Graduation
What to Expect from Your Winter Graduation
Depending on when you complete your studies, you’ll either have a summer or winter graduation. If it’s the latter, the aspects you need to consider and prepare for will differ somewhat. Don’t worry, it’s nothing too crazy, but it’s important to be prepared to get the most out of your graduation — after all, it’s a big day in anyone’s life and one to remember! In this post, we’ll highlight a few of the simple yet important things to keep in mind and how you’ll need to adopt a different approach when compared to summer graduations. Shop Graduation Gowns Bad, Unreliable Weather If you’re reading this and live in the UK, you knew we’d mention the weather at some point. UK winters are, well, less than ideal when it comes to weather and planning ahead — especially for big, memorable occasions such as graduation. So if you have a winter graduation in the near future, it’s always a good idea to prepare for a rainy and windy affair. This means you’ll want to reconsider a few things, primarily your choice of attire. While your graduation gown will offer some protection from the elements, both ladies and gents should opt for warmer clothing and take a waterproof jacket just in case of a downpour. For men, wool or similar materials are a great choice as it offers additional warmth and resistance against wetter conditions. Also, a hooded jacket will prevent ruining styled hair. For women, a summer dress may not be the best choice. Fortunately, there are many different options, such as graduation dresses, skirts with smart tops, and trouser suits. All of which can easily be paired with tights for added warmth on colder days. Another thing to consider is your graduation cap and keeping it in place during windy days, you can do this quite easily with bobby pins and some patience. For a detailed breakdown of what to wear during your winter graduation, check out this blog post. Indoor Ceremony & Celebrations As we said, UK winters are unreliable for weather, and it’s often a safer bet to prepare for the worst, then everything else is a bonus. Bad weather means that outdoor ceremonies and parties are a bit risky. After all, this is a very special day and one that everyone should be able to enjoy. Therefore indoor locations are the preferable option as it offers peace of mind even if the weather is awful, and you and your fellow graduates won’t be soaked through for the photographs. To avoid disappointment, it’s essential to book locations for ceremonies and parties in advance, very much in advance. Failing to do so will just lead to unwanted stress and last-minute scrambling, both of which are fantastic ways to make your graduation less enjoyable. While your University should be on the ball with organising the ceremony and accounting for winter conditions, it’s never a bad idea to offer suggestions if you have some ideas. If you know any locations that could provide a nice setting regardless of the weather, offering your own insight is a great way to make your graduation a more organised and collaborative occasion. Poor Lighting Your graduation is a big deal, and a day that’ll live long in your and your family members’ memory. So much so that they’ll want photographic evidence of your achievement to show off to anyone who visits their home. Unfortunately, winter can prove to be troublesome for capturing well-lit images. So this is something else you should prepare for if you are hoping to take lots of photos to remember the day. Your official graduation photo should be taken by a professional photographer, so that’s one less thing to worry about. Beyond this, it’s often in the hands of the graduates to plan ahead for winter conditions and ensure they have what they need to take good photos. Fortunately, pretty much everyone has a phone these days, which tends to have a flash feature. Newer smartphones such as iPhones have insanely good cameras, a flash, and additional features to help with lighting. However, if you want a more professional look, you can opt for a digital camera and lighting setup such as a ring light. Now that you know what you need to be thinking about ahead of your winter graduation ceremony, it’s time to get your Graduation Gown, Stole and Graduation Cap. Shop Graduation Gowns
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7 Ideas for Graduation Gifts
Graduating from university is a massive achievement, and the day itself is a wonderful occasion for graduates and their families. Just like any other special occasion, commemorating the moment with a gift is a nice way to show your happiness and admiration for their accomplishments. But what does one get for a graduate? Fortunately, there are several options that are sentimental and add to the feelings of pride and accomplishment. Additionally, many gift choices are tailored to the specifics of a graduation and offer ways to ensure the achievement lives long in the memory. Shop Graduation Gifts Ideas for Graduation Gifts Diploma Tubes Often the best gifts are simple yet meaningful, and that’s precisely what you get with a diploma tube. Diploma tubes, which can be customised (kindly note that this option is available when ordering 50 or more), ensure graduates and their families have a safe and mobile place to keep that all-important certificate. The two-piece design has a deluxe leather effect finish and can hold an A4 certificate. Also, if you would like to add a special touch to the ceremony, you can add a crest, emblem, or logo. Certificate Frames Graduating from university is a huge achievement for both the graduate and their supportive family, so you can’t blame them for wanting to show off the certificate at home. Certificate frames are a brilliant way to preserve the certificate while providing an ideal display solution. Our certificate display frames are for A4, with the option to choose a traditional frame with a veneer finish and 12 unique colour options or a more minimalist modern style frame. However, you could opt for something a bit more special. We also offer a dual graduation certificate and photo frame in traditional and modern styles. This means that graduates and their families can display such an essential certificate of achievement alongside a wonderful picture of the cap and gown-wearing graduate. Graduation Photo Frame Ah, the classic! Many households worldwide feature proudly displayed graduation photo frames, whether for parents, grandparents, other family members, or the graduate! Graduating from university is by no means an easy thing to do and takes years of hard work — so it’s an occasion that should be celebrated appropriately. Displaying a photo of a graduate on their graduation day is a fantastic reminder of how far they have come as an individual and the exciting future ahead. Mortarboard Hat Display Frame Are you looking for a display frame with a special touch and unique aesthetic? Look no further. This display frame provides a fun and effective way of showing off a graduation certificate, with a mortarboard hat design that can easily be hung up or propped up for display. It features a classic wooden design and is available in various colourways. Simply choose whichever colour you love the most. Graduation Teddy Bear Over our many years in the industry, we’re always pleasantly surprised by just how much people love our Graduation Teddy Bear! This cute little soft-furred bear stands tall at 11.5cm and wears a mortarboard cap, and even has a little scroll. This is the perfect gift for graduates as it serves well as a reminder of a truly special day spent with loved ones. Cufflinks Cufflinks have been a symbol of excellence, style, and reputation for many years. So what better way to congratulate and show respect to graduates than by presenting them with an incredible set of cufflinks? After all, one must look their sharpest at a graduation ceremony. We have graduation-themed cufflinks available from Onyx-Art, which are available in three distinct designs — graduation cap, book, and ‘genius’ text. Are you looking for the perfect graduation gift? At Evess, we offer a wide range of graduation gift ideas alongside high-quality caps, gowns, stoles and other accessories. Check out our online store to find everything you need to make a graduation ceremony that extra bit special! Shop Graduation Gifts
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What to Wear for Winter Graduation Ceremony
