to one son's university graduation, my parents watched the ceremony in a nice room indoors. They offered refreshments and there was good company. It was a much better viewing spot for them than the big stadium where the graduation took place.
Dress for the event and comfort
Most college graduations require a lot of walking. If you or your guests have trouble with this, you'll want to see what's available to help out. If you want to walk, wear comfortable shoes. You may get an idea of what to wear by asking others who have attended similar graduations or looking online at pictures of graduations from the recent past.
Choose and plan your events
There are often many events planned for the graduation days. Look at the online listings and choose what you want to attend. Make a timeline of events including time and place.
Transportation
Take a look at a map related to all events. Plan how you'll move from one place to another ahead of time.
Food
It is generally good to make reservations ahead of time since graduations are busy times for local college/university restaurants.
Lodging
Staying in walking distance is always nice, but not always possible. As with restaurants, it's good to make your plans ahead of time with regard to lodging. For one graduation we traded quality for proximity--while the hotel wasn't that nice, it was awesome that we could simply walk to and from all events.
Invitees
It can be difficult for some members of a family to attend a college graduation. For elderly members, the number of events and need to walk from place to place can be overwhelming. The same can be true for small children. Busy family members may not have the time or money to attend a multi-day event. That's why we had a party for one son in the mountains after the graduation. We chose a fun place and everyone had a good time--better than if they had come to the graduation.
Flexibility
These events have a lot of unknowns no matter how well you plan, so you have to stay flexible.
Private gatherings
Often your child and his friends will plan their own private celebrations for family members as part of the overall graduation--these smaller, more intimate gatherings are often the best part of the entire graduation weekend.
Speakers
I enjoy listening to the graduation speakers. It's a chance to get a bit of inspiration while taking in the entire event. Reading up on the speaker beforehand can help you to enjoy this part of the graduation more. I still remember Corey Booker's awesome speech from one of my son's graduations.
Celebrate
It is so important to celebrate the significant moments in life. College graduation is a significant moment, and no matter whether your celebration is great or small, full of people or intimate, it's important to acknowledge this important transition in life. Happy Graduations!