Graduation Etiquette (2024)

FAQs

What is the etiquette for graduation gifts? ›

You are not obligated to give a gift, although you may choose to do so. Whether or not you send a present, a card or note of congratulations is always appreciated.

If you attend the commencement ceremony, you should send a gift. According to the Emily Post Institute, if you can't attend the graduation in person, but wish to send a gift, give it near the graduation date or have it delivered in advance with instructions to wait until the day to open.

While it's not required to bring a gift to a graduation party, etiquette recommends that all attendees bring a card and small gift. When deciding whether to bring a present, you should factor in how close you are to the graduate, how large the party will be, and how many parties you will be attending.

Consider the range of $10-$300.

Acquaintances and friends: $10-20. Children of family friends: $20-50. Relatives (sibling, niece): $50-100. Children from (grand)parents: $100-300.

Most agree that giving at least $50 is appropriate for college graduates. Depending on the relationship, you can give up to $500. Whatever amount you choose, it's important to give what you comfortably can.

A cotton button-down shirt, sports jacket and slacks, or a light-colored suit, collared shirt and tie are good choices for men. For a woman, proper attire would be a cotton dress, a skirt and blouse, or a nice pantsuit.

Bells of Ireland are among the best graduation flowers, as they represent good luck and come in a striking green. Camellias and white carnations also mean good luck, whereas peonies represent prosperity.

Throwing caps in the air quickly became popular, resulting in the tradition of graduates of all kinds tossing their caps into the air after commencement.

There is no official dress code for guests, however the ceremony is a formal occasion and most people choose to dress smartly in accordance with this. Graduands and guests are expected to behave in a manner fitting for the occasion.

If the invitation doesn't specifically state the dress code, go with a nice dress or skirt/slacks with a blouse combination. It's a safe bet and you'll always feel more comfortable dressed up than dressed down.

What should I wear to someone's graduation? ›

Unless the invite requires a certain dress code, we recommend a smart casual approach. Since high school commencements typically take place in late spring or early summer, be sure to select lightweight fabrics. Cotton, linen and rayon will keep you cool while sitting outdoors on a warm day.

Hosting a Graduation Party

Typically a graduation party will have one guest of honor with a set timeframe of 2-4 hours and specific guest list.

In short, no. It's a ceremonial event and formal dress is normally customary. Jeans, t-shirts, trainers and other casual clothes are not considered appropriate and some universities might not let you into your graduation ceremony wearing them.

You can send flowers that match the colors of the graduation school. Since most of the colors are blue, yellow and white, you can go for blue iris and yellow tulip bouquets. But if the colors of the school are red and white, you can put red roses and white lilies in a bouquet.

Grandparents, aunts, and uncles should consider giving between $20 and $50. More distant relatives and family friends $15 on up is appropriate. Make it special – Sure, money in an envelope still spends, but is it memorable?

A gift of $25 is perfectly fine, and $50 would be very generous, but that would probably be the upper limit. Parents bear most of the responsibility for giving monetary graduation gifts. Parents should plan to give their son or daughter $100 to $200 or more.

A high school monetary graduation gift, can range between $20 to $300. $20 to $50 is an acceptable range for friends and relatives, with $50 being quite generous. What is this? $50 to $100 is for very close friends or family.

According to savingadvice.com, good etiquette when it comes to grad gifts is $20 to 50 for high school grads you are not close with. They say $50 to $100 is a good amount for closer friends and family members. The article also says that for college graduation, people spend between $100 and $500 on graduation gifts.

Yes, a pair of dress pants and a pretty blouse is fine, or you can wear pants with a top or shirt and a smart blazer for a polished mom look. Dress pants + a feminine top is worn with a cardigan or jacket work well too. Enjoy!

The traditional white gown for graduation has been a tradition since around the 19th century at schools across the country.

What color do you wear to graduation as a guest? ›

As white, ivory, cream and beige are widely used in graduation ceremonies, you can choose co*cktail dresses in those colors but with different details.