Graduation is a wonderful day for all involved and a celebration of the achievements of graduates, but it’s not always going to be a bright and sunny affair. Graduations sometimes occur in winter, or at least with Wintery weather, so it’s always best to be prepared. After all, no one wants a wayward floaty dress or the inability to hold a conversation due to chattering teeth. In this post, we’ll provide a quick yet comprehensive guide for knowing what to wear for a winter graduation ceremony. Shop Graduation Attire Your Attire for a Winter Graduation Ceremony Graduation days don’t tend to have specific dress codes, but universities expect you to dress smart or at least put some effort into your attire. The two key factors for your winter graduation attire are comfort and smartness. With that said, if your graduation is in Britain, another aspect to consider is the awful weather! British winters tend to be cold and wet, with the possibility of heavy rain. This may mean your graduation is indoors, but there’s still a pesky walk to and from the car to consider. So it’s important to dress appropriately to fight the good fight against the elements. Men’s Graduation Attire When it comes to men, what to wear for a winter graduation ceremony doesn’t differ massively from other times of the year. Most men opt for a suit or smart clothes such as a shirt and suit trousers or chinos. So, from here, it’s not too much effort to make the appropriate adjustments to suit winter weather. Let’s start with the suit. If you normally wouldn’t wear one, you may want to rethink or wear a smart, weather-appropriate jacket. If you are going to wear a suit, there are three main things to consider: choosing between a two or three-piece suit, colour, and fabric. Firstly, we’d suggest a three-piece suit as it offers additional warmth on colder days but also provides the warmth of a waistcoat if you want to take off your jacket. Your choice of colour and fabric normally will depend on personal choice, but in winter, you’ll need to make a decision based on the weather you’re expecting. For example, if chillier weather is on the cards, you’ll want to opt for something thicker such as wool. And colourwise, wearing a darker suit is never a bad idea to disguise any specks or damp spots from the rain. And finally, footwear. Winter can be quite the treacherous season for slips and trips, especially for those of you who aren’t too picky with what you put on your feet. It’s essential for your footwear to be comfortable and have a grippy sole. This allows you to navigate any potentially hazardous ground without concern and ensures you won’t slip. Women’s Graduation Attire Graduation Dress When it comes to women’s attire for graduations, especially in winter, there are several options available, each with their pros and cons. The go-to option for graduation due to its simplicity and sophisticated aesthetic. In winter, you may want to opt for a warmer material and most definitely avoid floaty dresses to avoid any embarrassing mishaps. If it’s forecasted to be particularly cold or wet, you can wear tights for added warmth. Skirt and Smart Top If you don’t want to wear a dress or simply aren’t a dress person, another idea is a shirt and skirt. Ideally, a knee-length or midi skirt. It’s always good to try and choose colours that complement the colours on your gown. Fortunately, with shirts and skirts, you have many colours and combinations to work with. Some may opt for a plain skirt and bright shirt, vice versa, or a matching set — regardless of your choice, have fun with it and use it as an opportunity to show some personality. As with dresses, tights are an excellent addition for winter graduations as they keep your legs warm and can even further compliment your colour choices. Trouser Suit If a skirt or dress isn’t your cup of tea or the weather is ensuring those choices would be a nightmare — why not go for a trouser suit instead? Women tend to prefer the style of a two-piece rather than a three-piece, but who are we to presume? At the end of the day, it’s your graduation and entirely up to you what you wear. After all, those pictures will be displayed for years to come, so it’s important to be comfortable. For women’s suits, blazers often look best, with many different trouser cuts and designs to choose from. Personal preference is essential here as it helps you show some personality in your graduation get-up. Beyond this, follow the same advice as the men’s suits. Colours and fabrics that suit the weather you’re expecting are best. When it comes to footwear, again, it’s completely up to you and depends on your outfit and the weather. Many women feel as if they have to wear heels, but this is simply not the case. Universities expect you to be smart but do not dictate the specifics of your attire. For women, your options are generally heels, flats, or smart boots. If you really want to wear heels but the weather is less than ideal, you could always wear comfortable/waterproof shoes from the car to the venue and then switch to heels. Again it really does depend on what you’re wearing. For dresses, heels and smart flats are perfect. The same goes for a shirt and skirt combo. However, for trousers, you pretty much have the green light when it comes to styles as they’ll cover the majority of the shoe. Now that you know what to wear for a winter graduation ceremony, it’s time to get your Graduation Gown, Stole and Graduation Cap. Shop Graduation Attire
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How to Get Wrinkles Out of a Graduation Gown
Graduation is one of the most important days in a student’s life. This ceremony marks their transition from education to work and allows them to start a new chapter in their lives. Therefore, it is important that you are looking your best on graduation day. It is key to make a good, long-lasting impression and forge memories to look back on in pride. A big part of that will be making sure you get the wrinkles out of your graduation gown. Read on for our tips on how to accomplish that! Shop Graduation Gowns Steaming Your Graduation Gown One way to get your graduation gown looking its best is to carry out a steaming process to smooth the wrinkles in the fabric. Graduation gowns require a lot of care to maintain their appearance so don’t fold it when you receive it, but rather put it on a hanger as soon as possible to lessen the number of wrinkles that can accumulate after unpackaging. The best way to steam your wedding gown at home would be to use a hot shower, angling the showerhead away from the gown so it doesn’t get wet. When the shower is hot enough, you can use the steam that has been generated to soften and open up the fabric, stretching out the creases till the material is smooth. Make sure to keep the bathroom door shut so the steam can’t escape, allowing your gown to get a full and proper treatment. Ironing Your Graduation Gown Ironing also generates steam that smooths out wrinkles. Just be sure that when you iron your gown, you are moving with the fabric and not against it as it is very easy to iron the creases in and leave unsightly lines in the material. You also have to be careful as graduation gowns are commonly made of polyester. If the iron is too hot, the material can burn and melt. As an extra safeguard, you can either turn the gown inside out or put a towel or other cloth over the top to protect it. Then simply iron it like you would any other raiment, keeping the iron moving and ironing horizontally and vertically as the material allows. Don’t fold it when you’re finished but hang it back up so the material can remain loose and fall naturally. The risk of folding after all is that you can fold creases back into the fabric. Having Your Graduation Gown Professionally Cleaned If you don’t want to get your gown prepared yourself, there are professional cleaning options that can steam out the wrinkles for you, providing you with a high-class service that will get your gown graduation-ready in no time. Dry cleaners are your best option as they will clean, dry and press your graduation gown to make sure it is both blemish and wrinkle-free. Very often though, a graduation gown won’t need to be dry cleaned before the big day but it may be a good idea to send it off professionally after you are finished with it so that the rental is freshly pressed for the next lucky graduate. A head’s up – make sure you are only dry cleaning the materials of your graduation gown that need to be. This includes anything made of velvet, ribbon or silk. The polyester parts of your gown won’t really require dry cleaning as it is safe to clean in warm water and the cap would be better off being cleaned by hand. Homemade Remedies If you want, you don’t have to use irons or steamers or showers to get the wrinkles out of a Graduation Gown. Vinegar is one of the most useful items going when it comes to household cleaning solutions and it works just as well when it comes to getting wrinkles out of fabric. Combine the vinegar with water and conditioner in a spray