Anyone attended a graduation?
 

We are going to a graduation ceremony at UBC in May and, as far as I can see, there is no official dress code. I just wondered if anyone has attended a graduation as a guest and, if so, how fancy an affair was it?

Normally I wouldn't be too bothered, but given recent threads regarding high school parties being blown out of all proportion etc, I thought it prudent to ask. So, for a minor guest should it be a cocktail frock and velvet gloves or will jeans and converse to the job?

Re: Anyone attended a graduation?
 

I'd dress as if you were going to a Christening in the summer. Although, I usually wear a curtain.

Re: Anyone attended a graduation?
 

I was going to say dress as you would to attend your cousins wedding if you weren't part of the bridal party. For UBC I would err on the posh side.

Re: Anyone attended a graduation?
 

A Protestant christening or a Catholic christening?

Re: Anyone attended a graduation?
 

Do you mean ceremony or graduation ball?

I've been to a couple of balls. It's all about the kids. They, or rather their parents, shell-out shitloads on snazzy gear. Dress as if for a job interview or court appearance.

Re: Anyone attended a graduation?
 

I would be very surprised to ever be invited to a christening, so I'm afraid I'd be asking the same sort of question about that.

I'm not sure that I have the time or patience to start carving up the soft furnishings.

Re: Anyone attended a graduation?
 

For a guy, on the West coast, I'd wear a sport jacket with or without tie. For girls, something smart but comfy. You have to remember you'll probably be in lots of pictures, especially if it's one of your children graduating, so smart is good.

Re: Anyone attended a graduation?
 

There has been no mention of balls and, as it is at 8.30am, I'm going to go with 'ceremony'.

I have scant experience of being invited to crap like this, I don't really do weddings or birthdays and certainly not christenings. It seems a bit rubbish to wear something you'd wear to work?

Re: Anyone attended a graduation?
 

Went to one at UBC last year. Just wear a nice frock. It's nothing special.

If you want to blend in with the locals, wear Lulu Lemon.

Re: Anyone attended a graduation?
 

The usual procedure is to attend a late morning early afternoon ceremony and then the Dad takes everyone close out for a late afternoon lunch or early dinner. I don't think they do balls much out here. Anyway apart from Novo I've probably been to more graduations than I can remember. The speeches are the worst part, booze helps, thank god for hip flasks.

Re: Anyone attended a graduation?
 

The ball is long before the graduation, like the photographs. The potential graduate echoed Almost Canadian in saying that things could be scheduled that way because people don't fail.

Re: Anyone attended a graduation?
 

There will be lots more photos. Not formal ones, but usually in front of an Azalea bush or over looking English Bay, the kids standing by the proud but nearly bankrupt parents.

Re: Anyone attended a graduation?
 

I most certainly will not. I was going to go for Birkenstocks in an attempt to blend in but then everyone on here started talking about children getting flash cars and going to St Tropez just for leaving school. I thought I might have to make a bit of an effort.

Re: Anyone attended a graduation?
 

Even if its not your typical style, make a bit of an effort. You'll be glad you did.

Re: Anyone attended a graduation?
 

Ah, the potential graduate is currently in Europe, I don't think it's the reason for the trip but I suppose frock shopping will be involved.