As a family member, significant other, or friend, you likely want to show them how proud you are with a meaningful graduation gift. The gift of flowers is a thoughtful way to show you care and congratulate your loved one for their life-changing accomplishment. Flowers have long held symbolic importance to humans.

If you want to offer a graduation gift that is imbued with symbolism, moonstones aren't the only gems you should be on the lookout for. Jadeite symbolizes prosperity, success, and good luck for many. Opal has also been regarded as the luckiest and most magical of all gems because it can show all colors.

Indeed, sunflowers are joyful flowers that give the impression of brightness, bliss, and high spirits. They are usually given during graduation to help decrease the sad feeling of ending an important journey in life.

It's the traditional color of a wedding gown, with symbolism steeped in purity. It was also the color chosen by the suffragettes—women fighting to procure the right to vote in Great Britain in the early 20th century—again, in part for its representation of purity.

Your structured go-to jeans could pair nicely with a blouse. Consider wearing leggings under spring dresses. You can also opt for something that you might wear to the office or a meeting, such as sleek trousers in a shade like black, gray, or brown.

At the Graduate Salute, prospective students will be able to order the cap and gown required to participate in the commencement ceremony. Graduates will also be able to get information about the CCNY yearbook, order your graduation class ring and have your senior portrait professionally taken.

White is synonymous with innocence and purity, and wearing white for graduation symbolizes the start of something new. Some schools still require women to wear white for graduation; however, most schools have done away with such requirements.

Although there is no dress code, many guests like to dress up for this special day. Parents and alumni can often be seen donning Tech colors and gear, and sometimes international guests wear their country's traditional dress clothes.

Women are best wearing either dress pants or a shorter skirt underneath the gown, while men should choose khakis or dark-colored dress pants. Avoid brightly coloured bottoms if you choose to wear dress pants or a longer skirt, as they can be seen below the hem of the gown and stick to darker colours.

How much money do you usually get from a graduation party? ›

In terms of the most generous states when it comes to gifts given to new graduates, California easily takes the top spot. In the Golden State, nearly 57% of people typically give graduates over $100, a rate of giving over 10 points higher than the next most generous state, Colorado (45%).

On average, 60% of invited guests will show up at your event. And here's the best case scenario: If you invite your closest friends and family only, you can expect about 75% to show up. It's painful to think about, but true nonetheless.

The next thing to keep in mind is the unwritten dress code. Make sure your shoes fit the expected attire of the day and avoid wearing tacky sandals, sexy stilettos or stinky sneakers. These shoes have no place in a commencement ceremony. Stick to dress shoes, Redbirds, and as always, stay away from flip-flops.

Do I Need to Attend My Graduation Ceremony? In a word, no — there are no academic repercussions to skipping commencement. There is also no requirement to be physically present at graduation in order to officially earn your degree.

It can be difficult navigating How To Stay Positive After Graduation, but the reality is, it will take time to rediscover who you are out of university - that's the fun part. You don't need to have it all figured out straight away. It can be a new and exciting chapter that you can write.

A gift of $25 is perfectly fine, and $50 would be very generous, but that would probably be the upper limit. Parents bear most of the responsibility for giving monetary graduation gifts. Parents should plan to give their son or daughter $100 to $200 or more.

How Much to Give for High School Graduation as a Gift? A high school monetary graduation gift, can range between $20 to $300. $20 to $50 is an acceptable range for friends and relatives, with $50 being quite generous.

According to savingadvice.com, good etiquette when it comes to grad gifts is $20 to 50 for high school grads you are not close with. They say $50 to $100 is a good amount for closer friends and family members. The article also says that for college graduation, people spend between $100 and $500 on graduation gifts.

Is it OK to give a check for graduation gift? ›

Money and gift cards are appropriate and welcome.

Always include a card and a handwritten note with the gift card, check or cash. When giving cash, take the time to go to the bank and get some new bills.

Graduates don't typically gift each other, so none is required at any of the parties. The only exception will be if you're joining her. As a parent, if you attend a party, you would bring a gift to the graduate.