bottle, shake and then apply to the fabric in an even coating, making sure to smooth out the fabric with your hand and pull at the material where necessary to encourage the creases out. A cup of water, a couple of teaspoons of vinegar and about a tablespoon of conditioner should do the trick. If you want you can add essential oils as well that will help to give your gown a sweet, fragrant smell that could only serve to enhance your graduation experience. Methods to Avoid We’ve spoken about how to avoid dry cleaning certain materials in your graduation gown but there are other things you should keep in mind when getting ready for your big day. It is not recommended to machine wash your graduation gown. Whether you wash at a cold or low temperature, the gown can still be damaged by the intensity of the wash. and you’ll get much better results from steaming or even with a gentle hand cleaning than anything else. Hot temperatures, like with the irons mentioned above, can also damage the fabric so don’t put your graduation gown into a machine dryer either unless you want it to be burnt and melted. You should also avoid water spots if possible. This can be a risk with the shower steaming procedure and with the water-vinegar solution so make sure you always check there are no residual marks on the gown during or after the process of eradicating the wrinkles. Overall, it’s fairly straightforward to get your graduation gown looking as presentable as possible for your ceremony. The best thing about the solutions to getting the wrinkles out is that they’re easy to do from the comfort of your own home unless you want the peace of mind that a professional service can offer you. So get to steaming your gown and enjoy your graduation in style! Are you looking for more helpful advice, ideas and fun content relating to graduations? Check out our graduation blog section, where our team loves to offer insight and inspiration! Check out our online store to browse our range of gowns, hoods, stoles, gifts and much more. If you have any questions or want more information about any of our products, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our team is always happy to help! Shop Graduation Gowns
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Celebrating the End of an Era: What to Write in a Graduation Card
Graduation is an important moment in every student’s life, closing the chapter on one part of life and beginning the next. It is a celebration of years of hard work and achievement which is important to commemorate so the graduates can look back fondly on their memories for years to come. But when it comes to cards many of us feel lost as to what to write in a graduation card. Sending your loved one a graduation card is a great way to signify their success and your pride in their achievements so we’ve compiled some handy tips and suggestions on what to write in a graduation card to make their day that much more special. Themes of Graduation Cards Graduation cards all follow certain themes that convey the right sense of celebration for the graduate on their special day. One of the biggest themes you can tap into is pride. Expressing how proud you are of the graduate is sure to brighten up the proceedings and make the day an even happier one for them. You can also gear your message towards the idea of memory, giving the graduate a warm memory to look back on in fondness and pride when they think of their graduation. This helps to keep the magic of the day alive, making it one they’ll never forget. Of course, when looking back, you must also look forward. Making your cards about the future of the graduate conveys a sense of hope and excitement for what’s in store for them after graduation, encouraging them to think positively about the next stages of their life. Don’t forget to make it fun for them though! Bring a sense of levity to the formal proceedings. Nothing is better than laughing at something a loved one has said and it can help the graduate to feel more connected to their loved ones as well as alleviate any pressure or nervousness they have going into the ceremony. Basic Celebratory Greetings for Graduation Cards The first basic step to start with when crafting the perfect message for your graduate is to have a good idea of the base foundational greeting message. This is typically similar to the pre-written text found in standard cards geared towards congratulatory messages that are universal for any graduating student. Congratulations on passing your degree! Well done on graduating! Congratulations on your achievement! Good luck for the future! We’re so proud of you for your success! Basic celebratory messages convey the principle theme of pride and happiness for the graduate you’re congratulating and provide some easy go-to options for those of you who prefer a simpler option to the more extravagant options on the market. Thoughtful and Meaningful Graduation Cards These messages are often laden with emotion that delves deeper into the feelings of pride you have towards your graduate for their accomplishments. These can often take the simple greetings above and make them more profound and complex. We’re so proud of you for all you’ve achieved. We wish you the warmest wishes We always knew you could do it! Well done on believing in yourself This graduation is a well-earned victory. You deserve all the good things that have come to you Congratulations on your success! We can’t wait to watch you take the world by storm All the hugs in the world couldn’t convey how proud we are of you for graduating! These messages come from the heart and serve to lift the graduate up, making them feel loved and important on their special day and making the proceedings all the more meaningful. Casual Messages Vs. Formal Messages The message in your graduation card can have different styles as well depending on the type of relationship you have with the graduate. If you’re a friend or even a cousin, the message may tend to be more casual and fun at heart. Parents and grandparents will likely lean towards a more formal, sophisticated kind of greeting. More casual messages will make use of informal language that sparks a sense of excitement and lightness: Congrats on graduating! Go ahead and take a break – you’ve earned it! Well done on getting a degree! That’s awesome! Happy Graduation Day! Drinks are on me! Congratulations! If only we could all be as brainy as you! Formal messages on the other hand will use fancier vocabulary that exudes a sense of professionalism, taking a much more subdued route but still being powerful and heartfelt regardless: Warmest wishes for your future after graduation We wish you happy graduation with pride and love We are incredibly proud of your achievements and hope you have a great graduation You have a bright future ahead of you and we can’t wait to see what kind of accomplishments you achieve We can’t wait for you to look back on this day with pride. Well done on everything you have achieved. Personal, Unique and Funny Graduation Cards The messages in personal and unique cards can be hard to pin down as they are so specific to the experiences of the congratulator and the graduate, acting as a dual celebration of the relationship between the two and of the graduation itself. Writing something uniquely relevant to the recipient makes the graduation card all that more special and treasured. Weave in an in-joke that would only make sense to the graduate and give them a chuckle on their special day. Write a short poem if you are creatively inclined or make the cringiest, cheesiest graduation pun you can think of. You could quote their favourite movie or maybe even twist a quote to suit the graduation theme. You could write something that is so obviously a reflection of your personality that the card could only have come from you because no one else would have congratulated the graduate in the same way. Be as zany or as faux-formal as you like. The creative options are endless with the graduation card as a blank canvas for you to both make the graduate laugh and give them something good and fun to look back on. The most important thing is to be as natural and authentic as possible. The graduate doesn’t want to receive a card that reads like it was written by a stranger and a robot. The more personal and intimate the card feels, the more they’ll appreciate it because they’ll know it came from the heart. Whether that’s an emotional message expressing pride or a tongue-in-cheek graduation-themed joke, if it reads like you then it will mean so much more and make their graduation that bit more special. Looking for Graduation Gifts ideas now that you know what to write in a graduation card? Check out our full range of Graduation gifts now!
