<p>
I did this, too, and it turned out to be much, much better than the actual yearbook, which arrived at our house (believe it or not) in March. I think I even had a coupon, maybe from Groupon.</p>
<p>My main advice is to be patient while your daughter is saying farewell to friends.</p>
<p>My kids are first gen college, so graduation is pretty exciting.
Unfortunately, my youngest had an important field trip at the same time as oldests graduation, so D & her dad left as soon as they saw oldest walk across stage as they had to drive about 350miles to catch up to her class.</p>
<p>Youngest will be graduating this year and I believe is just participating in the ceremony for her own college, not the university ceremony.</p>
<p>First gen kids dont get as much attention, because their parents dont know what is expected.
Especially with the first born.
:(</p>
<p>My kid is first gen - she’s graduating too. I have no idea what to expect. I know when a relative graduated from an Arizona college she wore a lei but I don’t know about eastcoast schools. I wasn’t going to worry about it. One of her friends has already set up a get together with the familes of their friend group. I am most looking forward to that becuase although I have heard about these friends for years, I only met one of them and that was before they even became friends. I hadn’t really thought about making reservations for dinner afterwards. But as far as flowers - to me anyway - it seems a lei is easiest. You just put it on and don’t worry about it after that. But in California leis are very common at graduations. I always see them on sale at the florist shops in San Luis Obisp for the Cal-Poly graduation ceremonies I just don’t want to misstep in Philly - I have looked at photos from past years and did see anyone wearing flowers at the graduation ceremony.</p>
<p>I meant to say - did NOT see anyone wearing flowers in the photos.</p>
<p>My son’s school hosts a big tent party for the graduation families that night, so no need to make dinner reservations. I don’t remember too much about my own grad ceremony, other that lots of photos and the next day crying as I said good bye to my friends and house mates :)</p>
<p>A lei could be problematic if she is so excited about showing off her honors cords. The cords would not stand out if covering or covered by the flowers. I’d wait and present her with a bouquet afterwards if she’s a flower person. </p>
<p>My daughter was delighted when I gave her an alumna sweatshirt right after the ceremony (lasts longer than flowers, too - and they were selling the clothing at the ceremony venue).</p>
<p>I really like the Alumni sweatshirt idea, and will chase it down. Her school has sent a notice that it will be selling some alumni jewelry after the ceremony, but the pictures were not appealing.</p>
<p>I’ve ordered a wrist corsage too – and will let a brother give it to her. She’ll be able to wear it at dinner later, if she chooses not to wear it for the ceremony. Our florist looked at me like a deer in the headlights when I asked about lei’s – we’re in Pennsylvania, and I guess she’s never one before LOL!</p>
<p>Still hunting for commencement pictures from prior ceremonies. Boy, would it be a help if the schools would post some pictures! </p>
<p>I’m so thankful this thread was started; I never heard of the flower tradition! I did look at pictures of prior commencements and saw nary a flower in sight. However, according to D, flowers are given after the ceremony which I plan on doing. One word of warning before purchasing leis or anything - be aware that some colleges do not allow flowers to be worn during commencement. I found that out by asking friends whose kids had graduated from various schools. </p>
<p>QLM</p>
<p>I would not get flowers. Our kiddo moved out of her house the day after graduation. I’m not sure that the flowers would have gone anywhere but the trash. We did get a fun balloon arrangement for the table at the restaurant where we took the family. We asked first, and they were fine with this. </p>
<p>My #3 is graduating this May, so thougths of graduation are at the top of my mind. She finished in December but will be at the May graduation ceremony. </p>
<p>It would never have occurred to me to get any of my kids flowers for graduation. Too many logistics with flowers - what to do with them, where to put them, how to keep them in water so they don’t die, etc. We are on the East coast and I’ve not seen any flower leis at any of the graduations yet but I do like that idea. However, if the student is also wearing honor cords or honor medals a flower lei might not be a good idea. </p>
<p>After the ceremony, we are simply going out to eat. Simple and no fuss. My son and his wife are both graduating from the same school as my daughter but with masters degrees so I will get to watch 3 Bookreaders graduate in one ceremony! Sort of a three-for deal. 
</p>
<p>Our kid’s college sold leis AFTER the ceremony. Many parents bought them. We didn’t. </p>