Your Graduation Day Guide

It may feel like you just tackled your first semester, but before you know it, it will be time to prepare for your graduation day. Can you picture yourself in a graduation gown, ready to cross the commencement stage? There can certainly feel like an immense build-up leading to your graduation ceremony as you get measured for a graduation robe, arrange to purchase or rent convocation attire, get enough tickets for your family, and get an appropriate outfit for the day. As much as the event is surrounded by excitement, graduation day can actually feel a bit stressful too.

Don’t let the potential stress of the day damper your celebration. Your graduation day can be a lasting memory that positively closes out your post-secondary life and one that can be enjoyed by friends and family too. To help avoid disappointment, take some time to plan and prepare, and keep your expectations reasonable.

5 Tips For A Positive Graduation Day

Whether you’ve been dreaming about your graduation day for a while, or whether you simply want the day to come quickly so you can move onto the next part of your life, you might as well make the most of the event. The following tips will help you make the day the best it can be, not only for you but for those coming to celebrate with you as well.

1. Embrace your parents’ excitement.

Surely you’re excited to be free from constant assignments and exams, but keep in mind that your parents will be wrought with excitement too. For your parents, seeing you in a graduation gown will no doubt fill them with pride and emotion. Be open to their feelings too and let them get out the tears, extra hugs and words of praise. Be proud of the support system that has come to celebrate with you!

2. Be picture ready.

Everyone is going to want to take your picture. From your own family members to your friend’s parents, to the professional photographer, be ready with your best graduation day smile. Even though your cheeks may start to hurt and you just want to go to dinner, take some deep breaths and keep smiling. Remember that it’s only one day, and later on you’ll be glad to have so many great photos of such an important day.

3. You’re going to be hot.

You’ve picked out the perfect graduation outfit, but know that no matter what you choose, you’ll likely be hot and sweaty by the end of the day. Everyone will be in the same boat, so don’t stress too much about it. Try to keep hydrated and have some extra tissues on hand to dab your face, if needed.

4. Mortarboard hair will happen.

A mortarboard is your graduation hat. Once the graduation hat is fitted on your head, it’s pretty hard to keep any hair styling you might have done in place. Again, remember that everyone else is in the same situation, and that you’ll likely have some time to fix your hair after the ceremony and before any receptions or dinner plans. Bring a comb or a brush and you’ll have yourself fixed up in no time.

5. Be patient.

Graduation ceremonies require a lot of sitting down, standing up and clapping for people you may not even know. However, this doesn’t mean you can leave once your name has been called. Your peers are supporting you so it’s important that you do the same for them. Try and stay in the moment, and before you know it, it will be time to throw that graduation hat in the air and head off to celebrate your achievement.

Harcourts Can Help Make Your Graduation Day Special

Harcourts has been a part of graduation ceremonies for generations, and are proud to offer the highest quality rental robes and accessories, including hoods and mortarboards. Should you be looking to buy convocation regalia, we also have graduation gowns available for purchase. With all, you have to think about leading up to your graduation day, let Harcourts take care of your convocation attire. We can help you get exactly what you need to make you feel your best as you walk across the stage. Contact us to find out more about what we offer and how we can help.