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Graduation Etiquette: Preparing for the Perfect Day
Graduation is the most important event in your life as a student, closing one chapter and beginning the next. It is important then, that the ceremony goes off without a hitch so that you can enjoy yourself and make the most out of this momentous occasion. That is why we have created this guide on Graduation etiquette. Read on to learn about the most important parts of graduation etiquette that you and your guests can carry out to help make your graduation dream a reality. Inviting Family and Friends to Your Graduation After receiving your own graduation announcement, you, as the graduate, will be allocated a set number of seats with which you can invite select family members or friends. This is tricky water tread as obviously, not everyone will be able to come and see your ceremony. It’s important to avoid hurting anyone’s feelings so make sure you engage in open communication with your closest family and friends. Some may not be able to come to the ceremony proper but they will be able to come to any celebrations before and after the event. Make sure to select your guests wisely. Giving your parents seats at the ceremony is often the way to go and depending on the size of your family, a sibling or a grandparent can also be invited. Any seat leftover can go to a close friend or a date. It is important to consider both who you want to be there and who wants to see your ceremony the most. The Art of Gift-Giving at Graduation When learning a loved one is going to be graduating from their university, it is appropriate etiquette to get them some kind of gift to commemorate the occasion. How the gift selecting and giving is handled is entirely up to you. Some parents when their children graduate go big. A new laptop is always a good bet because chances are a graduate wore out their last one on years of assignments and research! A lot of graduation gifts are small little keepsakes and mementoes though. Jewellery, books, even a cuddly toy – they can all provide something to remember the day by. Just ensure it’s the right gift for the graduate to make their day that much more special. Gifts can be given before or after the ceremony, whichever is more appropriate for the graduate and the ceremony itself. If it is a piece of jewellery, the graduate will be able to wear it to the event and make it that much more special. Other gifts may be best given after the ceremony at the celebration with the rest of your family and friends. Properly Wearing Your Graduation Attire One of the most important things to consider in graduation etiquette is your appearance. We don’t mean this in any vain or superficial way but looking smart and professional at your graduation shows a certain degree of respect for the proceedings. You will also want to feel sharp and formal so that when you look back on these memories it is with pride. It comes highly recommended to wear a shirt with buttons so you have something to hook your graduation gown on. Heavy material will help stop the gown from riding back so you don’t have to adjust it as much throughout the day. If you have a tie, make sure that goes over the front of the graduation hood which is always put on after the rest of the gown. Make sure the hood sits evenly on your shoulders and is turned out properly to display the colour. There’s a little more etiquette involved with the mortarboard. Some universities and colleges do it differently but often, the tassel plays a key part in signifying the transition of events throughout the day. In some universities, the tassel starts on the right-hand side of the graduation cap before being flipped to the left side to signify becoming a graduate. The movement of tassel also signifies the degree of education you are graduating for. Undergraduate students will have their tassel on the right before moving it to their left and higher education such as Masters’ and doctorate degrees will have the tassel starting on the left-hand side. Always make sure the mortarboard is sitting evenly on your head as well, with the longer part at the back. Use pins and grips to keep it in place if you need to. Graduation Etiquette When Having Your Photo Taken Photographs are a vital part of any graduation ceremony as they immortalise the day, giving you and your loved ones something to look back on in the future. Using proper etiquette for your official photograph will help you to look as smart and sharp as possible. Consider every aspect of your appearance while posing for your perfect photograph. Make sure your hair frames your face in just the right way to complement your appearance. Make sure you pay attention to your posture as well. Keep your back straight and your body at an angle so you aren’t directly facing the camera. This isn’t a passport photo, so you have more freedom to make your photograph as appealing as possible! Pull your chin down a little and bring your ears forward for a look that positions your nostrils downwards. It can look a little awkward and unnatural on a profile view but for a forward-facing photograph, this yields the best and most attractive results for your professional photograph. Positioning is everything in a professional photograph, from angling your face so that the nose doesn’t divide your features to turning your shoulders. Great posture will lead to a great looking photograph that you will always be proud to look back on. Graduation Etiquette for Accepting Your Certificate Perhaps the most crucial part of the ceremony is the ceremony itself. No one wants to trip as they walk across the stage. No one wants to walk too fast and look like they’re rushing or walk too slow and look unnatural. Remain calm and poised and cross the stage as naturally as possible. When you reach the presenter, make sure you have a welcoming and polite smile on your face. Maintain eye contact with the presenter as well and be sure to exude confidence and pride at being at the event. Take the certificate with your left hand and shake the presenter’s hand with your right. Be firm in the shake and don’t hold your certificate loosely at your side. It is likely photographs are being taken so maintaining that confident body language is vital. Don’t lose it as you walk off the other side of the stage and be sure to look out at the audience with a smile even if you don’t make eye contact with anyone. It will help to make you feel less awkward and enable you to feel less invisible as you exit the stage. Feel free to drop the confident gait once you’ve left the stage though. Attention will be on the next graduate so speed walk around the room and back to your seat with all the haste you want! Extra Graduation Etiquette for That Final Flourish So you’ve made it through your entire ceremony, hopefully without a hitch but there are a couple of final flourishes you can add to make the day that much more special. These are just the nitpick details that can add a little something extra to your graduation. Etiquette states that muted colours and professional clothes under your robes are best. Jeans and garish colours can draw the eye in an unfavourable way so be sure to stick to whites, greys and lighter shades like pale blue and pink. This is a great way to complement your gown and keep you looking professional. Flowers are another part of graduation etiquette that can add a level of grace and elegance to the proceedings. Flowers hold a lot of symbolism that can help to add a special and personal meaning to your ceremony: Amaryllis – Often seen as a symbol of pride, this is the perfect flower for a loved one to give as a gift to express the value of your graduation. Conversely, gift it to yourself to give you that extra boost of confidence in your achievements. Clematis – Said to symbolise mental beauty. This is a great flower for someone to use to express how smart they think you are and how impressed they are with your achievements. Gladiolus – So named for the gladius, the swords gladiators fought with, this flower symbolises greatness and victory, a powerful flower to bring to the ceremony. Goldenrod – A pretty little flower that symbolises encouragement and good fortune. Include this flower in a bouquet to send yourself wishes for a good future in your career after graduation. Valerian – a delicate flower that symbolises readiness. Get yourself ready and raring to go after a graduation ceremony as you prepare for life after education. White Rose – Among other things, a white rose means a new beginning or a fresh start. Pair this flower with valerian and goldenrods to symbolise you leaving education behind for a new adventure. Graduation is one of the most important days in a student’s life, celebrating their academic achievements and symbolising their transition into a new stage of life. Graduation etiquette helps to prepare you for this pivotal event and ensure you get the most out of the experience and start your new life off with a bang.
