Main character moments at graduation: three things to avoid.
Whilst having a main character moment might seem harmless, it can disrupt other people’s days and stop them from having the celebration they deserve, too.
Everyone’s graduation day experience is a little bit different; you might not know what to expect. Some people want to party, others want to reflect, most people like a bit of both.
Whatever kind of day you’re looking for, it’s good to always be mindful of your fellow graduates and guests, and help make sure everyone can have a graduation to remember.
Read on for advice to help everyone get their moment to shine at graduation.
1. Your graduation ceremony is a formal event…
…but that doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate.
Your graduation ceremony has a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The Great Hall is a historic venue where thousands of graduates have begun the next phase of their life.
Your ceremony is the most formal part of your day and features elements like an academic procession, speeches, and the moment you cross the stage to formally graduate. Your guests are welcome to cheer for you, clap, and encourage you across the stage. However, it’s important to always be mindful of other graduates. Make sure your guests have finished cheering before the next name is called, and that they don’t block the view of anyone else in the crowd. Every graduate deserves to hear their name and feel celebrated.
As you’ll be in a formal ceremony, you’ll want to dress smartly. However, this doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice comfort or break the bank. Read our advice on getting the perfect graduation outfit.
Lastly, make sure that you’re on campus at least 90 minutes before your ceremony start time, otherwise you risk missing out.
2. You can have your moment on stage…
…but don’t take away from someone else’s. Crossing the stage at your graduation is a memorable moment that represents all the hours of hard work you put in. It can be tempting to have a main character moment on-stage, such as a costume reveal or taking a selfie.
However, remember that you’re taking part in a historic and formal ceremony. Take a moment to consider the graduates who will cross the stage after you. They won’t appreciate their big moment being over-looked or rushed, and their guests won’t be able to fully celebrate their graduate. Rather than going big on-stage, save the celebrations until after your ceremony.
Put away the selfie-stick and keep phone use to a minimum, you don’t want to accidentally block someone’s view while trying to record. There are professional photographers to capture the moment you cross the stage, and the whole ceremony is filmed, so you can still have your moment to remember.
3. It’s your big day…
….and everyone else’s too. Graduation is a wonderful and memorable time on campus. The atmosphere is bright and celebratory, with graduates and guests enjoying campus together.
Make this moment about yourself, your achievements, and your fellow graduates who have been with you on the journey to graduation.
Remember, graduates and guests travel from across the world, take time off work, or spend money on care, accommodation, and new clothes just to attend. Whilst having a main character moment might seem harmless, it can disrupt other people’s day and stop them from having the celebration they deserve, too.
There are plenty of ways to celebrate your graduation and make it a day to remember. Just make sure that when you look back in a few years’ time, you don’t end up regretting taking someone else’s moment away.
