GraduationB2 STAR BEACON THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2017

Tips to save the day

Graduation wardrobes extend beyond caps and gowns, as it’s generally accepted that students will wear formal attire when receiving their degrees or diplomas.

Graduation is a celebration that marks the culmi-nation of years

of hard work and deter-mination. It’s a pivotal moment in a student’s life when he or she will be facing the next great adventure, whether that involves additional schooling or venturing into the workforce.

While graduation is a joyous occasion, it is im-portant that both gradu-ates and their guests ad-here to the established etiquette that governs graduation ceremonies. Graduation may require that graduates and their immediate families deal with certain challenging issues, such as who to invite when faced with limited seating, and unexpected emotions that may arise when grads don their caps and gowns.

• Handle limited seats with courtesy. Many schools limit the number of seats each student can reserve for guests. This can make it tricky when there are a number of people who are worthy of an invite. Explain to friends and family who you cannot invite that you would love to have them there but are restricted by ticket allotments. Try to have both sides of the family represented. Usually an invite to the after-party will thwart any hard feelings.

• Understand no two graduations are alike. Schools adhere to differ-ent policies and proce-dures regarding gradua-tion. Keep in mind that graduation ceremonies may run several hours, especially for large graduating classes. If

the ceremony igures to run long, leave young children at home. In addition, be courteous to older guests who might not be able to sit or stand for too long.

• Stick to paper invi-tations. Many schools provide students with invitations, but gradu-ates and their families can choose to buy their own. Paper invitations are more personal than digital alternatives. Paper invitations also give the impression that the ceremony will be formal.

• Formal invites translate to gifts. Anyone who receives an invitation is obligated to give the graduate a gift. Give grads their gifts in person, even if you cannot attend the ceremony. If you live far away and won’t be in attendance, arrange for the gift to arrive as close to the ceremony date as possible.

• Graduation parties should be all-inclusive. Graduation ceremonies are often followed by parties. If possible, try to coordinate with other friends who are grad-uating so that parties are not on the same day or at least not at the same time. This way everyone who would like to attend can do so. If friends do attend, The Emily Post Institute suggests that graduates explain to their friends that family will be at the party and that polite behavior is expected.

Adhering to estab-lished etiquette and displaying common sense at graduation ceremonies and parties can make for a more enjoyable day.

Graduationetiquette for grads, guests and more

Students on the cusp of gradua-tion face several important de-

cisions in the months ahead. One lesser but important decision is what to wear to grad-uation ceremonies. Graduation wardrobes extend beyond caps and gowns, as it’s generally accepted that students will wear formal attire when receiving their degrees or diplomas.

SCHOOL RULESPay close attention to

schools’ rules regard-ing graduation garb. Although gowns and mortarboards are of-ten par for the course, schools also may implement guidelines as to what can be worn beneath graduation attire.

Gentlemen may need to wear shirts and ties, and youn-gadies may be asked to wear formal attire as well. Don’t risk

missing the ceremony because of failure to play by school rules

one inal time.

WEATHERCheck the forecast

and dress appropri-ately, especially if the ceremony will be held outdoors. Look for breathable fabrics, such as cotton or lin-en, so that you will not become overheated during the ceremony. Layer clothing (such as a light sweater over a sleeveless sundress) if you’ll be indoors with air conditioning. This way you can remove layers as needed to feel comfortable.

SHOESGraduation is not

the day to try out new

shoes, which can be uncomfortable to wear if they have not been broken in.

Make sure your trip across the stage is unencumbered by un-comfortable shoes.

ACCESSORIESRemember that

accessories will have to be toted around. Ladies may want to leave their purses behind, and guys may want to skip wearing suit jackets. Similarly, leave extra hats, bags, phones, or silly prank props in the car for later.

ERR TOWARDFORMAL

Graduation is a special occasion, and it’s best to treat it as such. Therefore, stick to clothing that you would wear to a job interview or in an ofice environment. You’ll be thankful you did so when looking at graduation photos in the future.

AVOIDHAT HAIR

Plan a hairstyle that can manage a mortarboard. Stick to something simple for the ceremony. You can always dazzle with pomade or blow-out creams at the gradua-tion party.

Graduation is a special time in stu-dents’ lives. Mark the occasion by dressing conservatively and comfortably and in ad-herence to any school guidelines.

Be sure to dress appropriatelyon day of ceremony

Did you know?While high school seniors on the cusp

of graduating and moving on to college give ample thought to their college majors, many are likely to change majors at least once after enrolling in a college or universi-ty. According to the University of La Verne, between 50 and 70 percent of college students change majors at least once, and many of them will change their majors three times before they graduate.

The University also reports that 50 percent of college graduates pursue ca-reers that are not related to their majors. Career and personality assessments can help students determine which subjects they may want to study upon enrolling in a college or university. Such assessments can help students discover their interests, and then students can work with advisors and career counselors at their colleges or universities to ind majors that align with those interests.

High school seniors on their way to college in the coming months can rest easy that, even if they don’t know what to study when they arrive on college campuses this fall, many of their fellow freshmen are equally uncertain.

CONGRATULATIONS

You did it!Class of 2017

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