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Perfect Graduation Gift Ideas
Graduation is a memorable and special event for any student — so it makes sense to mark the occasion with a suitable gift. However, it’s easy to get a bit lost when you start looking for perfect graduation gift ideas. Every graduate is different, so there’s that challenge, but the key thing is finding a gift that feels special and ensures that they remember such an important day for years to come. Although the restrictions on events such as graduations have improved significantly and eased compared to the earlier days of the global pandemic, life is yet to return to normal. While many students will get the full graduation experience, Covid-19 may well throw a spanner in the works for many Universities and require digital graduations or some with reduced numbers. As you can imagine, being able to attend graduation amidst a particularly challenging time is a fantastic reason to celebrate their hard work and enjoy the experience with their friends and family. The perfect graduation gift provides graduates with a reminder of this special day, but finding something suitable can be a daunting task. So, we have put together some perfect graduation gift ideas to help! Buy Graduation Gifts Certificate Frames Traditional A graduation certificate is a much sought after and prized possession of any student, and a beautiful certificate frame is a perfect way to showcase such a fantastic achievement. So it’s difficult to see why a certificate frame is among the most popular graduation gift ideas. Traditional frames allow graduates to display their certificate (and their hard work) at home, workspace or quite often, it’ll find a home at their proud parent’s house. With our extensive range of mount board colours, you can opt to match the university or choose a tone that’s preferred by the graduation, a favourite colour maybe. The traditional veneer frame with a classic gold line inside is the perfect aesthetic and a touch of class for any professional office or workspace. The traditional frame is also available in a dual certificate and photo frame, the ideal combo to remember such a special day. After all, a picture is worth a thousand words. Modern If you’re looking for something a bit more contemporary, our modern frames could be a perfect choice. With a clean black finish, our modern wooden frames suit the surroundings of any modern home or office. Much like our traditional frames, modern frames feature a sturdy build and glass on the front, offering protection without sacrificing visual appeal or practicality. Again, like our traditional frame, our modern frame is also available in a dual certificate and photo frame. Graduate Certificate Folder A graduation certificate is a prized possession for many graduates and their loved ones, which needs to be looked after. Certificates can easily be lost, damaged, or ruined — especially when moving house or redecorating. So, it’s essential to protect the certificate and preserve it from other aspects such as sun damage. You achieve this with our graduate certificate folders, which are available in a range of colours, and the luxury leatherette finish will ensure your certificate remains in pristine condition. These folders provide a safe storage solution and look very professional when presenting your graduation certificate at job interviews. The graduate certificate folder is also customisable when bought in bulk. Graduate Diploma Tube Another fantastic storage solution for graduation certificates is a graduate diploma tube. This small tube allows graduates to store and preserve their certificates in a more unique, refreshing way. As perfect graduation gift ideas go, certificate tubes are always a great choice as they’re both practical and look great, making them an excellent accessory for a graduation photo. Whether you’re looking for a nice and simple way to store your certificate at home or want to gift someone with a beautiful keepsake for a momentous occasion, look no further than our graduate diploma tubes which have an excellent deluxe leatherette finish. Do you have a group of friends who want to purchase tubes in bulk? (more than ten). Get in touch to discuss your requirements, and we can look into personalising them! Teddy Bears Teddy bears have been a go-to gift for a wide range of occasions for many, many years. And it’s no different for graduation gift ideas. Who doesn’t love a teddy bear? Our graduation teddy bears are a lovely keepsake to remind graduates of their special day, whether it’s a school or university graduation — you’re never too old for a teddy bear! Stoles Graduation Stoles Graduation Stoles are an iconic part of graduation attire and can be used to symbolise specific academic achievements, such as a particular field of study. Stoles provide the standard cap and gown get-up with some bright colours to turn heads and make graduates stand out from the crowd. Most of the colours used for stoles have meaning and signify something specific, so it’s always important to do your research beforehand. You may want to consider the Deluxe Graduation Stole for highly decorated graduates, which features a half-inch binding to elaborate their achievements further. Traditional Kente Graduation Stole Do you want to make your graduation attire a bit more exciting and vibrant? You check out the Kente Graduation Stole! This beautiful stole is a fantastic way to demonstrate your achievements with style. Crafted from Ghana Kente fabric, this stole injects a plethora of colour to your outfit and ensures that you stand out from the big crowd of caps and gowns. While this is perfect for a graduation, it can also be used for other occasions due to its incredible design. As you can see, we have a vast array of graduation gift ideas here at Evess! However, if you can’t see anything on this list that suits your needs, check out the wide range of awesome gifts we have available in our online shop or head over to our graduation gift ideas for friends and family blog. If you have any questions about any of the graduation gift ideas listed above or any other products listed on our site — please don’t hesitate to get in touch to see how we can help! Buy Graduation Gifts
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Mortarboard: The Origins of the Graduation Tradition
First of all, let’s deal with the elephant in the room. A mortarboard cap does share a name with a bricklayer’s tool, but it is not named after it. Don’t worry. Or rather, don’t feel weird. Buy Mortarboards What is a Mortarboard The mortarboard cap is a worldwide symbol of educational achievement and graduation. No matter where you’re graduating from, a mortarboard cap balanced precariously on your head represents your achievements better than anything. The swotting and the stressing. The time you spent working when you wanted to be doing something else. The mortarboard cap itself has a very… religious origin, and they’ve gone through many design changes since they came into fashion in the early Middle Ages. The Origins of the Mortarboard The Early 1100s In the early 1100s, universities and colleges were heavily influenced by the primary religions and churches in their surrounding area. Most students being educated at this level – the majority of whom were men at this point in time – were training to go into the church. Their education, on top of being taught to read and write their native language, also included being taught to read and write Latin. Despite Latin becoming a dead language during the 7th century A.D., the Italian influence over Christian-supported education remained significant, especially to those with Roman Catholic links. Due to this influence, both teachers and students ended up wearing clerical clothing. This clothing choice helped teachers and students stay warm. The majority of lectures took part in large, cold stone buildings where the only source of heat was one of the many fires. Wearing robes allowed them to “layer up” underneath without looking out of place. The initial design for mortarboards came from Italian-style birettas, hats worn by Roman Catholic clergymen. The biretta was tall and round and was slowly adapted by students into a design that was more comfortable and easier to wear. This, in turn, had an influence over what would later become official university dress. The dress and mortarboard have both been black or grey since their creation; with the issues and expense of dyeing clothes in the Middle Ages, it was considered easier to have every item of dress one colour and material. This also fit in with the Church’s view on acts of extravagance and unnecessary over-indulgence. The 1800s & Early 1900s In the late 1800s and early 1900s, as colour photography started to make an introduction into society, universities slowly implemented mortarboards having coloured tassels on top of them. These tassels often showed off the school colours or, later, the course the student had been part of. In the mid-1600s, colleges and universities started appearing all over the United States. Once again the entry point for men looking to enter the church was styled on both Oxford and Cambridge University. The precursors to the mortarboard and graduation robes also came over, once again based around the religious dress. Photographic evidence exists proving that the modern style of mortarboard has been in existence since the 1800s. The style and shape changed not only for aesthetic purposes but to keep up with societal progression as well. When women were allowed into university in the United Kingdom, changes had to be made in uniform to compensate for the differences in clothing and bodily shape. Despite these changes, the first mortarboard cap patent was only approved in 1930. Modern Times Even in recent times, the mortarboard cap is still transforming. Midway through the Vietnam War (1955-1975), a movement started in the United States to decorate your mortarboard cap for graduation. The starting point was peace symbols and protest slogans against the war. This tradition is still ongoing with protest decoration and support slogans still focused on current affairs. Most commonly, this includes Black Lives Matter, LGBTQ+ and Pride, and the migrant issues between the United States, Mexico, and Central America. Another tradition: wondering where the act of throwing your cap into the air comes from? Well, originally during graduation (particularly in the United States) the mortarboard had to be worn at all times during the ceremony. Only during prayer may it be removed. This changed in 1912, though. In celebration of their new enlistment as captains, the graduating class of midshipmen from the United States Naval Academy threw their midshipmen caps in the air as they received the ones equivalent to their new rank. And, unbeknownst to them, it would become one of the most well-known graduation traditions in the world. Are you looking for more helpful advice, ideas and fun content relating to graduations? Check out our graduation blog section, where our team loves to offer insight and inspiration! Check out our online store to browse our range of gowns, hoods, stoles, gifts and much more. If you have any questions or want more information about any of our products, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our team is always happy to help! Buy Mortarboards
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What to Wear to a Graduation in Winter
Graduation Day is a day of celebration for every university student, even in winter, but how do you know what to wear to a graduation in winter? You’ve finished this part of your university career. Whether you’re starting another qualification or going out into the World, Graduation Day is a time to celebrate your achievements and successes with your family and friends. Shop Graduation Attire This should be a day that you can look back on with pride and joy. You’ve got there. You can bask in the glow of your success… There is one last thing to think about, though. What you’re going to wear. We’ve all seen the pictures. Graduating students with their gowns and hoods, mortarboards proudly atop their heads. But what is worn underneath those gowns isn’t up to the university – it’s up to you. Most universities don’t have a dress code for Graduation Day, but they usually have a preference for smart, tidy, and practical outfits from both graduates and their guests. Planning ahead and making some simple stylistic decisions will save last-minute panic and make sure you stay focused on your achievements, rather than worrying about your appearance. Depressingly, not every graduation is going to take place in the lovely summer sun. There are graduations that will occur in winter and this means two things. One, the floaty dresses are to be put away, and two, you have to think about clothes that are warm. So, to give you a helping hand, we’ve broken down any and all outfit ideas into sections to help you work out what to wear on your big day. What to wear to graduation in winter As mentioned before, Graduation Days generally don’t have a specific dress code. However, it’s a big day and special event, and universities generally expect you to put your all into your outfit. Smartness and comfort are necessities whatever the weather, but in a British winter, you have something else to take into account – weather suitability. If you’re taking part in a British winter, it’s likely to be raining very hard so your graduation will be inside. But there’s still the walk from the car to the front door and you don’t want to spend hours on your outfit and make-up and then rock up at your graduation location and find you’re going to look like a wet dog after the five-minute walk from your car to the front door of the building. Men’s graduation outfits For men, the changes are minimal. A formal event for men means a suit, shirt, and tie. It’s simple enough, but when winter comes to call, there may be a few things to think of. Two- or three-piece A simple explanation of the difference between the two: A two-piece suit consists of a jacket, a shirt, and trousers. A three-piece suit adds a waistcoat as well. In winter, a three-piece is probably best. The waistcoat or jacket can be taken off before your gown is put on, but adds an extra layer of warmth when you’re outside. A waistcoat will also help you continue to look smart if you decide to take your jacket off. Fabric choice Like the choice between a two- or three-piece suit, your suit’s fabric is up to you. Choosing a thick wool suit is understandable for winter graduation, but pointless if you’re going to be inside the entire time, heating blasting. Other good suit materials that will keep you warm are tweed and corduroy. Colour and Design Dark coloured suits in black, grey, or blue are the most popular choice. They’ll also match well with your gown, and a waistcoat can be paired easily. Your shirt and tie can also be matched well. Look at your university’s colours, though, and try to find something that matches. If their colours are orange and red, a lilac shirt or tie is going to clash. Try to find something that won’t just look good on you, but look good with your gown. Women’s graduation outfits Women have a variety of outfits to choose from on their Graduation Day. A dress, a skirt and blouse, or a trouser suit. All have pros and cons, and, in the end, it is once again down to personal preference. With the winter weather, it’s best to choose something long-sleeved. It’s not the weather to choose something with spaghetti straps, as much as you may want it. Dresses A smart dress is an easy outfit for graduation. Knee-length or midi-dresses are a popular option as they look nice and can just be seen below your gown as well. However, in winter, you need to ensure you have warm tights, rather than bare legs as you might in summer. These don’t need to be woollen – now you can get sheer tights that are woven with fabric to help keep your legs warm. There’s no point choosing something with a bright pattern. Whilst you’ve got your gown on, no one will be able to see it. Once again, the winter weather is something to take into account. A cardigan or some sort of wrap is a necessity. It might feel like too much, but it’s better to have too many layers than too few. You should also avoid sheer fabrics or anything short and floaty. It might look nice, but, inside or out, it doesn’t create much of a warm layer. Skirts and smart tops If you don’t want to wear a dress, another idea might be a shirt and skirt. Again a knee-length or midi skirt is the preferred option. Try to choose colours that will complement the colours on your graduation gown, but with a skirt and shirt, there’s an array of choices. Whether it be a bold shirt and a plain skirt, or a matching set, you’ve got room to show your personality. As with wearing a dress, you should make sure the skirt is appropriate to wear with tights. Once again, these don’t have to be skin-coloured. They can be in a complimenting colour to your outfit or any other. Trouser suits If your preference is trousers, then you can go for the option of a trouser suit to match your graduation gown. A two-piece looks better on women than a three-piece suit, but once again, at the end of the day, it is up to you. Rather than a suit jacket, it is advisable for women to go with a blazer. There are also a variety of trouser designs women can choose from. Otherwise, the notes are the same as those for men’s suits. What shoes to wear to graduation Footwear Footwear is another important choice. There will be a lot of sitting around and a lot of standing on your Graduation Day, so comfort is a must. They shouldn’t be a pair that is going to force you into agony after an hour or are going to make you totter. You also don’t want a pair that is going to be ruined the moment you get outside. Suede, for example, needs immediate care and attention if it gets wet. Winter graduations are most likely to be held indoors, but there’s still the walk from the car to the front door. Find out where exactly your graduation is to take place. If you’re not going to be outside then you can take wearing non-waterproof shoes into consideration. Otherwise, make sure they are suitable for both the surfaces you’ll be on and any poor weather that might come your way. If you’re going to buy brand-new shoes for your graduation, make sure to wear them beforehand to break them in. You don’t need to wear them outside – a few hours around the house each day will be fine. This ensures the material has moulded around your feet and will be comfortable when you’re wearing them. Men’s graduation shoes As with everything, your shoes should match your suit. Casual shoes, such as trainers and sandals won’t be appropriate, especially if you’re walking over damp grass. Smart leather shoes are your best bet, and you should make sure they have been polished before your Graduation Day. If you are still worried about the rain, you can buy water-repellent that can be sprayed on to protect the leather. Women’s graduation shoes Women have a lot of variety when choosing shoes, whether it be a pair of boots or ballet flats. There are a lot of things to consider. First things first, don’t wear high heels just because you feel like you should. If you don’t feel confident walking in high heels, you shouldn’t wear them. This is your day. It should be memorable, but not because you fell up the stairs as you went to collect your degree because you aren’t used to walking in heels. For those who do wear heels, pick ones that match your outfit and you feel comfortable walking in. A fancy occasion doesn’t mean you have to wear the highest pair of heels you can find. If you really want to wear high heels that show off your feet, a good idea is to change into them when you get there. Wear a waterproof shoe until you get inside, then switch them over in your university’s foyer. The receptionist will most likely be happy to tuck them under their desk until the end of the day. If you’re wearing trousers, any sort of boot will look good. How far up your leg they go will depend on what style of trouser you have on. It’s up to you whether they have heels or not. Completing your graduation look Styling your hair can be difficult at the best of times. But when you expect it to be windy and raining, it can be much harder. Not only does it need to stay together, but you also need to be able to balance a mortarboard – the cap worn by every graduate – on top of your head. They’re hard enough as it is, but any sort of elaborate updo will be destroyed when you try to pin your cap in place. Men’s hairstyles for graduation If you have long hair, tying it back into a low bun is a good way to keep it looking smart on your graduation day. A ponytail can look good as well, but wind or rain could quite easily ruin its neatness. A plait down your back could also work. If you have short hair, this is the time to bring out the hair wax. The same rules apply – this is not the time for a complex hairstyle – and you should ensure that it will look neat and smart all-day Women’s hairstyles for graduation Up-dos such as high ponytails or detailed hairstyles can make putting a mortarboard on top near impossible. Instead, try a low bun or ponytail. If you want to have your hair forward and on-show, try two pigtail braids. Your hair will be out there, but won’t get in the way when you’re shaking hands-on stage. If you want to add some more colour to them, you could even tie in some ribbons that match the university colours on your gown. If you leave long hair untied, you are at risk of it getting ruined if you get caught in wind or rain. In winter, hair is also easily damaged so using tools like straighteners on it is a bad idea as it can lead to permanent hair damage. If you decide to have your hair down, remember to hairspray it properly. However you style it, it could drop out after several hours if you don’t take good care of it. Whichever style you choose, make sure you bring plenty of hair ties and hairpins and grips for any last-minute touch-ups or changes. Make-up and jewellery If you want to wear some make-up and jewellery along with your graduation outfit, go for it! As with hairstyling, though, there’s a limit on what you can do. Statement necklaces will go unseen and just get in the way of your gown and, as amazing as your make-up skills may be, covering your face with a rainbow isn’t appropriate. Stick to simple jewellery and unexotic make-up. Now that you know what to wear to a graduation in winter it’s time to get your Graduation Gown, Stole and Graduation Cap. If your Graduation is being held in the summer and you are unsure of what to wear we have another article that can help; What to wear under your graduation gown read now for a more weather-appropriate way to dress for your Graduation. Graduation Day is your special day, and, as you stand up there on the stage, you should be proud of your accomplishments. All your work has paid off. You’re a graduate! From everyone here at Evess, well done and congratulations. Shop Graduation Attire
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Graduation Gown Colours Meaning in the UK
Graduation attire is iconic in regards to how it looks, but also what it represents. The culmination of years of hard work and celebrating the next chapter of a person’s life. But have you noticed the different coloured gowns? You may assume this is simply personal preference or aesthetic appeal, but there are meanings behind the variety of Graduation Gown colours. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at graduation gown colours meaning (UK) and give you a better idea of which gown you need. No one wants to turn up in the wrong outfit, right? Shop Graduation Gowns A brief history of the cap and gown The classic cap and gown graduation attire is something everyone is familiar with and a get-up many of you will have worn. In fact, it’s attire with a lot of history. A history that dates back to the 12th century, when universities were founded. According to Columbia University, the clergy were the first to don this outfit, and their students adopted the tradition — and so on and so forth. Although today’s graduates may not relate too much to European scholars of the 12th century, graduation gowns are a tradition that’s still very important to universities and are something every student should be happy to wear. After all, it’s celebrating your own hard work. While a black cap and gown is the classic image that springs to mind, you may have also seen different coloured gowns. So, what do they represent? Graduation gown colours meaning (UK) Some may be quick to assume that a gown is a gown and the colour or design are personal preference. That’s not the case. The style of gown is another long-standing tradition that represents your area of study and the level of qualification you have achieved. However, when it comes to your area of study, this will be differentiated by your hood and stole colour. As you can imagine, this can vary significantly due to the wide range of subjects being studied in today’s universities. The graduation gown colours meaning (UK) are actually pretty straightforward to get your head around, as there are three main types of graduation gown. For Bachelor degrees (Bachelor of Arts & Bachelor of Science), gowns are black with short sleeves, with the appropriate hood to represent your chosen area of study. Masters degree gowns are black but have long sleeves, with the appropriate hood to represent your chosen area of study. Now for something a bit different. Those who achieve a Doctorate in their field have to wear a long-sleeved red gown with coloured silk. Again, with a hood representing their specific area of study. At Evess, we not only provide a range of graduation gowns to suit your graduation needs and budgets but also graduation hoods and stoles in a vast array of colours to ensure you have the appropriate outfit for your chosen degree. As we mentioned before, the colour of hoods and stoles represent your area of study, for which the list is lengthy. Your University will offer all the guidance you need in this regard as they will want to ensure that everyone attends in the proper attire. Once you know which colour you require, all you have to do is visit our online store and select the appropriate hood or stole from the many different colours available. Are you looking for more helpful advice, ideas and fun content relating to graduations? Check out our graduation blog section, where our team loves to offer insight and inspiration! Check out our online store to browse our range of gowns, hoods, stoles, gifts and much more. If you have any questions or want more information about any of our products, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our team is always happy to help! Shop Graduation Gowns
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Sophy Creed's University of Exeter Graduation Story
During our recent trip to the University of Exeter for their graduation, we met a very inspiring mature student today who had overcome a lot to get her degree. She had also made her own gown and hat, and hired the hood from us. When we asked her to share her story she was more than happy to do so. Sophy Creed’s University of Exeter Graduation Story “My gown/mortarboard tell a story and if it’s shared and inspires another (slightly older!) and disabled people to take the leap and go to Uni then that’s a real positive! (Can you tell I’m also an ambassador for the Uni, part of my job is widening participation, which I’m really passionate about!)” I am Sophy Creed, 35 years old, just graduated with my second degree from the University of Exeter, after 5 long years and some serious ill-health. BSc in Exercise and Sport Science, specialising in cerebrovascular research and will be starting a Masters by Research (at Exeter) in autumn in this area of research looking at stroke rehabilitation- something very close to my heart. A bit about my ‘story’- I have made a remarkable recovery from 2 brain injuries, one in 2014 that left me in a coma on life support and I woke up having to relearn how to walk and talk again. I was made medically retired at just 28, told I’d never walk or work again. From here I decided to pursue an evening class to get my science GCSE and here we are today! I had a relapse in my second year, hypoglycaemic coma, and became extremely unwell and had to take a year out then come back to part-time study. Thankfully I smashed year 3 in one year though! The quote on the gown is from Frida Kahlo who is my heroine and disabled icon. ‘Feet, what do I need you for when I have wings to fly’. She wrote it when she was bed bound and seriously ill. For me, it symbolises that it was my disability that brought me here…..The words on the hat symbolise that fight to get here! (bet you wish you hadn’t asked!) Thank you, Sophy for sharing your amazing story with us. At Evess, we have everything you need to dress the part and ensure that all graduation boxes are ticked. Graduation Caps, graduation gowns, accessories, fun graduation gifts and even sets for home graduations — we strive to ensure that every graduation is as special and memorable as possible, regardless of the circumstances.Do you have an upcoming graduation ceremony? Check out our online store for all of your graduation needs. Graduation is a special occasion, and it’s our job to make sure it’s an event that lives long in your memory. If you have any questions or need more information about our products, don’t hesitate to get in touch!
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Graduation Ceremony Ideas 2021
The covid-19 pandemic and its subsequent lockdowns and restrictions have thrown a spanner in the works of, well, pretty much everything — graduations included. Thankfully, we are now at a point where restrictions have been lifted, and social environments are much safer than before. Meaning that graduation ceremonies have the green light to go ahead, and there’s no time like the present to think of some awesome graduation ceremony ideas. For students who completed their studies in 2020, graduation was pencilled in for July but has been delayed until September. For those of you who completed your studies this year, your graduation ceremony will be next year. Yes, the delays are frustrating, but it does mean you have plenty of time to plan! In this post, we’ll list a few graduation ideas to make sure that the conclusion of your studies is one to remember and allow you to make up for lost time, and then some. Your official graduation (fingers crossed) As we mentioned above, official graduations will be going ahead in a few months and next year. This is fantastic news for the students who will have completely missed such an iconic and memorable event and provides a much-needed sense of hope that things are finally going back to normal. While students, schools and universities have done a fantastic job by providing a graduation experience via small-scale and virtual graduations, there’s nothing like the real thing. Here’s to hoping that you and your classmates can celebrate your graduation properly. The entire team here at Evess have their fingers crossed for you! Open-air graduation party Although restrictions have been lifted, it’s still crucial for everyone to consider the safety of others and do their bit to prevent an increase of covid-19 cases. For this reason, outdoor parties are one of the best graduation ceremony ideas, as it not only offers a brilliant way to celebrate but also means you’ll be in a much safer environment. Also, you’ll avoid the complications of trying to book indoor venues that suit your needs, the scale of the party and the potential for covid-19 related issues. By being outside, you can be more creative with space and themes, but it also means attendees will have peace of mind knowing that they’re safe. And let’s be honest, planning an outdoor party such as a garden party is a lot of fun because the options are endless. You can implement games and other activities, a barbecue, cocktails and much more. Is it conventional graduation? No. But we are living in far from conventional times, so why not make the most of it? Virtual graduation It’s safe to say covid-19 had a significant impact on pretty much every aspect of our day-to-day lives. But thanks to technology, we can communicate efficiently, which proved to be a game-changer for both professional and personal use. Although restrictions have been lifted, virtual graduation still offers a unique, memorable and safe way to celebrate. Especially when you consider that not everyone feels comfortable in larger crowds at the moment. There is a wide range of virtual graduation ideas to explore, and it gives you the freedom to create something that everyone will embrace. You could even adopt some hybrid graduation ceremony ideas, where you’ll have small-scale individual parties but link up using video calls. This is very much like businesses that use video conferencing to celebrate the new year or other special occasions if they are in offices throughout the country or abroad. This way, you can have fun and see the people you love the most while being able to interact with everyone you spent time with throughout your education. Create a digital yearbook While it may not specifically be in the graduation ceremony ideas category, it will undoubtedly be the cherry on top of a wonderful experience. Yearbooks are an age-old tradition that allows you to look back on your time at school, college, or university fondly and also cringe at the pictures in years to come. A digital yearbook is a much simpler and cost-effective way to compile images and other content that perfectly reflect you and your classmate’s educational experience. Also, it’s a nice thing to do for people who have likely found it difficult during recent times and ensures that the memories will last a lifetime. If you would prefer a physical yearbook, this is also an option, as many different companies provide this type of service. You can customise yearbooks to suit your content and image needs, as well as a design everyone will love. Dress for the occasion Regardless of the type of graduation you choose, one thing that you shouldn’t miss out on is the famous cap and gown attire. It’s a tradition that dates back to 12th century Europe, and it shows no signs of stopping any time soon. Academic attire and the classic throwing of the cap are cornerstones of the graduation experience. So whether you’re planning your own graduation ceremony, attending your official one or putting together a virtual graduation for the ages — one must dress for the occasion! At Evess, we have everything you need to dress the part and ensure that all graduation boxes are ticked. Caps, gowns, accessories, fun gifts and even sets for home graduations — we strive to ensure that every graduation is as special and memorable as possible, regardless of the circumstances. Do you have an upcoming graduation ceremony? Check out our online store for all of your graduation needs. Graduation is a special occasion, and it’s our job to make sure it’s an event that lives long in your memory. If you have any questions or need more information about our products, don’t hesitate to get in touch!
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